CIACO
Prototyping for a creation and knowledge cooperative
Client
- CIACO
- Printing
- 2015 2025
Services
- Strategy
- BackEnd Development
- FrontEnd Development
- Prototyping
- IoT / Edge Computing
- UX/UI design
CIACO – A Long-term Technology Collaboration with KERN IT
For over 10 years, KERN IT has been supporting CIACO, a Belgian university cooperative specialized in the publishing and distribution of educational materials, in its digital transformation.
This trusted partnership is based on a tailored approach, focused on the concrete needs of students, teachers, and administrative staff.
From intelligent copier management to online syllabus availability, including an e-commerce shop designed during the COVID crisis, we have developed and maintained a coherent set of integrated and scalable software and hardware solutions.
Challenge #1 : Managing a public and secure Copy service with efficiency
The challenges :
- Every day, hundreds of students use self-service kiosks to print their materials.
- The challenge was to guarantee both a smooth user experience and high-level security, especially concerning the threat of infected USB keys.
The infrastructure also needed to enable exact counting, automatic connection to the cash desk, and centralized management.
KERN IT’s solution :
We created a complete system which combines a custom hardware, interfacing system and advanced security measures:
- Installation of CIACO printing booths, self-service units connected to a centralized infrastructure.
- Each session is temporary, isolated, and launched in a secure Linux environment, between the user and Windows Server.
- USB keys can be used, but they are mounted in this isolated space, preventing any virus from reaching the central system.
- Printing is then processed by Windows, in a secure manner, without direct server exposure.
- The kiosks are connected to IoT copyboxes, which manage prints, track page counts, and send data to the cash register.
Result : An open yet ultra-secure environment, compatible with student needs while protecting the infrastructure.
Challenge #2 : Facilitate access to syllabi and learning materials
The challenges:
- Give students easy, centralized and secured access to syllabi
- Enable on-demand printing without manual intervention
- Provide the CIACO team with a simple and flexible management tool
KERN IT’s solution :
- Creation of a student web portal enabling streaming access to syllabi uploaded by teachers.
- Possibility to create personalized print lists accessible via the booths
- Setting up a user-friendly back-office for CIACO, streamlining the publication, monitoring, and organization of teaching materials
Result : a smooth ecosystem, designed for real-world scenarios, connected to copiers, and accessible 24/7.
Challenge #3 : Launch an online store, then modernize it
The challenges :
- Maintain the sale of course materials during the health crisis
- Rapidly provide a working e-commerce solution
- Then, improve user experience and mobile compatibility
KERN IT’s solution :
- Creation of a simple and quick online shop during COVID
- Complete redesign in 2025 with:
- A responsive design and an upgraded user-experience
- Full integration with internal tools (stock, printing, orders)
- Interface adapted to mobile use for students
Result : an intuitive, efficient sales platform, aligned with existing processes.
A coherent, secure, and scalable infrastructure
KERN IT provides CIACO with a complete infrastructure, designed for reliability and security:
- Development and management of IoT copyboxes
- Creation and maintenance of kiosks with temporary Linux sessions
- Windows server and virtual machine administration
- Development and continuous improvement of the web portal and internal interfaces
- Strategic and technical guidance throughout the years
A strong partnership, based on real-world usage, supported by high-level technical expertise.
Do you have a similar project ?
Do you manage a public service, a library, a cooperative or a facility with shared workspaces ?
Are you looking for a way to combine open access, security and centralized management ?
