Mathem: from complexity to clarity

How Sweden’s leading online grocer cut costs, sped up fulfillment, and strengthened culture using Oda Systems.

Year
2024
Location
Stockholm, Sweden
Status
Fully operational

Meet Mathem

Mathem has been pioneering online grocery delivery in Sweden since 2009. As the country’s oldest online grocery, and the only purely online player, they’ve built a loyal customer base across Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg by focusing on a broad selection, high-quality, reliable service and, most importantly, a genuine desire to give Swedish families more freedom in their daily lives.

But by 2024, Mathem faced a challenge; their systems had grown complex, and the complexity was holding them back.

44 % reduction in variable fulfillment costs %
50 % less fulfillment center floorspace needed %
22 % more efficient delivery routes %
75 % lower spoilage %
0%

The challenge: when automation becomes a bottleneck

In 2022, Mathem made significant investment in automation, building a state-of-the-art fulfillment center outside Stockholm. On paper, it looked perfect. In practice, a move that should have increased efficiency was instead bogging things down.

The system’s complexity created unexpected roadblocks. Simple changes took months to implement. Operators couldn’t work at their natural pace because of built-in delays. Every update required extensive reviews and modifications.

It was quite a rigid solution that we had. It took months to make changes, says Nikodemus Lindroos, Operations Director at Mathem.

Maybe most frustratingly, Mathem found themselves losing control over their own processes. They couldn’t move at the speed their business demanded, and that needed to change if Mathem, its operations, and the new fulfillment center were ever going to live up to its true potential.

Mathem fulfillment center in Larsboda, Stockholm
Mathem worker inspecting shelves

The partnership: building something better together

When Mathem and Oda Systems came together, the synergy was immediately clear. Mathem brought a deep understanding of the Swedish grocery market, empathy with their customers, and a well-established, respected brand. Oda Systems brought efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and a track record of world-class operational efficiency.

But this wasn’t just a vendor relationship; it was a true collaboration right from the beginning.

The approach: no compromises, no downtime

The timeline was ambitious, but one thing was non-negotiable: Mathem’s customers would never notice the transition. The store had to stay open, deliveries had to continue, and quality must not suffer.

Here’s how we made it happen:

Zero-downtime transition

We developed a seamless transition plan that kept Mathem’s eCommerce platform running and delivery slots available every single day. Customers continued receiving their groceries without missing a beat.

On-site collaboration

Our launch support team worked directly alongside Mathem’s staff, focusing not just on process adoption but on deep system understanding. We weren't just installing technology, we were building capability.

Smart consolidation

The increased efficiency of Oda Systems meant Mathem could centralize all fulfillment in their Stockholm location while converting the Malmö and Gothenburg centers to distribution points. Same coverage, dramatically lower costs.

Union partnership

We involved Swedish workers’ unions from the beginning, proactively addressing concerns with concrete examples and transparent communication.

I was overwhelmed by the competence of the Oda project managers. Everyone was extremely skilled and very knowledgeable

Nikodemus Lindroos, Operations Director at Mathem
Nikodemus Lindroos Operations Director at Mathem
Mathem delivery truck
Launch day

The switch to operating with Oda Systems’ station-based picking was almost anticlimactically smooth.

For Mathem customers, the transition meant boxes instead of bags and, more importantly, steady improvements in on-time, complete deliveries.

In the end, this success came down to thorough training, intuitive system design, and Mathem’s team fully embracing the Oda way of working.

Operational excellence

40% increase in fulfillment units per hour
54% boost in throughput while using 50% less space
75% reduction in food spoilage through better inventory control and automated clearance capabilities

Delivery innovation

22% more efficient route planning
44% more delivery capacity per vehicle
200 fewer vehicles needed for the same volume

Agility restored

Issues identified and resolved in minutes, not months
Better flow visibility prevents bottlenecks before they impact customers
Rapid iteration capabilities that match business speed

Beyond the numbers: a cultural renaissance

The most rewarding transformation wasn’t captured in metrics, it was the change in workplace culture.

The Oda way of working brought new energy to Mathem’s operations. Operators became more engaged, sharing experiences and providing feedback. Communication between workers and leaders improved dramatically. Team spirit flourished.

We've seen a noticeable shift in culture, with operators more engaged in sharing experiences, providing feedback, and feeling more comfortable reaching out to leaders. Overall motivation has increased, and leaders feel more seen and happy, reflects Lindroos.

Vegetables being picked from a shelf in the Mathem fulfillment center
A Mathem delivery driver with a delivery box

Looking forward: partnership into the future

Success for us lives on past a successful launch; it’s an ongoing partnership. Since going live, Oda Systems and Mathem continue working together to push performance even higher and build an even stronger, more consistent customer experience.

I think it's important for retailers to understand that we don't just install equipment and walk away. We help you perform. This is something we do together, because we understand what it takes to achieve the safety, quality, and efficiency you need.

We've transformed Mathem, just as we've transformed our own operations in Norway. We know the challenges of grocery logistics inside and out, and we're confident we can help other retailers reach this same level of success.
Andreas Hoberg, Head of Oda Norway
Andreas Hoberg Head of Oda Norway

Are you ready to transform your operations?

Mathem’s story could be your story. Whether you’re facing complexity challenges, efficiency bottlenecks, or are simply ready to take your operations to the next level, Oda Systems is here to help.

Let’s build something better together.

Get in touch

Built for efficiency, backed by data

Oda Systems powers some of the world’s most efficient online grocery operations, and we have the numbers to prove it. From picking and packing to delivery and route planning, our integrated systems are designed for measurable gains at every step.

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A delivery driver securing the delivery truck