Helios Technologies Partners with Alto-Shaam to Innovate Commercial Kitchen Tech
Helios Technologies, a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology, is making significant strides in the commercial kitchen industry. This advancement is driven by a strategic partnership between its operating company, i3 Product Development, and Alto-Shaam, a leader in commercial kitchen equipment manufacturing. Through this collaboration, Helios and Alto-Shaam are leveraging i3’s expertise and its Cygnus Reach software platform to enhance the functionality, security, and scalability of Alto-Shaam’s ChefLinc™ remote oven management system. This integration is delivering cutting-edge solutions that add immense value to commercial kitchen operators, optimizing efficiency and improving service quality.
The collaboration initially began with i3 Product Development providing maintenance and support for ChefLinc™. However, as the partnership progressed, i3 identified opportunities for substantial improvements, leading to a complete infrastructure overhaul of the ChefLinc™ platform. The newly rebuilt system offers a robust and scalable solution designed to accommodate Alto-Shaam’s growing customer base. With an emphasis on enhanced security and advanced data-driven capabilities, this transformation empowers Alto-Shaam to meet the evolving needs of commercial kitchens worldwide.
“We rebuilt the entire platform with i3’s help; we’re reaping the rewards of that now. Then we integrated Cygnus Reach, and we’re getting those benefits too,” said Kevin Bernier, Director of Product Management for IoT at Alto-Shaam. “The improvements we’ve made ensure that our platform remains a leader in remote oven management, providing operators with seamless control and monitoring capabilities.”
Enhancing Connectivity and Remote Management
One of the most significant enhancements introduced through this partnership is the integration of Cygnus Reach remote support technology. This feature has revolutionized how Alto-Shaam provides service and support to its customers. By incorporating Cygnus Reach, ChefLinc™ has evolved from a simple monitoring tool to a comprehensive remote management platform capable of diagnosing and addressing potential issues before they escalate.
Remote access capabilities allow service teams to gain real-time insights into oven performance, proactively identify malfunctions, and resolve problems remotely. This minimizes the need for on-site service visits, reducing downtime for kitchen operators and cutting costs associated with technician dispatches.
“The ability to see into the equipment in real-time has been a tremendous asset to our service and support teams,” said Mike Jones, VP of Quality and Service at Alto-Shaam. “With a single system and unified interface, technicians can monitor oven performance and provide faster, more effective support to customers. This capability has significantly improved operational efficiency. We monitored the ROI of the investment, and it only took a couple of weeks of calculating the avoidance of truck rolls and warranty expense to realize we don’t need to keep calculating this—it is a slam dunk for us.”
A Testament to Innovation and Excellence
Helios Technologies’ commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing efforts to develop connected solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. This partnership with Alto-Shaam underscores Helios’ broader vision of integrating advanced technologies into various industries, from food service to industrial automation.
“At Helios Technologies, we are committed to delivering innovative, connected solutions that transform industries,” said Sean Bagan, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Helios Technologies. “Through our operating company, i3 Product Development, and its Cygnus Reach platform, we are helping Alto-Shaam enhance its service capabilities, optimize performance, and create smarter, more efficient kitchens. This partnership is a testament to our vision that our trusted global brands deliver technology solutions that ensure safety, reliability, connectivity, and control.”
This collaboration highlights Helios’ expertise in integrating smart technologies into mission-critical systems. By harnessing the power of IoT and remote monitoring, Alto-Shaam is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of commercial kitchen innovation.
Driving Business Growth Through Smart Technologies
The commercial kitchen industry is increasingly reliant on data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and performance. The integration of Cygnus Reach into ChefLinc™ represents a shift towards smarter kitchen management, enabling operators to make informed decisions based on real-time data.
With an ever-growing demand for automation in food service operations, Alto-Shaam’s investment in remote monitoring technology aligns with industry trends. By reducing service costs and improving equipment uptime, this partnership ultimately drives higher customer satisfaction and retention.
“Connected solutions are reshaping how commercial kitchens operate,” said Bernier. “Through our partnership with i3 and Helios Technologies, we’ve been able to take ChefLinc™ to the next level, ensuring our customers can maximize the efficiency and longevity of their equipment.”
The Future of Commercial Kitchen Technology
As Alto-Shaam continues to innovate, the role of connected solutions in commercial kitchen operations will only expand. The company’s ongoing collaboration with i3 Product Development ensures that it remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements.
Looking ahead, Helios Technologies remains committed to exploring new ways to leverage its expertise in motion control and electronic control technologies. With a strong foundation in innovation and a customer-centric approach, Helios aims to drive transformation across multiple industries, empowering businesses with smarter, data-driven solutions.
This collaboration between Helios Technologies and Alto-Shaam serves as a prime example of how technology partnerships can drive meaningful progress, enhance customer experiences, and create lasting value. As the demand for intelligent, connected solutions continues to rise, Helios and Alto-Shaam are well-positioned to lead the way in commercial kitchen innovation.
