How Framo gained full control of production – with real-time data from over 70 machines

Framo is a world-leading supplier of pump systems for the marine and offshore industry, with approximately 2,000 employees across factories in Norway and offices globally. To strengthen competitiveness and simplify the workday for operators, Framo has implemented the digital solutions Pulse, Engage, and Move from Ignos.

The result is more efficient production, better utilization of machines, and a culture where data drives continuous improvement. And in 2025, Framo was named Norway’s smartest industrial company.

A digitalization journey with a clear direction

Framo wanted digitalization that both strengthens competitiveness and provides employees with a simpler and more precise workday.

— We operate in a global market and must constantly streamline. At the same time, we wanted to give employees user-friendly tools and the right information at the right time, says Christer Havsgård, Head of Digitalization at Framo.

Through a major strategy process in the company, the operators were able to clearly express their needs, especially the desire for less searching and more focus on value-creating work. This set the course for the choices going forward.

Why Ignos?

When Framo was to choose a partner, domain knowledge was decisive.

— Ignos has a deep understanding of production. They come from the industry themselves, and that made them a very suitable partner for us, explains Havsgård.

In addition, Framo emphasized a methodology based on involvement, iterative development and close support – which ensured that the solutions met actual needs in production.

Framo was named Norway’s Smartest Industrial Company 2025 during Norsk Industri’s annual conference in Oslo. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre presented the award to Framo’s Richard Sulen (Managing Director) and Christer Havsgård (Digitalization Lead). Photo: Norsk Industri

Pulse: Real-time data on approximately 70 machines – and clear gains

Pulse collects real-time data from approximately 70 machines and all production resources, providing a common situational overview for operators and management.

— Pulse makes it possible to follow up on both uptime and downtime, and we see a clear effect in the form of better utilization. Every percentage point we increase uptime has a direct economic impact, says Havsgård.

Pulse is also used for historical analysis and as a basis for decision-making in machine investments. The operators continuously monitor the effect of measures, which strengthens the improvement work.

Engage: The operator’s platform – and a noticeable time saving

Engage was developed in collaboration with operators and launched in all factories simultaneously. The solution provides an intuitive work surface, built on ERP data, but far easier to use.

— Engage makes it easy to see what needs to be done and how. Operators spend less time in the system and more time on value-creating work , says Havsgård.

When production volume increased sharply, the effect of Engage became very visible: Framo handled the growth more efficiently, while the data quality in the systems improved.

Move: Less searching – more flow

Move is a standardized solution for internal logistics and tracking. It builds on a previous internal app, but now provides a common structure in all factories.

— We always know where things are. It reduces searching, waiting and lead time – and strengthens delivery precision, says Havsgård.

The apps also make it easier for employees to work across factories, as the interface is the same regardless of location.

A culture in motion

Framo has experienced a clear cultural change as a result of the digitalization work. The operators have been involved since the start, and the solutions are developed so that everyone can use them – regardless of digital competence.

— We see a clear improvement in production capacity, less time spent on non-value-added tasks and a more efficient flow after we started using the solutions, says Havsgård.

The effect is experienced both on the factory floor and in the office support, through less friction and better information flow.

Advice for other industrial companies

Havsgård’s clearest recommendations are:

— Start with data quality and security. Ensure good integrations, involve end users early and have resources for continuous improvement.

Digitalization requires time and willingness, he emphasizes:

— If you get the people involved, you get the results.

Christer Havsgård, Digitalization Lead at Framo, presents how Ignos’ solutions are used in practice at Framo. Photo: Marius Johnsen, Mverdi

The Road Ahead

Framo is now working with Ignos to extract even more value from the solutions, and is looking at new opportunities within predictive maintenance and AI-based planning.

— We see exciting AI opportunities ahead. The goal is to be even more precise and efficient in production, says Havsgård.