Nordell

For nearly 60 years, Nordell has built a reputation for quality, innovation and operational excellence. Today, the company employs more than 80 people and continues to invest in automation, AI-assisted quality control, ERP integration, data-driven processes, and energy-efficient operations. 

With customer expectations evolving and manufacturing becoming increasingly data-led, the business recognised an opportunity to build on these foundations by making better use of data, reducing manual administration, and ensuring its systems could support future growth. 

Nordell’s Made Smarter journey began with a Digital Transformation Workshop, delivered by Technology Adviser Jez Heys and Organisational Workforce Development Adviser Chitra Cherodian. 

The workshop examined the company’s people, processes, and systems, helping to create a roadmap for digital improvement and identify practical opportunities where technology could support efficiency, skills development, and growth. 

Paul Mason completed the 14-week Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme, developing the skills and confidence to lead Nordell's digital transformation. Emma Hall, General Manager and Head of HR, later completed the programme, further strengthening the company's capability. 

Louie Rowe, Marketing Assistant, and Jon Smyth, Compliance Manager, also completed the Digital Champions programme, developing the skills needed to identify, implement and embed digital improvement projects across the business. 

One opportunity identified in the roadmap was to reduce the time spent processing supplier invoices. As a result, Nordell secured a £17,000 grant towards a £34,000 investment in Demi AP, an automated invoice processing solution integrated with its existing DELMIAWorks ERP system. 

The software uses AI to capture information from supplier invoices, check it against purchase orders and company records, flag discrepancies for review, and provide visibility of every invoice from receipt through to payment. 

The new system is expected to save more than 60 hours of manual administration every month, allowing staff to focus on higher-value activities that support growth, customer service and continuous improvement. 

By automatically checking invoices and providing a clearer view of each stage of the process, the system will improve accuracy, reduce delays, and give managers better visibility of spending, approvals, and cashflow. 

The project also provides Nordell with a stronger foundation for future ERP-linked automation projects, making it easier to connect new systems and share information securely across the business. 

Paul said: “Nordell has always tried to be ahead of the curve when it comes to digital innovation. We introduced a fully integrated ERP system ahead of many businesses in our sector, and were early adopters of data-led manufacturing and generative AI technology, including within our quality and support functions. 

“Further digital innovation is something we are always keen to explore. We joined the Made Smarter programme to challenge our thinking, strengthen our internal skills, and identify practical opportunities where technology could support the next stage of our growth. 

“This investment goes beyond digitising a finance process. It is focused on creating a platform for future growth, freeing our people to focus on activities that add value, and giving us better visibility and control across the business. 

“The framework introduced through the programme has supported successful implementation and real-world use across a wide variety of initiatives. It is very much a plan-to-succeed model, and has strengthened our clarity and confidence. 

“The skills programmes have also been excellent. Listening to others, sharing challenges, and hearing how people have overcome similar issues has brought real energy to the room.”