Cool heads and hot ideas

In our exclusive interview with Heinz Eck, Head of Technical & Energy / Construction and Facility Management at EDEKA Nordbayern-Sachsen-Thüringen, we discover how the company is using innovative products from Wurm to revolutionize food refrigeration.

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Hello, Mr. Eck. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your professional background?

My name is Heinz Eck. I‘m a certified master refrigeration technician and developed a passion for refrigeration early on through my father, who was also in the industry. After completing my master‘s in Maintal and several years as branch manager in Schweinfurt, I joined EDEKA Nordbayern in 2009 as a refrigeration consultant. Since then, my team and I have been responsible for all aspects of commercial refrigeration and building technology, including PV systems and store infrastructure. That’s how the cooperation with Wurm and GTM began.

How many retail properties do you manage?

We manage about 900 properties in the Nordbayern-Sachsen-Thüringen region. Only around 10 of those are operated directly by EDEKA. The rest are run by independent retailers.

Do you work with a fixed group of refrigeration contractors or does it vary by project?

We work with a core group of five refrigeration contractors to ensure consistent tendering and a high level of support. When needed, we expand the group for projects with special requirements or when new partnerships make sense. 

EDEKA uses different control systems nationwide for refrigeration and building technology. Why does EDEKA Nordbayern rely almost exclusively on Wurm?

There are several reasons why we chose Wurm. Their functional control blocks work perfectly for us - in refrigerated cabinets, central systems, and building automation alike. My team particularly values the FRIDA app, which makes our daily work significantly easier with fast access and handling. Both technical consultants and strategic staff use the app, enabling them to provide independent retailers with qualified advice at any time. The data analytics help us continuously improve our processes. Another major benefit of FRIDA is the ability to access all relevant building and refrigeration information from anywhere at any time.

Also not to be underestimated is the excellent support from the Wurm hotline - always someone helpful and courteous on the line. A key reason for our decision is the traceability provided by the FRIGODATA Online platform. As a central unit managing many markets, we need a uniform system. Wurm’s solution fit our needs from the beginning and has since proven itself.

We were immediately impressed with the transparency of FRIGODATA. The current version, FRIGODATA Online 2.0, sets the benchmark for us. Thanks to the holistic solution from Wurm and their subsidiary GTM, we’ve achieved substantial savings in both investment and energy costs. Since starting with FRIGODATA Online in 2010, we’ve been able to optimize our buildings and are now in an excellent position. The improved transparency and processing of system data has given us a completely new project overview. This platform is a major reason for our success in building technology planning and operation.

Do the EDEKA regions exchange technical information? 

While there is no formal strategic exchange, we do talk regularly. Often, the local decision-maker significantly shapes the approach. Sharing experiences helps us adopt best practices and continuously improve the efficiency and quality of our technology. Wurm has now become a leading solution in our company.

What additional advantages do you gain from using Wurm technology in building and refrigeration systems?

Above all, transparency. With complete data logging through FRIGODATA, we have a clear overview of system performance and can plan new installations precisely according to actual demand.

Our building and refrigeration systems are integrated into a single system, with all data routed through a central, secure gateway. This allows for a global overview while maintaining data security. Interfaces between disciplines often present challenges, so we deliberately avoid strict separation in certain projects, especially heating and air conditioning.

What systems are monitored and controlled by Wurm devices at EDEKA Nordbayern?

A wide range - lighting, exhaust and supply air systems, heating and air conditioning units, refrigeration systems, refrigeration generators, cooling cabinets and rooms, and even some PV systems.

We‘re also planning a load management system to control energy use. Right now, we’re collecting data and testing different approaches. Plug-in refrigeration units are also being integrated to ensure seamless temperature documentation and save time for store staff.

How do you use the waste heat from the refrigeration systems? What is your heating concept?

We consistently use heat recovery and additional heat pumps. This allows us to utilize all waste heat and draw heat from the environment when needed. This is our standard in new buildings.

Our heating concept is built on a uniform foundation, which allows us to compare and improve data across markets. We collect data via heat meters and are seeing very positive results in many stores.

You use CO₂ exclusively in new systems. What has your experience been?

We‘ve been using CO₂ since around 2010, with serial systems from TEKO starting in 2012, and we’re very satisfied. The systems are no more prone to failure or maintenance-intensive than F-gas systems. If I had to critique something, it would be the issue of tightness. There is still room for improvement here, especially during installation. Thorough assembly is essential to minimize leaks. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with TEKO’s central systems.

How do you assess the skilled labor shortage in relation to the demanding CO₂ technology?

We focus on standardization so that everyone involved, from staff to on-site technicians, can be trained on similar system types.

Control technology is key. FRIGODATA is very user-friendly and enables remote diagnostics and fast fault detection. This transparency is a huge help for contractors. Often, the system displays the fault exactly, allowing for faster response times.

Artificial intelligence will play a bigger role in the future by supporting faster fault diagnosis and relieving maintenance staff.

Does EDEKA operate its own system monitoring? Do you track both temperatures (HACCP) and system data?

We track both. Besides temperature data (HACCP), system data is essential. We‘ve already managed to reduce market energy consumption by up to 50%. Service firms usually have full-service contracts and handle error messages directly. We continuously monitor to adjust water and energy use.

How many colleagues work in technical building services (TGA) and energy management?

We have six employees in energy management and building services, all of whom work intensively with FRIGODATA Online and the FRIDA app. Three additional specialists focus on refrigeration planning.

Are refrigerant leaks tracked?

Yes, we use the MobiLec system for this. Service technicians use a Java app on their phones to document systems and maintenance. Data is sent via SMS to a central server, where it‘s analyzed by service companies and operators. This allows us to detect limit violations and risks early. MobiLec is used nationwide across EDEKA, with few exceptions.

How does the energy consumption of CO₂ systems compare to F-gas systems?

It‘s equal or even better. Heat recovery works flawlessly and we see no significant increase in consumption.

Are you already using AI solutions in your systems?

Yes, we‘re currently testing WurmMind to optimize water consumption using AI. Initial results show that we can detect and reduce excessive consumption early. I see great potential in this and want to continue driving it forward.

How long is the typical service life of your refrigeration systems?

In supermarkets, 12 to 15 years; in logistics centers, usually 20 to 25 years. It‘s fascinating how important control electronics are to the lifespan. We benefit from Wurm’s excellent compatibility - hardware and software are nearly 100% backward-compatible even years later. That means we can replace a field module without needing new software. For older systems, we can rely on quickly available Wurm spare parts. Honestly, I don’t even worry about it - but for competitors, it’s a major issue and a big cost factor.

How do you assess Wurm’s data security, and how are the data used in your stores?

Wurm meets the highest standards in data security, with regular security testing. We use a dedicated VPN tunnel for about 80% of our contractors; the rest have direct access, which we’ll adapt to new cybersecurity regulations.

For mobile access, we use FIORA. It allows store managers to view temperature data, cabinet conditions, and consumption, and even carry out switching operations. The app runs on tablets permanently installed in the store for easy access.

What developments do you foresee in refrigeration and control systems for the food retail sector?

I hope to see further development in control systems - ones that not only detect and report faults but also notify technicians and store staff, enabling faster responses and minimizing downtime. Another major future topic is the integration of artificial intelligence. AI could help systems not only react but anticipate potential issues. In times of labor shortages, that would be a huge advantage to ensure efficient operations and avoid failures.

Mr. Eck, thank you very much for this insightful and engaging interview.

I also want to thank you for the opportunity to have this discussion. It was a pleasure to talk about our collaboration with TEKO and Wurm. These exchanges are always valuable, and I look forward to future projects and continuing our work toward shared goals.