Innovation in action: inspired thinking delivers a smart solution
Innovation often comes from seeing everyday objects in a new light, and that's exactly what happened when the System Integration (SI) department at our Lintott business identified a need for a more versatile solution for displaying HMI screens.
The team required a single, adjustable screen holder capable of accommodating a variety of HMI screen sizes. It needed to be secure, stable and practical, providing a professional platform for colleagues and clients when interfacing with equipment.
Recognising the challenge, Deb Mott from Lintott, Norwich took the initiative to develop a solution. After carefully assessing the requirements, taking detailed measurements and exploring a range of options, Deb found inspiration in an unexpected place: a set of antique sliding bookends.
Drawing on the simple but effective adjustable mechanism of the bookends, Deb designed a bespoke HMI screen holder that could easily adapt to different screen sizes while remaining robust and user-friendly. She then brought the concept to life, fabricating the holder herself and transforming an innovative idea into a practical piece of equipment.
The result has been an overwhelming success.
The new holder has been enthusiastically received across the SI Department, with colleagues impressed by both its functionality and thoughtful design. In fact, demand to be the first to use it has been so high that it has become something of a talking point within the team.
This innovation is a fantastic example of how creativity, practical problem-solving and fresh thinking can drive continuous improvement. By looking beyond conventional solutions and drawing inspiration from an everyday object, Deb has delivered a simple yet highly effective improvement that will benefit both colleagues and clients.
A huge thank you to Deb for her ingenuity, attention to detail and commitment to finding better ways of working. Her achievement demonstrates how innovative thinking and individual initiative can make a real difference, turning a challenge into a lasting improvement for the business.