Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd: Embracing Digital Transformation for Sustainable Growth

Founded in 1985, Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd has grown into a leading provider of electrical control and distribution engineering solutions in the UK. With a strong commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainability, the company achieved carbon neutrality in 2022. Their products and services cater to a diverse clientele, including industrial warehouses, NHS hospital buildings, universities, council facilities, and various commercial and industrial units. 

As Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd expanded, the company faced significant challenges due to outdated systems and paper-based processes. The rapid growth highlighted the limitations of their existing infrastructure, which was no longer sufficient to handle the increased scale and complexity of operations. Despite incorporating some digital tools, the organisation heavily relied on manual methods for many of its core activities, including inventory management, order processing, and customer service. Modernising these systems was urgently needed to support growth and streamline operations.

This reliance on manual processes led to numerous inefficiencies and duplication of efforts. For instance, data entry tasks were often repetitive and prone to human error, resulting in inaccurate records and delayed information flow. The paper-based system made it difficult to track and manage inventory levels in real-time, leading to overstocking or stockouts that disrupted the supply chain and affected customer satisfaction. Additionally, the lack of integration between different departments caused communication breakdowns and hindered collaboration, further exacerbating operational inefficiencies.

The administrative burden of maintaining paper records and manually updating digital tools also consumed valuable time and resources. Employees had to spend considerable effort on tasks that could be automated, diverting their focus from strategic initiatives and innovation. This situation created bottlenecks that slowed down decision-making processes and impeded the company's ability to respond swiftly to market demands and opportunities.

Moreover, the outdated systems limited the company's ability to leverage data analytics for insights into business performance and customer behaviour. Without a centralised and cohesive digital infrastructure, generating comprehensive reports and actionable insights was daunting. This lack of visibility into key metrics hampered strategic planning and made it challenging to identify areas for improvement.

Recognising these critical issues, there was an urgent need to modernise the systems to support growth and streamline operations. The goal was to transition to a more efficient, scalable, and integrated digital framework that could enhance productivity, accuracy, and overall business performance. This modernisation was essential to cope with current demands and to future-proof the organisation against evolving industry trends and technological advancements.

The company needed a comprehensive digital transformation strategy to replace manual processes with automated solutions, integrate disparate systems, and provide real-time visibility into operations. This transformation aimed to create a more agile and responsive organisation capable of sustaining its growth trajectory and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

The Solution

Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd. embarked on a digital transformation journey by leveraging Made Smarter East Midlands's fully funded road mapping exercise. Industry experts Tom Conway and James Bosworth from Made Smarter and Oxford Innovation helped the company develop a strategic plan and next steps, supported by grant funding from the program.

The company adopted a phased approach to address these challenges, beginning with implementing the Sage 200 ERP system. This robust platform integrated key business functions and eliminated redundant processes, leading to streamlined workflows and improved data visibility across the organisation.

Adopting digital solutions brought tangible benefits to Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd. Centralizing business processes and eliminating manual tasks resulted in significant productivity and accuracy gains. Future phases of digital adoption will further enhance workflows, record time tracking and productivity, and streamline digital trails. Field engineers equipped with iPads will facilitate digital documentation, making auditing easier. Additionally, integrating CRM systems improved client communication and enhanced the quotation process, boosting operational efficiency.

The Future

Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd remains committed to sustainability and continuous improvement. After completing its three-phased digital transformation journey, the company plans to leverage intensive industrial support offered through Made Smarter East Midlands and delivered by the Manufacturing Technology Centre for further digitalisation. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices, the company aims to enhance its environmental performance, optimise operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth.

Michael Smith Switchgear's phased digital transformation, guided by Made Smarter and its partner organisations, underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence. By embracing technology and sustainability, the company is well-positioned for long-term success in the competitive manufacturing landscape.

"Embracing Made Smarter has been transformative for Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd. I wholeheartedly recommend their support to any manufacturing company seeking to thrive in today's competitive landscape. Their expertise and resources have propelled us on a journey of innovation and sustainability, positioning us for long-term success." Emily Smith, Operations and Finance Director for Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd.

To learn more about the Made Smarter East Midlands Programme and apply, visit Made Smarter East Midlands.