About us - Bridging Operational Realities and Advanced IT
Econ is a specialized technology partner for Food & Trade enterprises, transforming fragmented operations into unified, future-ready systems. We deliver fast ROI and long-term scalability through operational mastery, transparent collaboration, and practical AI solutions — without forcing you to replace what already works.
Specialized in Food & Trade
Our team doesn't just talk IT—we've managed warehouses, driven trucks, and overseen procurement. That deep operational insight drives our technology solutions, ensuring we address real pain points. As certified GS1 Synkka GDSN and Food Data Finland partners, we handle localization complexities and regulatory demands that many providers overlook.
Fast, Measurable Results
We execute swiftly, often completing in days what others delay for months or years. Our transparent vantage and direct collaboration let us deliver about 90% of your requirements right from the start — so you see immediate benefits while we refine the final details. It's how we regularly achieve 99.8% supply reliability and drastically cut manual tasks.
Our culture - Operational Expertise & Technical Excellence Combined
We believe technology should serve real-world operations, not complicate them. Our culture is defined by radical transparency, collaborative problem-solving, and practical innovation — ensuring we build trust and deliver tangible value in every engagement.
- Operational Mastery. We deeply understand Food & Trade — manufacturing, wholesale, import/export, logistics, and compliance. This insight guides every technical decision.
- Purposeful Innovation. We apply AI and automation where it truly fits, focusing on sustainable ROI instead of flashy, overhyped tech.
- Swift Execution. We work in days or weeks, not years. Rapid, agile iterations lead to immediate operational gains you can measure.
- Direct & Collaborative. No black-box solutions. We engage openly with your team, respect existing providers, and propose changes only when truly beneficial.
Team
Ilpo Elfving
CEO
Olli Salmivaara
Chief Supply Chain Strategist
Tiina Mäkelä
Project Leader
Mikko Kulmala
Software Architect
Saku-Matti Syrjä
AI Engineer
Vasil Pujovski
UX/UI Designer
Frequently asked questions
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- What makes Econ different from other IT consultancies?
- Unlike traditional IT providers, we've actually lived the Food & Trade industry—managing warehouses, driving trucks, and overseeing complex supply chains. This operational mastery, combined with our technical expertise and GS1/GDSN partnerships, gives us a transparent vantage across your entire business. We don't just implement technology; we bridge operational realities with practical IT solutions that deliver immediate ROI. Our approach is collaborative and preservation-focused—we enhance what works and only replace what data shows is truly necessary.
- Will Econ replace our current IT systems or providers?
- No. We're designed to complement, not replace. We respect your existing ecosystem and providers, stepping in to bridge gaps or solve specific pain points they can't address. We integrate seamlessly with your current setup, focusing on eliminating bottlenecks without forcing costly overhauls. If data clearly shows replacement is beneficial, we'll be transparent about it—but that's never our default approach.
- How quickly can we expect to see results from working with Econ?
- We consistently deliver measurable outcomes in days or weeks, not months or years. Our process always begins with quick wins that demonstrate immediate value—whether that's 50x faster data migrations, automated pricing workflows, or enhanced supply chain reliability. For example, we've launched 80-restaurant logistics systems in just one week and migrated 5,000+ products in three weeks, when competitors estimated years. This rapid execution is core to our philosophy: you should see ROI from day one.
- How does Econ handle multi-market and localization challenges?
- As certified GS1 Synkka GDSN and Food Data Finland partners, localization is in our DNA. We understand that product data never 'automatically works' across borders. We address the complex realities of different languages, currencies, compliance requirements, and market-specific attributes that many providers overlook. Our solutions ensure your product information is accurate and compliant everywhere you operate.
- Does Econ use AI, and if so, how?
- Yes, but only where it delivers clear, measurable value—never for the sake of hype. Our approach to AI is transparent and explainable, ensuring you always understand how and why decisions are made. We focus on practical applications that solve real operational challenges, like automated product classification, dynamic pricing optimization, and predictive supply chain management. Every AI implementation is designed to enhance human decision-making while delivering quantifiable ROI.
- What if our project encounters problems or unexpected challenges?
- We pride ourselves on direct, honest communication—even when it's difficult. If we identify issues or suspect an approach won't work, we'll tell you immediately, not months into implementation. If we make a mistake, we own it and fix it without excuses or blame. This transparency is why clients trust us with their most complex challenges. Our collaborative approach means we work through obstacles together, ensuring continuous progress and no surprises.
- What industries and company sizes does Econ typically work with?
- We specialize in Food & Trade enterprises—particularly in manufacturing, wholesale, import/export, and complex logistics operations. While we work with organizations of various sizes, our solutions are particularly valuable for mid-size to large companies managing thousands of products across multiple suppliers, distributors, markets, or currencies. Our expertise shines brightest when tackling complex operational bottlenecks, data fragmentation, or localization challenges that standard providers struggle to solve.
- How does Econ's pricing and engagement model work?
- Our pricing is transparent and value-based, aligned with the tangible outcomes we deliver. We structure engagements to ensure you save more than you spend from the earliest stages. Rather than forcing large upfront commitments, we often begin with focused solutions to your most pressing challenges, demonstrating clear ROI before expanding. This approach minimizes risk and builds mutual trust. We're happy to discuss your specific needs and provide a tailored proposal that outlines expected outcomes, timelines, and investment.
From our blog
Stay informed with practical insights and real-world success stories. We share how AI, data integration, and operational expertise come together to solve the toughest Food & Trade challenges — faster and more reliably.
Ready to accelerate your Food & Trade operations?
Our Office
- Pori
Nummenkatu 7
28120, Pori
Finland