Streamlining Pipe Data Management with Pipeson’s Solutions

For over 90 years, HakaGerodur has been a leader in plastic extrusion, delivering high-quality piping solutions with a strong commitment to efficiency, sustainability, quality and innovation. As a trusted name in the industry, HakaGerodur is continuously seeking ways to optimize operations and enhance data management, ensuring seamless workflows and long-term success.

To further strengthen their pipe data management processes, HakaGerodur invested in Pipeson Analyzer, Pipeson Data Manager and Pipeson Certification Manager. This decision was driven by the need to centralize data, improve efficiency and ensure continuity, especially as Michael Weng, Head of certifications, standardization and approvals, prepared for retirement and handed over responsibilities to his successor, Oliver Benzinger.

In this case study, based on interviews with Michael and Oliver, we explore how Pipeson’s solutions have transformed HakaGerodur’s approach to data management, enabling a smooth transition, streamlined workflows and long-term operational excellence.

Oliver Benzinger and Michael Weng at HakaGerodur‘s booth at ISH 2025.

Challenge: Managing complex pipe data

With a big and constantly growing volume of testing, certification and related data, HakaGerodur faced challenges in maintaining accessibility and efficiency. Fragmented systems and files led to inefficiencies and potential data inconsistencies.

Pipe certifications are critical for HakaGerodur’s sales organization, as customers rely on these certificates for the certifications of their system solutions.

Michael recalls the evolution of his responsibilities:

“When I joined HakaGerodur, certification was only a small part of my work. I was a Technical Manager responsible technical issues, complaints and security. Today, the workload has increased and it is better to concentrate fully on this field. The biggest challenge is handling material combinations – we can’t certify thousands of combinations, so we strategically select the ones that fulfil our needs.”

Over the years, HakaGerodur has worked continuously to uphold high standards in pipe data management. This interest led them to Pipeson’s solutions, which provided a structured, streamlined process for managing data.

Oliver highlights the present and the future importance of certification and the increased focus on sustainability and environmental product declarations, which will further increase the complexity:

“Customers always ask for certifications; usually it is one of the first things they request. Certifications are not just a formality; they are essential for selling pipes, and sustainability will become even more important in the future. Companies must consider lifecycle assessments and responsible material sourcing, and then the correct certifications are essential.”

Solution: Pipeson’s integrated software suite

Initially, HakaGerodur believed their new ERP system could manage certifications, but over time, it became clear that a dedicated solution was needed. Michael explains:

“At first, I thought our new ERP system would be sufficient, but when I became familiar with it, I realized we needed a specialized solution.”

To address these challenges, HakaGerodur implemented Pipeson Analyzer, Pipeson Data Manager and Pipeson Certification Manager, which delivered:

– Centralized data management – All pipe-related data are stored in a structured, easily accessible format.

– Improved efficiency – Systemized processes reduce manual work, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

– Seamless transition – The software facilitated a smooth handover from Michael to Oliver, ensuring operational continuity.

Oliver shares his experience taking over from Michael:

“My focus is on continuing Michael’s successful work. Pipeson’s solutions ensure a smooth transition and keep our operations efficient and reliable. The system is easy to use, and the data structure is very clear.”

Results: Increased efficiency and operational continuity

Since adopting Pipeson’s solutions, HakaGerodur has seen major improvements in data accessibility, compliance and operational consistency:

– Faster data access and analysis – Enhancing decision-making and responsiveness.

– Simplified internal and external audits – Testing and certification data are centralized and structured, ensuring 100% compliance throughout the years.

– Consistent certification and compliance processes – Eliminating inefficiencies and improving reliability.

Oliver emphasizes the importance of having an organized, structured system:

“Having all pipe data centralized and accessible has been a big step forward. It saves time and ensures accuracy and consistency in our workflows.”

Michael reflects on the value of digital transformation:

“Digitizing our data flow and certifications was essential. Pipeson’s software eliminated manual inefficiencies, ensured consistency, and made collaboration across teams much easier. It provides all the key features I need to manage certifications and related data effectively.”

Conclusion

By implementing Pipeson’s software suite, HakaGerodur has successfully optimized pipe data management, ensuring continuity and reliability. As the company looks ahead, these tools will continue to support innovation and operational excellence.

Oliver shares his outlook for the future:

“The future of pipe data management is to have a dedicated system solution. Pipeson’s tools have proven to be important, and I look forward to building on this foundation to further improvement. I also find the support from Pipeson to be very helpful, and I feel that I can ask any questions and get the help I need to do a good job.”

An efficient and user-friendly testing solution

Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) manufactures chemicals and polymers that the world needs. Starting from the basic molecule, they make sure that the materials meet the highest standards for the intended end-use applications. In their pipe pressure testing facility in Bartlesville, OK, they currently have 1,100 hydrostatic pressure stations. With the new solution from IPT and Pipeson they can monitor the tests in real time, ensuring an efficient process and easy status updates for customers.

As the business and scope of CPChem’s projects for the development of pipe resins grew, it became increasingly obvious that the process of generating, collecting and transferring data manually was inefficient. Following a thorough market research process, CPChem decided to invest in a solution from IPT and to complement the current Pipeson Analyzer solution with Pipeson Data Manager for seamless data flow.

Previously a designated engineer would manually transfer the test data to Pipeson Analyzer. In the new solution the test data is transferred automatically to a central database, and all authorized personnel have access to current projects in real time, directly in Pipeson Analyzer.

“Information about the progress of the tests that we are tracking is just one click away and that allows us to make timely adjustments and make sure that the products we are testing will meet the requirements”, says Vic Rohatgi, Pipe Applications Manager.”

Data communication is efficient and error-free, and reports based on the latest data are always available for anyone with a license. The software also allows CPChem to obtain progress reports from third party testing, in a highly confidential and secure manner.

“Pipeson has a user-friendly interface. One does not have to be an expert to use it, and we always have the most current data right at our fingertips.”

Centralized article management solution generates business value

RWC is a supplier of plumbing and heating systems with the goal of providing solutions that make life easier for everybody who uses their products. From the homeowner who changes a leaky valve under the sink to the professionals who are installing a water system in a high rise. One of RWC’s popular brands, Sharkbite, is a push to connect solution that allows for a practically toolless installation.

“We have a wide assortment of products that serve the water distribution system from water meter to water fixture”, says Rich Houle, Director of Codes and Standards.”

All of RWCs products are required to be listed to standards for quality, health and safety in order to be authorized for sale in the US. Currently they have 108 different listings and 10 000 SKUs, and the responsibility to make sure they are all up to date has been a joint responsibility of several people in the organization.

“It has been time-consuming, manual work to keep the listings updated, and the risk of human error has meant that we have never felt fully confident that everything is correct at all times.”

High price of errors

If an article is not included in the listing the consequences could be significant as they are not allowed to be sold. It could result in a fine, cause a delay of a construction project or that a contractor chooses to change suppliers.

“We needed an easy to maintain solution that would ensure that our sales staff always could answer the question if our products are compliant to the right standards and codes with a confident ‘yes’.”

Together with Pipeson’s development team, RWC listed the requirements for an extended version of the Approval Management functionality that would make it easy to maintain the current database as well as adding new articles and provide a clear overview of all the listings.

“In a nutshell it is a centrally managed, sustainable solution, that is not dependent on one person’s experience and know how, that ensures that the right person has the right information at their fingertips.”

Partnership and generous process

During the development process RWC and Pipeson have worked closely together to design an optimal solution for RWC, but also one that would add value to businesses in other industries where suppliers are required to make public listings with a third-party agency.

“It has very much been a partnership and a generous process where Pipeson has wanted to provide us with a solution that will make our lives easier. In turn we have offered honest feedback and made suggestions that would make the solution a good fit for other applications. From our perspective Pipeson has really delivered on their promises.”

Resource optimization and QC at LK Pex

The Swedish pipe manufacturer LK Pex primarily produces PE-Xa products for both heating and drinking water applications, and their production is running around the clock. In their in-house laboratory, they conduct quality control tests for the commercial products as well as supporting tests for material development and product approvals.

“We sell quality-controlled products used for pressurized applications with high demands for regular testing and inspections”, says Laboratory Engineer Mikael Hjort.

The main market is the Nordic countries, but LK Pex also has customers in other parts of Europe and the USA. Since there are no harmonized global or European regulations for these piping systems, there is a lot of administrative work involved in handling various product approvals. Since 2020, LK Pex has been using Pipeson Certification Manager to streamline the administration.

“Before we had Pipeson, the management of approvals was largely manual work. Today, I receive reminders when it’s time to take action, and I always feel that things are under control. It’s also convenient to have all documentation in one place, especially when we have third-party inspections or when we receive customer inquiries.”

Optimizes the use of resources

Åsa Linder works as a Development and Product Manager, and is responsible for the technical aspects of the commercial products and also for material and product development. She uses Pipeson Analyzer to coordinate, document, and evaluate pressure tests, and she appreciates the ability to directly transfer data between LK Pex’s pressure testing system and Pipeson’s system.

“It is easy to compare different tests with each other, and against various standard curves, or use models available in the system to perform lifetime calculations. Pipeson Analyzer allows me to stay up-to-date with various evaluations and facilitates working more proactively”, says Åsa.

LK Pex also conducts numerous tests at external test institutes, and previously they mostly received results via interim and final reports. With Pipeson’s software, they have greater ownership of the testing process, as they can access current data for ongoing tests at any time.

“With Pipeson’s help, we have the opportunity to detect any anomalies at an early stage, which is a significant advantage in development projects. We can choose to make adjustments, conduct additional tests, or halt the process, ensuring that we allocate our resources efficiently.”

“I also appreciate that we received assistance in entering our historical data during the implementation, making it easy and efficient to get started and work with the system. And if there is ever an issue, we can always contact Pipeson and receive prompt assistance.”

About LK Pex

LK Pex is located in Ulricehamn, Sweden, and specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sales of plastic pipes designed for heating and drinking water applications within buildings as well as in district heating. The products are primarily cross-linked PE-Xa pipes, which offer a combination of high flexibility and strength, and PE-RT and pipe-in-pipe solutions.

LK Pex is a part of LK, a family-owned Swedish company group that was established back in 1910. The various LK companies now have customers world-wide in the heating and sanitary industry. The guiding principles for LK are curiosity, fearlessness, long-term thinking, and doing it with joy. We continuously learn and improve – always with the aim to simplify our customers’ everyday lives and contribute to an even smarter future.

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