A solution for a demanding and unique environment
Atria is one of Northern Europe’s largest food companies, operating in environments that range from food production facilities to office buildings. Each location has its own strict requirements regarding hygiene, access control, and safety.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Atria launched a review and requirements definition process to improve visitor management, as no sufficiently effective system was in place. Susanna Uusitalo, Executive Assistant to the CEO, had identified the challenge: Atria welcomes a wide variety of visitors, from individual guests and large bus groups to auditors and contractors. In addition, some factory sites host third-party companies within the premises, adding further complexity.
The goal was to move to a paperless process while meeting the requirements introduced by GDPR. Visitor information needed to be collected and stored securely in a digital format. The data had to remain in Finland, and the solution needed to meet stringent technical and information security requirements.
Following a competitive tendering process and a thorough needs assessment, Atria selected Systam as its partner. The services were implemented after the pandemic, when visitor activities resumed. The collaboration includes Systam Visit for visitor management and Systam Pass for safety inductions at the Nurmo and Kauhajoki production facilities as well as Atria’s office building in Seinäjoki.
Hygiene first – meeting the food industry’s special requirements
The food industry places unique demands on visitor management. At Atria’s production sites, hygiene is not merely recommended—it is an absolute prerequisite for entering production areas. Every visitor must understand and acknowledge hygiene requirements before arriving.
Through Systam Pass, this induction process is completed in a controlled and verifiable manner before the visit takes place. Visitors receive an induction video in advance, and completion is automatically recorded in the system. As a result, there is no need to spend valuable time reviewing the basics upon arrival, and responsibilities are clearly documented.
When the process works, the visitor experience shines
In a manufacturing environment, safety and compliance are obvious priorities. However, Atria has been determined to ensure that these requirements do not come at the expense of the visitor experience. On the contrary, a well-designed process creates the foundation for a genuinely positive experience. A professional reception immediately signals to visitors that they are expected and that everything has been carefully prepared.
On-site registration is quick and easy using a pre-issued sign-in code. Based on visitor feedback, the overall experience is perceived as smooth, professional, and well-organized.
“Our visitors feel that they receive clear guidance, excellent service, and professional support throughout their visit. The system conveys an image of a modern, clean, efficient, and well-managed operating environment.”
Compliance and audit readiness at the core
In food production environments, audits are a regular part of daily operations, and Atria’s visitor management system plays a key role in supporting them. The digital records generated through Systam’s solution provide auditors with clear visibility into roles, responsibilities, and visitor history.
Safety induction completions are recorded and fully verifiable. Data retention periods are defined in accordance with GDPR requirements, and because all documentation is maintained electronically, demonstrating compliance is straightforward and efficient.
“Systam’s visitor management system plays a central role in our audits. Data protection, retention periods, and host responsibilities are all documented electronically and can be reviewed easily. The solution also ensures that visitors complete mandatory safety training before arriving on-site, and emergency situations such as evacuations were taken into account from the very beginning of the implementation.”
A partnership that works and evolves
Uusitalo describes the collaboration with Systam as smooth and effective. Support is available when needed, questions are answered quickly, and new requirements are addressed with practical solutions. She also highlights Systam’s hands-on approach, including on-site training sessions for employees using the system.
“We have developed our processes together throughout the journey, and the collaboration has been open and productive from the very beginning. I can trust that I will receive answers quickly and that issues will be resolved in a way that benefits us.”
The successful partnership is equally valued at Systam.
“We are truly proud of our long-standing collaboration. As one of Finland’s leading food companies, Atria sets an excellent example of how a strong and respected brand continuously evolves by improving everyday processes. It has been a pleasure to support their development over the years, and we hope to remain a trusted partner for them in the future.”
-Mikko Martikainen, Key Account Manager, Systam Oy
