By Ella Glover, operations and projects, UKO Group.
In an industry where precision, speed, and reliability are paramount, at UKO Group we have positioned ourselves as a digital frontrunner in the fenestration sector. Our recently introduced online order and quote portal isn’t just a customer-facing tool, it’s a testament to the power of technology-led transformation, a cornerstone of a fully connected ecosystem that redefines how technology supports both trade professionals and internal teams.
A portal built for performance
At the heart of this transformation is our scalable, cloud-based infrastructure designed to grow with demand and integrate seamlessly across three UKO Group brands. Built with a focus on user-centric design and service innovation, it reflects our commitment to streamlining workflows for both trade professionals and our internal teams.
The portal empowers customers to configure products, generate quotes, and place orders with real-time visibility into stock, costings and lead times. Behind the scenes, secure APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and automated order routing systems ensure speed, accuracy, and reliability.
To make the process even more intuitive, we’ve introduced free online design tools that allow customers to visualise and configure their fenestration solutions before placing an order. This feature not only enhances the customer experience but also reduces errors and accelerates decision-making.
Factory-level innovation
We’ve taken our office efficiency and implemented it into our factory. We’ve introduced scan points in our factory using production system, EvoNET by Business Micros, enabling real-time tracking of components throughout production. This innovation minimises the risk of missing parts on deliveries and provides full visibility across the supply chain.
Integration that drives efficiency
We are committed to ensuring our workflows are seamless for both our team and our customers and this extends beyond the portal. The backbone of this transformation is a robust integration strategy that connects multiple systems.
EvoNET processing tool: Orders are inputted into EvoNET post ordering and then are tracked at every stage, eliminating chances of missing or wrong parts and ensures no orders get lost in manufacturing. This automation ensures accuracy at every stage.
Transport software: Logistics are optimised through transport software that works hand-in-hand with our CRM. It auto-routes delivery postcodes, ensuring efficient scheduling and reducing fuel costs, all while improving delivery reliability for customers.
CRM connectivity: Both software’s work alongside our CRM system, which manages manufacturing schedules and delivery diaries, ensuring a seamless process from order to delivery.
Our investment in IT and technology doesn’t stop at software. At Trade Window Centre, part of UKO Group, we recently invested in a state-of-the-art Haffner CNC machine. This has not only integrated into workflow and expanded transport fleet logistics supported by smart tracking systems, both increasing our production capacity to benefit our customers but also landed us a place on the shortlist for investment project of the year at the 2026 Insider Made in Yorkshire awards.
A connected ecosystem
For us, digital transformation isn’t just about having an online presence or isolated tools, it’s about creating a connected ecosystem that benefits our customers but also our teams by enabling them with data-driven insights and operational efficiency.
By integrating technology across every touchpoint, we’ve:
• Improved customer service and transparency.
• Reduced pressure on internal teams, freeing them to focus on value-added tasks.
• Delivered operational efficiencies that translate into faster lead times and fewer errors.
• Set up a real-time analytics dashboard for performance monitoring and customer behaviour insights.
As the fenestration industry continues to evolve, our digital infrastructure sets a new benchmark for what’s possible when IT and customer service merge. Embracing this technology and integrating it across all points in our businesses is improving customer service and experience and takes pressure off our teams to be able to free them up to provide better service for customers too.
It is a strategic asset driving growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
