Apex Pumps save time and improve service with Made Smarter
Image credit: Apex Pumps Apex Pumps has been designing and manufacturing high-specification centrifugal pumps since 1988. Known for their efficiency and reliability, these pumps serve a variety of demanding industries, including petrochemicals, aquaculture, and building services. Based in Bristol, the company is proud to design and build all its products in the UK, maintaining a strong reputation for quality and durability.
Image credit: Apex Pumps The challenge
As Apex Pumps grew, the company implemented a new Enterprise Resource Planner (ERP) system but recognised the potential for further digital advancements. A fresh perspective was needed to identify inefficiencies and explore modern technologies to streamline operations and maintain competitiveness.
Digital acceleration sessions
The 1-2-1 sessions with Made Smarter and NCC provided a systematic review of Apex Pumps’ operations. By asking targeted questions, the team highlighted inefficiencies that were less obvious in day-to-day operations.
The process also included a grading system, making it easier for management to prioritise areas for improvement.
Grant scheme funding
The grant scheme enabled Apex Pumps to invest in new software much sooner than planned. The team were able to purchase pump-specific selection curve software to optimise technical quotations which had the following, positive impacts:
- Reduced time required to create technical quotes.
- Plans for a second phase to allow business partners to self-select pumps, improving service and efficiency.
This new capability aligns with the company’s commitment to responsiveness, enabling quicker and more accurate customer service.
Internship programme
Apex Pumps utilised Made Smarter’s internship programme to address a resource gap in their digitalisation efforts. The team were able to employ a fully funded intern who was undertaking an undergraduate degree that aligned with the work Apex Pumps do. The intern was tasked with digitising legacy parts that predated the company’s 3D CAD system. The internship:
- Provided valuable data for the engineering team to innovate and future-proof pump designs.
- Accelerated the company’s innovation timeline by approximately a year, bringing new products to market more quickly.
The internship also offered practical experience for an undergraduate, bridging academic knowledge with real-world engineering.
Leadership training
Apex Pumps’ leadership team also took the opportunity to partake in the ‘Driving technological change’ digital leadership course to improve the management of IT and digital transformation projects across the business.
The course covered a range of topics, including what new industry 4.0 technologies are available, accounting, and strategic planning. It also highlighted the importance of stepping back from daily operations to take a broader view of business goals – something which the team at Apex had previously struggled to do. The team expect the course to deliver future benefits such as:
- Improved management of digital change.
- A more open mindset toward new business models, AI, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
How could your business benefit from Made Smarter?
Manufacturing and production businesses, based in the West of England can now apply for a variety of specialised support including grant funding, digital leadership training and access to a fully-funded student intern.
You'll also get a 1:1 consultation with an expert from NCC who will undertake an audit to assess the current status of your business and areas of improvement. They will also recommend which measures from Made Smarter are most suitable to your business.
