G&R Electrical are an electrical contractor based in Wales but operating across the UK, specialising in the Smart Meter utilities sector. Despite their traditional trade – they were keen to embrace new digital technology to create an online solution to manage their stock and record engineer installation activity.
WHAT WE DID
Technical feasibility
UX & user journey design
Digital design
Web development
Progressive web app
Technical integrations
WordPress CMS
Hosting
DESTINATION
THE JOURNEY
We quickly established that G&R had a broad list of requirements but no clear route to get there. Their existing processes were split across spreadsheets and paper-based methods. We offered advice and guidance, and created a clear brief to design and develop a web-based solution to efficiently manage and administer stock both centrally, and remotely.
“Design Tribe’s approach to problem-solving is meticulous and their customer service is unparalleled. From the outset, they engaged closely with us to map out a digital journey that was tailored to our specific needs. The ease of communication and their ability to turn complex scenarios into user-friendly solutions was truly impressive. The end product they delivered has revolutionised the way we operate.”
Paul Cooper,
Managing Director
The final system, designed for the entire Smart Meter Division including admin, warehouse, and senior management, primarily aimed to allow field engineers across the UK to efficiently manage stock assignments, exchanges, and returns of faulty hardware to HQ.
Utilising smart devices for engineers was an obvious choice, but remote locations often lacked mobile signal and WiFi. Additionally, engineers used a diverse range of smartphones, complicating the feasibility of a native iOS or Android app due to budget constraints. The question arose: Could we develop a browser-based solution that remains operational in areas with unreliable signal?
We examined web and mobile technologies, focusing on data input, storage, cloud systems, and platforms to identify a cost-effective solution within a tight budget. Utilising WordPress CMS, we crafted a digital solution operable across browsers, ensuring accessibility for users regardless of their location or device.
As the project evolved, we identified numerous stock movement scenarios among teams. We mapped these to track item locations precisely and refined the user interface to minimise clicks and screen transitions, enhancing intuitiveness.
We leveraged phone cameras as barcode scanners to match stock with engineers, allowing for job allocation, transfers, and status updates. This minimizes human error and accelerates workflow. The warehouse team also uses the scanner for efficient packing and dispatch.
IMPACT
The bespoke digital stock control system and Progressive Web App have helped G&R Electrical run day to day operations more efficiently, reducing stock losses, improving order processing, and cutting avoidable costs. By preventing stock inaccuracies, the system has also helped the team avoid supplier fines and improve accountability across warehouse and field activity.
Built by our Cardiff studio on a robust WordPress foundation, the platform gives engineers a practical, mobile-first tool for managing stock in real-world conditions, while giving the office team clearer oversight and a system that can continue to evolve with the business.
Looking to design your own bespoke digital system or app? Get in touch and we can help make it happen.
