Fredrik Hörnsten CDO - Hemsö
Industry in change – 2026-01-23
From a hundred systems to an ecosystem – a unique partnership for the properties of the future
Digitalization is no longer a sideline, it is now a strategic core. Together with Kiona and Hemsö, our subsidiary Oaks is running a project that is unique in the industry: to create an open ecosystem where hundreds of different control systems can speak the same language. Through this partnership, we are taking a major step towards sustainability, efficiency and innovation.
A common mission
Hemsö, which owns and manages community properties in Sweden, Finland and Germany, has had a clear vision since 2019: digitalization should permeate the entire operation. When Fredrik Hörnsten was recruited as Chief Digital Officer at Hemsö, the goal was clear – to build a strategy that makes properties smarter, more energy efficient and better for people.
”We connect smart properties with finance and energy. This gives us the analytical ability to make the right decisions and create a better company.” says Hörnsten.
From fragmentation to structure
At the start, reality was fragmented with over a hundred different control systems, their own logins and formats. To create order, a common infrastructure and an open digital platform were built that collects data from all systems – regardless of supplier.
This is where Kiona's platform comes into play Web Port a key role, and SI subsidiary Oaks is the strategic partner that quality assures the integration and drives the project forward.
”Digitalization is an investment in sustainability and efficiency, but to succeed, hundreds of systems must speak the same language. Through Web Port and an open ecosystem, we make Hemsö's strategy a reality” says Robert Häggström, Senior Automation Engineer at Oaks.
The focus on digitalization has meant that we have now gained structure and order and have chosen to focus on three areas:
- The smart property – where heating, ventilation and lighting systems are connected and can be controlled centrally.
- Digital twins – virtual models that make it possible to simulate operations, plan maintenance and test improvements before they happen in reality.
- Data warehouse and analysis – a common ”data lake” where all information is collected, structured and becomes the basis for decision-making.
”These three parts are interconnected. We don't see them as separate projects or drainpipes, but as a coherent ecosystem.” says Hörnsten.
The maturity ladder – the path to AI
The platform is part of Hemsö's maturity ladder, an internal methodology for digitally enhancing each property:
- Step 1: Basic digital infrastructure, such as the internet and a highly secure network.
- Step 2: Digital access to the property, where Web Port plays a central role by communicating with the control system, collecting alarm and operational data and enabling remote control.
- Step 3: Integration of advanced data models from, for example, Vyer and Sinom, which creates a cross-fertilization of data that can be analyzed on a deeper level.
- Step 4: AI control in collaboration with Myrspoven, where Web Port is a key component that connects data and enables AI to act effectively.
”You could say it's like an integration bridge to more advanced data warehouses. That's its strength; it has the ability to talk to a diverse group of different systems and make them become one. In addition, the platform is well-liked in the industry – by our own operations staff and by external vendors, who can manage it.”
The future vision
The next step is to install sensors that measure indoor climate and connect AI to optimize operations based on behavioral data, weather forecasts and energy prices. The goal is ambitious: to reduce costs by at least SEK 50 per square meter by 2030 – a total of approximately SEK 125 million per year.
”We will continue to work smarter, not faster. Digitalization is the key” concludes Hörnsten.
