Our Experience From 100+ Implementation Projects
To begin with, at Epoptia, we’ve successfully implemented digital transformation solutions for over 100 manufacturers across various industries worldwide. During a recent interview at the Smart Factory Conference 2025, our Co-Founder and General Manager Ioannis Savvaidis shared valuable insights on what truly makes these projects succeed when industry statistics show that approximately 65-70% typically fail to deliver expected results.
Moreover, through our extensive experience, we’ve identified patterns and strategies that consistently lead to successful digital transformation outcomes. These insights come not from theoretical frameworks but from real-world applications in challenging manufacturing environments.
Born From Real Manufacturing Needs
Unlike many software solutions created in tech bubbles, Epoptia emerged directly from genuine shop floor challenges. When our founder Spiros Tsikopoulos was managing his family’s manufacturing business, he found himself drowning in paperwork while trying to effectively manage 30 employees and grow the company simultaneously.
After searching extensively for appropriate solutions, he discovered a significant gap in the market for software specifically designed for job shop and assembly environments. Consequently, between 2011 and 2017, he built his own solution from the ground up, working directly alongside operators to ensure practical usability in real production settings.
Since officially launching as a company in 2018, we’ve substantially expanded our reach to serve manufacturers across Greece, the United States, the United Kingdom, Croatia, and beyond. Furthermore, our client portfolio now includes industry leaders such as Sunlight, Kleemann, the German company Triathlon, and Forth Innovation in the UK, among many others. Additionally, each of these implementations has further refined our understanding of manufacturing challenges across diverse settings.
Why Operator Engagement Makes or Breaks Projects
Throughout our implementation experience, we’ve consistently found that the biggest concern manufacturers have is straightforward yet profound: “Will my operators actually use the system?”
This concern is entirely legitimate. In most manufacturing environments, operators range widely in their technical proficiency – from tech-savvy individuals to those who barely use smartphones in their daily lives. Therefore, bridging this gap is essential for project success.
Our approach to achieving our remarkable 99% implementation success rate focuses on three interconnected strategies:
1. Design systems that help, not pressure
First and foremost, digital tools should make work easier for operators, not add to their burden. Many systems fail because they feel like surveillance or added work rather than assistance.
2. Incorporate familiar elements
Additionally, we always integrate drawings, spec sheets, or other materials operators already work with daily. This creates an immediate sense of familiarity and practical value, which significantly increases adoption rates.
3. Validate operator concerns
Furthermore, we use the system to document and measure issues that operators may have previously reported but management overlooked. This validation builds trust and demonstrates the system’s value as a communication tool.
As a result of this thoughtful approach, we’ve successfully engaged over 2,500 operators worldwide with our platform, turning potential resistance into enthusiastic adoption.
3 Pillars for Sustainable Implementation
Digital transformation is not simply a one-time project but rather an ongoing journey that requires sustainable approaches. Based on our extensive experience, we’ve identified three essential pillars that support long-term success:
1. Strategic Consulting
First, we help manufacturers understand that moving from the current state to the desired future state requires methodical intermediate steps. For instance, when a client with an underutilized ERP system recently told us they wanted comprehensive tracking of even small components, we explained that first implementing basic warehouse functionality was an essential prerequisite. Through this consultative approach, we create realistic roadmaps based on each company’s current reality rather than imposing idealized but impractical solutions.
2. Flexible Software
Additionally, as companies evolve over time – adding new machines, changing workflows, or restructuring teams – the software must adapt without requiring costly rebuilds. Consequently, our platform offers this flexibility by design, empowering clients to grow organically while their systems evolve alongside them.
3. Enterprise Scalability
Furthermore, for larger clients managing multiple facilities, our system provides a consistent foundation that can scale across locations without starting from scratch each time. This enables standardized processes while accommodating site-specific requirements – a balance that’s crucial for multi-site operations.
The Human Factor: Choose Your Partners Wisely
Our most critical advice for manufacturers embarking on digital transformation journeys? Success ultimately depends on people as much as technology.
Specifically, it’s essential to select internal champions who understand both technological possibilities and production realities. These individuals serve as bridges between different departments and perspectives. Similarly, when choosing external partners, prioritize those with direct experience in your specific manufacturing environment who truly speak your language.
At minimum, ensure your technology partner demonstrates a genuine willingness to go the extra mile for your success. Without this commitment, your project risks becoming another statistic in the high failure rate of digital transformation initiatives.
Συμπέρασμα
To sum up, at Το Epoptia, our deep understanding of job shop and assembly operations, combined with our focus on people-first implementation strategies, continues to deliver exceptional results where others fail. By addressing the technical, operational, and human elements of digital transformation together, we’ve helped manufacturers across industries achieve lasting improvements in productivity, quality, and operational visibility.
The digital future of manufacturing belongs to those who can successfully bridge the gap between advanced technology and shop floor realities – and we’re proud to be leading the way in this critical evolution.
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This article is based on the interview with Ioannis Savvaidis, Co-Founder and General Manager of Epoptia, at the Smart Factory Conference 2025.
