In the ports of Skellefteå and Piteå, timber and paper packages are constantly on the move. For decades, ShoreLink has been a key player in the logistics of Sweden's wood industry. 515,000 cubic meters of timber pass through the ports of Skellefteå and Piteå annually, so precision and efficiency are crucial. Not long ago, ShoreLink faced a major challenge - tracking timber packages accurately and maintaining transparency throughout the supply chain.
ShoreLink, which operates 4 ports and employs over 200 people, partnered with DataPolarna to implement SIPal, transform its operations and address long-standing inefficiencies.
The story behind the story
Port of Skellefteå
165 000m3/year loaded on ships
Port of Piteå
350 000m3/year loaded on ships
ShoreLink has a rich history in logistics of timber packages and paper products. The two ports in Skellefteå and Piteå rely on timber deliveries from local sawmills, which they load onto ships for onward transportation. Their role is central - they not only handle and store package but also ensure that each delivery meets specific customer requirements.
But as orders became smaller and more specific over the years, manual tracking processes began to falter. "In the old days, someone had to drive around the shipyard, count package and write them down on paper," recalls ShoreLink's Project Manager Anders Eriksson, who has worked in the industry for 25 years. Inefficiencies were obvious and mistakes - lost or mismatched package - were inevitable.
The turning point
By 2021, it was clear that something had to change. ShoreLink needed a digital solution to streamline operations, ensure accountability, and eliminate the guesswork that manual processes entailed. That's when SIPal, a solution developed by DataPolarna, came into play.
The decision to use SIPal was not an easy one to make. ShoreLink conducted a thorough study to identify what best suited their needs. Compatibility with suppliers, many of whom were already using SIPal or other products in the SawInfo suite, was an important factor.
"We saw that SIPal could meet our requirements and solve our biggest challenges"
Anders Eriksson | Project Manager | ShoreLink
From implementation to transformation
The SIPal journey began with meticulous planning. In March 2021, discussions began, leading to implementation in June. After months of testing and process refinement, SIPal went live in Skellefteå in February 2022, followed by a rollout in Piteå two months later.
For ShoreLink, the results were transformative. SIPal enabled them to track every package digitally, from the moment it left the mill until it was loaded onto a ship. It was not just about keeping track, but also about building trust with both suppliers and customers.
The real impact on daily operations
The changes that SIPal brought to ShoreLink's operations were profound.
"Before SIPal, investigating package issues required scanning individual shipments, going through paperwork and sometimes recalculating everything manually," explains Anders Eriksson. "Now it's as simple as scanning and checking the system. The time savings are incredible."
SIPal has also empowered employees at all levels. Machine operators, who previously relied on verbal instructions, now have access to intuitive maps and functions in SIPal. This independence has streamlined workflows and improved job satisfaction.
For the team in the office, planning ships has never been easier. The system provides detailed load plans and maintains an accurate history of each package - which is crucial to ensure precision in operations.
A new standard for accuracy
One of the most striking results of SIPal's implementation has been the almost complete elimination of package losses. In three years, only one package has been lost - a dramatic improvement over the past. Now they can track every package's journey in the system, bringing a whole new level of transparency and accountability to their operations.
The human factor: ShoreLink's team and SIPal
It is not just the technology that has made this transformation possible - it is also the people who have embraced it. With 71 SIPal users across the two ports, including engineers and office staff, the system has become an integral part of ShoreLink's daily operations.
Although there was a learning curve, employees quickly saw the benefits. "The system is intuitive and easy for the drivers," says the project manager. "It has helped everyone work more efficiently and safely."
ShoreLink's cooperation with DataPolarna also deserves recognition. "We are very pleased with the support we have received," says the manager. "They have done everything to help us achieve our goals."
Efficient package logistics with SIPal
ShoreLink's story highlights the power of digital transformation in addressing long-standing business challenges. By using SIPal, they have achieved a level of efficiency and precision that was previously out of reach, while strengthening their team and strengthening relationships with suppliers.
If your business is ready to take a step into the future, ShoreLink's journey is proof that the right tools - and the right partners - can make all the difference.
Want to know more about SIPal?
Contact DataPolarna today and discover how it can transform your business