Timber Manufacturing and Logistics (Kurekss)
Kurekss is one of Latvia’s leading timber processing companies, operating a large sawmill and timber yard in Ventspils municipality. Like any modern industrial company, Kurekss has consistently invested in production equipment, process improvements, and digital development. In 2023, Kurekss implemented a digitalization project together with EDIC and ALTUM, acquiring new production equipment (including AI-enabled capabilities) and upgrading production management software.
As digitalization progresses, the next logical step is investment in data networks—the backbone that enables reliable real-time data exchange across production and logistics.
Challenge
Outdated Wi-Fi couldn’t scale, and the public mobile network lacked stability, especially after site expansion. A reliable, modern solution with wide coverage and PTT on smart devices was needed.
Delivered
Expansive private 5G coverage with SIM-based security, unified management, and PTT capabilities to streamline operations and replace legacy communication systems.
Results
A scalable foundation for digital growth by enabling high-density device connectivity, SIM-controlled security for operational resilience, and modernized PTT communication to streamline site-wide coordination.
Challenge
Kurekss needed stable connectivity across indoor and outdoor operational areas, supporting moving machinery, mobile workers, and industrial applications. The existing connectivity setup created limitations for further growth and digitalization:
- Mixed connectivity model: operations relied partly on Wi-Fi and partly on the public mobile network.
- Wi-Fi platform reaching End of Life: the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure could not be expanded with additional access points and required a platform change.
- Public mobile network not stable enough on-site: coverage existed, but not at the required quality and stability for industrial operations.
- Site expansion: with newly acquired land, reliable coverage was needed across a larger territory.
Need for modern operational communications (PTT): Kurekss required a solution to replace or complement analog radio communications with Push-to-Talk (PTT) on smartphones/tablets—enabling more flexible team coordination while staying secure and manageable.
Kurekss wanted a future-proof wireless backbone that fits long-term development plans—not just a short-term fix.
Solution: LMT Private 5G (Non-Public Network)
LMT approached Kurekss with the idea to test a Private 5G network. Kurekss agreed to a pilot, and after successful results, both parties decided to keep the solution for permanent use.
LMT deployed a Private 5G (NPN) network as a secure, scalable wireless data backbone for the site, including:
- Industrial-grade Private 5G coverage designed to support mobility and indoor/outdoor operations across the expanded territory.
- SIM-based access control so only authorized devices can connect—supporting stronger IT security and operational continuity.
- A trusted partner and one accountable solution, simplifying operations compared to fragmented connectivity approaches.
- PTT (Push-to-Talk) capability to replace or complement analog radio solutions; currently being actively tested, enabling radio-style communication via an app on phones or tablets.
Impact
Private 5G now serves as Kurekss’ wireless data backbone, enabling continued digital development:
- Foundation for growth: reliable coverage supports operations across the expanded site and future connectivity needs.
- Better support for digital operations: more machines and mobile devices can be connected to one controlled network, enabling increased data availability for production and logistics.
- Improved security and resilience: SIM-controlled access and a simplified delivery chain improve overall operational continuity.
- Operational communications modernization: PTT testing introduces a more flexible way to coordinate work using standard mobile devices.
Additional operational benefit (qualitative): Kurekss reports lower internal logistics costs as a key benefit enabled by a stable wireless network (no published figures at this stage).
Optional quantified benefit (to confirm): improved real-time production data availability and quality may contribute to ~5–7% improvement in accuracy/timeliness of production data and cost allocation, supporting better procurement and planning decisions.
What’s Next
With the Private 5G backbone in place, Kurekss is planning the next stage of development, including product traceability to support more accurate planning and tracking of production packages and internal logistics.