Ekokymppi automates key operations with Microsoft Fabric

Impact

Successful platform migration

Migration from Azure to Microsoft Fabric delivered consistent, reliable data transfers.

Reliable, real-time reporting

Operational and financial data is consistent and always up to date.

Usable data for all roles

Clear reports support management, customer service, and operations.

New service models

Data enables new, value-added services for customers.

About Ekokymppi

Ekokymppi is a Finnish Waste Management Joint Authority providing statutory waste management services and official duties for its operating area. Its mission is to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy living environment while promoting sustainable development and circular economy practices.

~80,000 inhabitants served
97–98% of received waste is recycled
60% of received waste consists of municipal waste

THE CHALLENGE

Unreliable reporting held back operations and compliance

Ekokymppi's reporting environment was built on an Azure data warehouse with a data transfer solution that had become outdated and unreliable. Data transferred inconsistently, errors were common, and reports frequently contradicted the source system.

These reporting challenges created uncertainty across the organisation. Teams spent significant time reconciling discrepancies, and the lack of reliable data slowed decision-making. Billing required manual review and was prone to errors, whilst customer service worked reactively rather than addressing issues before they affected customers.

External pressures added urgency. Waste management companies face strict legal and regulatory reporting requirements — waste quantities and processing information must be transferred to the YLVA environment management system, and sustainability reporting regulations demand more stringent environmental data. The existing system couldn't support these requirements reliably.

To move forward, Ekokymppi needed a reporting environment that provided consistent, real-time data for internal operations, regulatory compliance, and strategic development.

"There were constant discrepancies between the reports and the source system. This created uncertainty and required a lot of work. Ultimately, it became clear that the data transfer solution had structural problems."

Jukka OikarainenCEO at Ekokymppi

THE SOLUTION

A modern data platform built for reliability and everyday use

Ekokymppi partnered with Pinja to implement a complete data platform transformation. The project involved migrating from the problematic Azure-based solution to Microsoft Fabric — a modern, stable platform for data warehousing and reporting.

What made the partnership effective was Pinja's deep understanding of waste management operations. Rather than implementing technology in isolation, Pinja's experts worked closely with Ekokymppi's teams to design a data model and reporting structure that fit daily workflows and regulatory requirements. This industry expertise meant teams found common ground quickly, speeding up both planning and implementation.

The new solution replaced inconsistent data transfers with a managed, reliable system that provides real-time updates. The data model was rebuilt to improve usability — users across management, customer service, and operations can now review and analyse data at a deeper level without technical expertise.

Visual, clear reports meet the needs of different user groups whilst maintaining consistency across the organisation. The solution provides a dependable foundation for internal monitoring, regulatory reporting, and service development.

"Pinja's strong industry expertise in waste management has been a significant advantage. They are familiar with the specifics of the industry, which sped up the planning process and facilitated the customisation of solutions for Ekokymppi."

Marjut KinnunenQuality and Development Manager at Ekokymppi

THE IMPACT

Automated operations, better decisions, and new opportunities

The transformation in reporting quality and operational capability was immediate. Data now transfers accurately and in real-time from source systems, eliminating the ambiguities and manual reconciliation work that previously slowed operations.

Billing automation

Previously, billing required manual review and was prone to errors. The new reporting provides a real-time view of billing batches and enables preliminary reviews before invoices are issued. Ekokymppi automated the entire billing process — teams can now inspect incoming batches beforehand and ensure accuracy before anything reaches customers.

Management and financial reporting

Financial and operational monitoring became more precise, visual, and practical. Reports provide account-level information with the ability to drill down into individual transactions without technical expertise. This supports proactive management and strategic decision-making based on reliable, current data.

Proactive customer service

Customer service shifted from reactive to preventive. Error reports now help identify discrepancies before billing, and emptying events can be monitored based on driver feedback. Teams provide accurate guidance on sorting errors and emptying intervals, promoting cost-effectiveness for customers and supporting Ekokymppi's environmental goals.

New service development

Improved reporting opened opportunities for new, data-driven services. Ekokymppi launched a pilot service for major customers that uses data on emptying intervals, sorting errors, and driver feedback. Housing companies can now monitor their waste management more closely, identify sorting errors, and optimise bin emptying. Customer service uses these reports to address deviations and provide targeted guidance.

"We were able to automate the entire billing process because reporting now works properly. We can inspect incoming batches beforehand and ensure that everything we send to customers is correct. This wasn't possible before."