Applelec Group has been serving the signage and architectural lighting industry for over two decades, but now it’s changing the way it operates and does business. Here, Marketing Manager, Rachel Gould, shares how the recent introduction of a new digital system marks more than just a technological upgrade—it represents a new era, one shaped by a fresh approach to ownership and a shared commitment to growth and innovation. Since becoming an Employee Ownership Trust, Applelec has witnessed a profound cultural shift. The employees are now partners in the business, and that change is tangible.
Streamlining Operations and Improving Efficiency with a New ERP System
A new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, funded in part by support from Digital Enterprise, was implemented with the aim of streamlining operations and improving internal processes. But beyond the tech, it’s a symbol of the company’s new direction – one that involves every team member in its pursuit of excellence and efficiency.
Rachel explains: “We wanted a tool that would support us in managing every aspect of the business, from project inception to delivery. With our workforce now invested in the outcome, there’s a real energy behind making this a success. People here have always cared, but now it feels different. We’re building something together.”
The need for a more cohesive system became apparent as Applelec grew. As a bespoke manufacturer, Applelec works with a variety of signage companies, architects and lighting designers on projects for the likes of Selfridges, the Houses of Parliament, The MET Building, Parklife festival and Leeds City Council to name a few, the complexities of which demand careful coordination. Previously, the team had relied on a combination of spreadsheets and older software that didn’t always sync up well, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
“It was like trying to work with a toolkit that’s missing half the pieces,” Rachel explains. “We needed a better way to connect the dots across departments, our previous ways of working were really holding us back as a business.”
The Financial Benefits of Improved Visibility
The new ERP system – which is tailored to fit Applelec’s unique needs – ties together sales, inventory, production, and customer service, providing a single platform for the entire team. It’s designed to make information accessible, improve communication, and streamline workflow, turning Applelec’s data into a powerful asset rather than a scattered collection of numbers and documents.
With this improvement to visibility also comes financial benefits. Under their previous methods, it was difficult to keep on top of stock management, but now the team can really take control.
Rachel says: “These new insights will help us reduce our stock holding by over £30%. Reducing our stock by such a dramatic level will inject cash back into the business and help push us forward.
“We’re a very innovative business, we do a lot of research and development, so releasing the cash we currently have tied up in stock will allow us more freedom to explore, to find new markets, and new products for our customers.”
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
Rachel recalls that when the company first started exploring ERP options, the team was a little apprehensive.
She shares: “There’s always a bit of anxiety with big changes, especially with technology. But once everyone saw how it would actually help day-to-day tasks, the enthusiasm really grew.
“The Digital Enterprise team, particularly our advisor Charles Potter, was really supportive throughout. We’re really grateful to the team for helping us through it.”
The creation and installation of such a comprehensive system doesn’t come without a cost. It’s an expensive avenue to explore and even with financial support, a lot of time is also invested in securing those funds.
Rachel was grateful for the smooth process offered by Digital Enterprise. She adds: “We worked with the Digital Enterprise team to secure a grant of over £34,000, which isn’t an insignificant amount. But the process was so manageable. I’ve worked on other grant applications in the past and they were a lot harder work for less impact than this.”
The impact of the ERP system goes beyond internal benefits. Rachel points out how it will improve Applelec’s customer service and overall responsiveness.
She says: “With everything integrated, we can respond faster and with better accuracy. We’re able to track orders in real time and check stock levels, enabling us to provide a better service to our customers.
“Through our predictions, we can see that the system will help reduce production waiting times by 43%. It makes a huge difference when we’re dealing with big installations that are on tight schedules.”
A Culture of Ownership: The Power of a United Team
Applelec’s decision to become an Employee Ownership Trust played a significant role in getting everyone on board with the change.
“When people feel a real stake in the success of the company, they’re willing to go the extra mile,” Rachel says.
She notes that the ownership model has fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie and pride among the team, as they collectively share in the company’s achievements. She adds: “We’re all a bit more willing to raise our hand, offer ideas, or troubleshoot together. There’s a real feeling of unity.”
The Future of Applelec Group: Continuous Innovation and Growth
The ERP system isn’t the end of Applelec’s digital journey – it’s just one step in a continuous process of innovation and growth. With an employee-driven mindset, the company is already thinking about other ways it can leverage technology to enhance its services and expand its reach.
As part of implementing the new system, Applelec is looking at how AI can be used alongside it to add to its usefulness. The team is particularly excited about the possibilities in data analytics and predictive insights, which could provide even deeper value to their customers in the future.
Rachel shares: “By developing AI to work with the system, we’re hoping to push our services even further than we anticipated. It will not only help us be ready for the new wave of customers coming through, but also improve the communication between us and make it all work more seamlessly overall.”
A Bright Outlook for Applelec Group
For now, the ERP system is helping Applelec keep up with demand and deliver on promises.
Through digital transformation, Applelec has found a way to navigate cultural change while also pushing forward into new territory. Equipped with the technology it needs and with every employee invested in the process, the company is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead – shaping a future for the business that’s as bright as the LED displays it creates.
With the help of Digital Enterprise, we expect to:
- Reduce our production waiting time by 43%, vastly improving the customer experience, and increasing our working capacity.
- Reduce our stock holdings by over 30%, injecting more funds into the business to fuel our ambitious growth plans.
- See improvements in every aspect of the business – increasing our standard of work while making it easier to manage overall, and improving outcomes for customers.
Applelec Group was named as one of DE3’s Top 30 businesses, read more case studies in our online brochure to find out how we’ve supported other West Yorkshire businesses and the impact the digital investments have had: DE3 Digital Enterprise Top Thirty.