Billingham-based BA Joinery is using digital technology to transform the way it works.
The business, which specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke, high quality architectural joinery, has taken part in Made Smarter Adoption North East, a fullyfunded programme that helps manufacturers in the region increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology.
Sam Reed, Head of Business Support at BA Joinery, explains what it’s been like to take part.
Why did you decide to take part in Made Smarter Adoption North East?
We’ve been interested for some time in going digital and investing in our own dedicated software package. We just didn’t know what solution would suit us best and we were receiving lots of differing advice.
Prior to joining the programme, did you use digital technology within your business to improve efficiencies and productivity?
We’ve previously used various off the shelf products and packages which meant we had multiple digital solutions across the business. We wanted something that was our own and could connect everyone together. What were some of the barriers to introducing digital technology within your business?
The main barrier has always been the lack of knowledge in what digital solution we actually needed as a business.
Previously, we didn’t have access to a forum where we could gain different opinions and advice from the professionals who know best.
We know how much of a big investment this is and wanted to ensure we took the time to get this right.
What digital technology have you introduced in your business as a result of the programme?
We are in the process of getting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. It’s a full end-to-end programme that will include a CRM element.
Each department of the company will be involved in the ERP and, at the end of the process, they will all work in unison. We can integrate all areas of the business – from estimates and health and safety to project management and deliveries. This new system will allow us to keep track of everything in one place.
We’ve made sure staff come on the journey with us too, so they can see the benefits. Introducing this kind of change can bring trepidation, but our staff have been involved in how the system will look to make sure it works for them, after all they are the ones who know their job the best.
How will this improve your business?
We think it will make us more streamlined, more efficient; and that means we can convert projects faster. It will help with quality control too and add to the existing accreditations we have in place.
Why is it important for manufacturing businesses to adopt digital technology?
We think it’s important to move with the times. Digital is only going to become a bigger part of all our lives so working from pen and paper or an outdated computer system will only make you fall behind.
It’s good for employers and staff too and it should be viewed as a positive experience. Digital solutions hike up capacity, meaning businesses can secure and convert more work.
Why should other manufacturing businesses in the North East take part in Made Smarter Adoption North East?
Made Smarter Adoption North East gives you an insight into what’s worked for other people before you dive into something yourself. It’s important to get a good understanding of the solutions out there and you need help and guidance from an expert to do that.
The North East Growth Hub and Tees Valley Business are working with Made Smarter to deliver Made Smarter Adoption North East in the North East LEP and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.