Skip Navigation
Mia

Solar's transformation to drive industry productivity and growth

A warehouse with crates being moves around

Introducing Solar's SmartKit

Solar, a leading B2B service and sourcing provider, is on the journey to amplify its role as a productivity enabler within construction and building operation. Leveraging its robust digital foundation, the company is partnering with Manyone to help them define strategic priorities. Together, we developed SmartKit, a digital service streamlining operations for customers. This collaboration resulted in impressive efficiency gains, significant revenue growth, and a more sustainable approach to resource management.

An animated video showcasing the SmartKit product

Challenge

Unlocking new potential for a mature digital business

Solar has invested years in building an advanced IT infrastructure and a highly efficient e-commerce platform. The challenge was figuring out what came next: how to leverage this foundation to deliver digital services that addressed inefficiencies in the construction sector. The task focused on Solar’s strategic evolution from a wholesaler to a service provider with a clear productivity-enabling mission.


Approach

Collaborating to define and deliver solutions

Cards from a deck with quotes and insights from workshops

We began with workshops to clarify Solar’s strategic direction and goals as a service provider. This included defining their vision as a productivity enabler and developing a strategic playbook. Co-creation sessions followed, where we conceptualized potential services. We further developed one concept, SmartKit, through customer interviews, prototypes, and collaborative design sprints, creating a service that simplified construction site operations.

SmartKit is a digital solution that optimizes material ordering and delivery. Instead of receiving bulk shipments of mixed components, customers get clearly marked kits tailored to each specific job – thereby eliminating manual processes, minimizing errors, and saving time. By ensuring customers only receive the materials they need, the solution also reduces waste.

It was a true pleasure working with Manyone on the SmartKit project. Their expertise was invaluable in helping us conceptualize and refine our ideas, ultimately shaping SmartKit into a valuable service offering for our customers.

Jacob Horn

Commercial Services Director

Solar Group

Outcome

Industry-leading innovation and measurable impact

Three boxes stacked up in a warehouse

SmartKit launched as a service that revolutionized efficiency, reducing material waste by 10% and simplifying workflows. Solar experienced a 52% increase in average order size and a 311% rise in SmartKit customers in the first quarter after launch. The project is also fostering internal innovation, transforming Solar’s approach to service design and customer collaboration.

Solar won Gold in the Value Adding Feature Category of the 2024 Danish Digital Awards.

52%

increase in average order size

311%

growth in customers within the first quarter after launch

10%

reduction in material waste due to improved logistics and packaging

We have seen a significant increase in total order size compared to our average order size in almost all of the customer segments we are serving. SmartKit is truly our 'Swiss Army Knife' service that delivers exceptional value across our many different customer types and user scenarios.

Jacob Horn

Commercial Services Director

Solar Group
A video with animations showcasing the UI and concept behind the SmartKit
A UI framework for the new SmartKit concept
Solar is a resounding winner of the 'Value Adding Feature' category with 100% jury agreement on the gold. Like a LEGO® assembly kit, individual parts are delivered pre-packaged to the right locations, preventing both waste and saving time. The innovative SmartKit solution eliminates friction to such an extent that it must be loved on all construction sites.

Danish Digital Awards 2024

Want to know more?

Looking for more details about this case? Or maybe you have a similar challenge? Just reach out, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. We're here to help.

Mads Kunø

Mads Kunø

Strategy Director

Related work

A stylized visual of the Danske Commodities logo, showing its minimalist and geometric design as a cutout, representing its versatile brand application.

Danske Commodities

Rebranding a global leader in renewable energy

Two people on an escalator smiling and in conversation

KONE

Brand positioning and strategy

Two young people in the forrest taking a selfie

Norlys

Designing a groundbreaking industry merger