Digital solutions integrated into living at Oulun Sivakka
Oulun Sivakka Oy’s collaboration with One4all began when the rental housing company in Oulu recognized a need for a payment service for sauna bookings. The initiative was driven by the issue of unused sauna reservations, which resulted in unnecessary energy consumption and maintenance challenges—dry-heating saunas are more prone to damage. Sivakka sought a more sustainable solution to reduce wasted electricity and maintain the condition of its saunas.
One thing led to another, and during the evaluation of payment services, a need for a communication platform emerged. Today, Sivakka utilizes One4all’s services extensively: the One4all Mobile resident app and booking system are in use at Sivakka’s properties, allowing residents to book shared spaces such as sauna slots — and pay for them. Additionally, some properties feature One4all digital notice board for reservations, while others use screens from another provider.
Digital living services as a natural extension of Sivakka’s offerings
Sivakka has already made significant progress in digitalization. Its rental process has been fully digitized, likely making it the first rental housing company in Finland to do so. According to CEO Raimo Hätälä, transitioning to digital services during residency is a logical and strategic move. There has also been clear demand from residents, making it a landlord’s responsibility to offer such services.
“Our goal is to optimize the use of selected service platforms and their capabilities to enhance the overall living experience,” Hätälä explains. He adds that future plans include implementing digital booking and payment systems for guest rooms in more properties, as well as expanding the integration of bookings with electronic access control systems.
From sauna payments to enhanced resident communication
Sivakka’s journey into digital resident communication was unconventional. What started with a need for billing sauna reservations and relay control for sauna heaters has evolved into comprehensive digital resident communication and seamless online services.
Today, staircase displays in Sivakka properties provide active updates, as does the resident app, which residents use to book saunas and other shared spaces like clubrooms or gyms. Sivakka’s property manager Juha Väänänen notes that 13 property managers across Sivakka use the One4all system to communicate with their respective properties.
“Digital communication enables efficient updates to all properties, including those located far from our office. It’s not just efficient but also significantly reduces costs and time, eliminating the need to drive long distances — sometimes over 100 kilometers — to deliver information,” says Väänänen.
Smooth implementation and resident satisfaction
Sivakka was committed to ensuring a smooth implementation process for residents, investing in active communication, clear instructions, and informational sessions. Recognizing the diversity of residents, Sivakka also offered the option to book reservations through Oulu10, the city’s service center. However, demand for this alternative has been minimal. Overall, the implementation exceeded expectations.
It’s a huge economic and time-saving advantage not to drive 100 kilometers just to deliver a piece of information.
The onboarding process also went smoothly for Sivakka’s team. Väänänen highlights the exceptional customer service from One4all:
“If I receive an email in the morning from a resident about an issue that needs resolution, One4all support takes care of it immediately,” he explains. He adds that, as a property manager working with multiple providers, he knows that effective customer service is not always a given, which is why he truly values it.
A model for digital housing
Sivakka’s success in integrating digital solutions reflects its forward-thinking approach and commitment to providing residents with efficient and modern housing services. From energy-saving sauna systems to comprehensive communication tools, Sivakka is setting a standard for digital living in rental housing.