Transforming Operations in Construction: A Multi-Division Digital Journey with Smiths Group

Smiths Group, a multi-division engineering and manufacturing enterprise with over 500 employees across nine divisions, embarked on a digital transformation journey to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and modernise workforce management.

Worksmatic partnered with Smiths Group as their dedicated digital transformation and software consultancy partner. Together, we launched a tailored, multi-phase rollout of our platform to centralise operations, digitise compliance, and drive efficiency — all while maintaining business continuity and aligning with Smiths’ unique workflows.

Our journey began with an in-depth needs analysis across Smith’s operations. We assessed:

• Existing operational processes
• Health & safety protocols
• Compliance management practices
• Current software ecosystem and gaps
• Key improvement areas identified by senior stakeholders

The goal was clear: to build a centralised platform that connects people, processes, and priorities, tailored specifically to Smith’s needs.

We followed this with a collaborative strategy session involving key stakeholders from across the organisation. Together, we:

• Defined critical business priorities
• Identified internal champions (“ambassadors”) to drive adoption
• Aligned our deployment roadmap with business goals
• Ensured continuity of operations throughout the transition

The initial rollout focused on the Time & Attendance to Payroll module, acting as the foundational layer that integrates all users, from full-time staff to subcontractors and external stakeholders.

Key features delivered:

• Custom permissions trees, ensuring each user accesses only what they need
• Streamlined workflows for document sharing, communication, and task approvals
• A unified user base to plug into future modules with minimal friction

This phase was deployed over 2–3 months, running in tandem with existing processes to avoid disruption. Configuration was done in real time, adapting to Smith’s evolving needs.

A major focus was payroll — with over 600 employees across six divisions, Smiths required a highly customised system. We worked closely with the accounts team to:

• Map out complex payroll rules and sub-rules
• Address exceptions and edge cases for various employment types
• Build a reliable, scalable payroll engine within the platform

• X% reduction in payroll processing time
• X hours/week saved in administrative workflows
• X% adoption rate within the first 8 weeks
• Improved visibility across teams and compliance functions

With people management in place, we deployed the Health & Safety module. In partnership with Smiths’ SHEQ team, we migrated and rebuilt:

• Preferred audit templates and safety documentation
• Risk assessments, COSHH records, policies, and communication workflows
• Training materials and site-specific requirements

Our approach ensured that Smiths’ safety culture wasn’t just preserved — it was enhanced through smarter workflows and digital access.

We also rolled out in-person training, carefully coordinated with internal ambassadors and site visits across locations. This hands-on, face-to-face engagement was key to:

• Driving adoption and confidence
• Building trust across diverse teams
• Demonstrating real-world use of the system

• Mapping multi-division payroll rules across 600+ employees
• Migrating legacy documentation without disrupting workflows
• Driving user engagement across multiple sites and business units
• Keeping operations live while digitising core systems

• Asset management solutions
• Training and induction digitisation
• Custom-built workflows tailored to division-specific needs