Safire Lämmitin Oy modernised its remote control system

Safire Lämmitin Oy designs and manufactures remotely controlled heaters, primarily used for heating cottages and boats. The company aimed to renew the remote management of its devices to meet modern requirements and future network technologies.

Initial situation: SMS-based control

Previously Safire’s system relied on the GSM network and text messages. The end user obtained the SIM card themselves and controlled the device by sending SMS commands. The solution worked, but it was technical and the user experience did not match the expectations for a modern remote management solution. In addition, 2G network shutdowns are underway, so a solution that works on new networks was needed.

Solution: modern IoT system and new mobile app

Smartbutlers designed and implemented a comprehensive renewal for Safire, in which:

• moved away from the old 2G/SMS solution to internet-based data transfer
• built a new mobile app for iOS and Android (using React Native)
• developed a backend system enabling real-time two-way communication

In the new system the user can:

• create an account and easily add their devices to the app
• control the heater directly from the app without text messages
• monitor the device status almost in real time

Technically, the solution is based on the lightweight MQTT protocol, which is well suited for communication between IoT devices. This enabled reliable and efficient data transfer even with limited device resources.

Clearer user experience and a new business model

The renewed device module includes a preinstalled SIM card and connection. In addition, the system was designed so that it can, if needed, also support the old SMS functionality for backward compatibility.

From prototype to production

The project was started with a prototype phase in which a working whole between the mobile app, backend and device was built. This enabled validation of the solution at an early stage and reduced risks before wider implementation.

Collaboration that produced concrete value

“Our collaboration with Smartbutlers began already in 2022. It was important for us to involve a partner who, in addition to software development expertise, had the capacity to take care of overall project coordination between us and the component suppliers. Collaboration with Andreas at Smartbutlers has been exceptionally smooth. In particular, we appreciate the ability to present technical matters in an understandable way to those of us who are not familiar with software development. This is not a given, and it distinguishes Smartbutlers from many other operators. Communication has been clear, practical and genuinely customer-oriented.”

Kari Rouvali, Safire Lämmitin Oy

“The project combined modern IoT technologies and practical planning together with the customer and component suppliers. The aim was to make the system both technically robust and as easy to use as possible for the end user.”

Andreas Anckar, Smartbutlers Oy

Result

Safire’s new remote management solution is modern, scalable and user-friendly, and supports both current and future needs. At the same time customers get a much improved user experience as a modernised remote-control app was released to the app stores. Ensuring deployment and further development work is ongoing.