In a notable shift towards digital efficiency, upscale grocery retailer Lunds & Byerlys has implemented a sophisticated refrigeration management software platform by Facilio across all 29 locations in the Twin Cities region. This initiative aims to streamline store facility operations and enhance compliance management for refrigeration systems, particularly in light of forthcoming regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The partnership centers around Facilio’s integrated solution designed to tackle the impending requirements outlined in the EPA’s Proposed AIM Act. This regulation aims to expand Section 608 of the Clean Air Act to include refrigeration appliances that contain 15 pounds or more of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The significance of this development cannot be understated, as supermarkets must now rigorously monitor, repair, and document any refrigerant leaks, facing fines that can exceed $57,617 per violation each day. These risks highlight the necessity for retailers to adopt proactive compliance strategies.
Facilio’s unified platform automates the detection of leaks and compliance management, significantly reducing potential risks for Lunds & Byerlys. The software enables the grocery chain to perform leak inspections every 45 days and automatically generate inspection entries for all appliances. In the event of a leak, the platform swiftly creates a leak event to facilitate immediate corrective actions. The EPA and GreenChill-ready dashboard is instrumental in simplifying compliance tracking.
Jeff Carlson, Lunds & Byerlys’ refrigeration specialist, underscores the importance of this technology: “With refrigerant costs rising, we sought the best technology to manage our refrigeration systems efficiently. The constant changes in the regulatory environment mean we need to be vigilant about compliance. This system has relieved us from the burden of manual double bookkeeping, streamlining our operations and saving valuable time.”
The collaboration with Facilio addresses another significant hurdle faced by Lunds & Byerlys: the integration of their work order system with refrigeration management processes. Kevin Kungel, the director of maintenance, acknowledges the advantages of Facilio’s solution: “By automating compliance event enforcement before contractor invoicing, we have closed the gaps often left by manual processes. It allows for seamless coordination among our teams.”
This integration also extends to encompassing various systems—work order management, accounting software, and third-party IT tools. Such connectivity provides Lunds & Byerlys with a consolidated view of asset performance and compliance data. As a result, various teams—including finance, store staff, and field technicians—can access actionable insights, enhancing their decision-making capabilities.
Basant Singhatwadia, Facilio’s director of customer success, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to help Lunds & Byerlys tackle their integration challenges and optimize their refrigeration compliance. With our Connected CMMS and refrigeration compliance system set up, they are well-prepared for the next phase of innovation. Our Connected Retail platform provides comprehensive solutions that include proactive leak detection, remote monitoring, and energy management, creating a unified approach to facility management.”
The benefits of such a proactive approach to compliance and operational efficiency are clear. For retailers aiming to stay competitive, investing in technology that automates and simplifies processes will not only mitigate risks but also allow teams to focus more on core business activities. Lunds & Byerlys serves as an illustrative case of how digital transformation can lead to enhanced operational resilience and adaptability in a rigorous regulatory landscape.
As regulatory pressures increase and the demand for sustainable practices continues to rise, grocery retailers must reconsider their operational strategies. The use of advanced technology like Facilio’s platform is a significant step toward ensuring compliance and optimizing facility operations. Lunds & Byerlys is not just meeting expectations; it is setting a new standard for how grocery retailers can leverage technology to enhance their compliance processes and operational capabilities.
In conclusion, the adoption of Facilio’s refrigeration management platform represents a vital move toward future-proofing Lunds & Byerlys’ operations. By automating compliance management and streamlining facility operations, they are positioning themselves as leaders in both sustainability and efficiency in the grocery sector.