A major player in the UK's ceramic tiles industry, Craven Dunnill, has embarked on a digitisation journey in collaboration with Aston University. The Shropshire-based company, with over 150 years of operational history, has paired up with the University via a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP) to streamline and digitise its warehouse processes and practices.

The mKTP is a tripartite agreement among a business, an academic establishment, and a highly skilled researcher named a KTP associate. This UK-wide programme seeks to enhance business competitiveness and productivity by leveraging knowledge, technology, and skills. Aston University, a leading provider of KTPs, has seen commendable success, with Innovate UK rating 80% of their concluded initiatives either very good or outstanding.

Craven Dunnill plans to revamp its processes and practices, such as ordering, purchasing, stock and warehouse and delivery planning, among others. The company also aims to integrate its different business divisions as part of the long-term growth plan. A crucial element of the project is to devise an accurate real-time warehouse management system, an essential need within a company dealing with different production batches that might vary in colour and size.

Aston University's Professor Ben Clegg and Dr Gajanan Panchal guide the digitisation project from an academic standpoint. Professor Clegg has originated a successful methodology, Process Oriented Holonic Modelling (PrOH Modelling), utilised for involving employees in organisational change with systems modelling. Dr Panchal brings to the table his expertise in logistics and supply chain management.

Completing the team for this journey is KTP associate, Dr Olanrewaju Sanda, who has commenced investigations into warehouse issues, focusing specifically on inventory accuracy and stock selection. He will be digitalising operational systems, which includes the construction of a digital dashboard to symbolise the factory, moving it towards a digital twin.

Simon Howells, CEO of Craven Dunnill, views the mKTP as an opportunity to augment the pace of change and developmental dynamism within the company, asserting that obtaining prime advice and expertise is imperative for the company's long-term growth. Professor Clegg believes that the more the involvement in the project, the more its success, attributing the company's interest in the distinctive amalgamation of technological know-how, logistics, and expertise in organisational change offered by them. Echoing these sentiments, Dr Sanda underscored the importance of resolving high-level problems at the warehouse to place the company in the best possible position for the future.