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Industrial Doors & Shutters
When the Standard Solution Isn’ t Enough
The value of technical expertise becomes particularly clear when a project doesn’ t fit neatly into a standard application.
Not every technical challenge can be solved with an off-the-shelf product. Sometimes, finding the right solution means thinking differently about how existing products and technologies can work together.
One of the more demanding examples for our technical team came when Ellard was asked to develop a bespoke interlock system for a school that was due to open the following day.
Tom
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Our relationship with customers doesn’ t stop when a product leaves our warehouse
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Mark Grice
Mark Grice recalls the challenge: What was the challenge you were faced with?
“ We were brought in to develop a special interlock system for the school, which was due to open the following day. This was a special entrance that was actually being installed specifically for Prince George. There was a very tight deadline, so we knew we had to come up with a solution quickly and, more importantly, make sure it worked reliably.”
What did the solution involve?
“ The system needed to work alongside an ANPR system. When the vehicle was recognised, it would trigger the interlock and activate an airlock system to control access.
“ This wasn’ t something we could simply take off the shelf. We had to develop a bespoke panel and think about how we could bring our existing products and technology together in a way that we’ d never really done before.”
How did the team approach such a tight deadline?
“ There was a lot of pressure because the school was opening the next day. We had to be intuitive and think outside the box to find a solution that would work within the time we had.
“ The team stayed on site until around 11pm the night before the opening, working to get everything completed and to the standard we expected. It was a challenging project, but everyone was determined to get it over the line.”
What was the outcome?
“ We got the system completed and ready for the opening, and the customer was over the moon with the support we provided. For me, that’ s what technical support is all about— sometimes you have to go beyond the standard application of a product, understand what the customer actually needs and find a way to make it work.”
Mark’ s experience is a good example of what happens when product knowledge is combined with practical problem-solving and determination. It’ s also a reminder that technical support isn’ t always about having an immediate answer— sometimes it’ s about having the expertise to find one.
More Than a Supplier
For Ellard, technical expertise is an important part of the service we provide— from equipping our sales team with the knowledge they need, to supporting customers with technical resources, installation guidance and problem-solving.
Ryan
As our product range continues to grow across motorisation, automation, fire safety and smart-home technology, we’ re continuing to invest in the people, knowledge and resources behind those products.
Our technical team’ s experience and direct contact with customers also gives us valuable insight into the challenges faced in the field, helping to inform how we develop and improve our products.
Because being the best supplier isn’ t just about having the right products. It’ s about having the knowledge, expertise and people behind them to help our customers succeed.
Need technical advice?
Whether you’ re planning an installation, working through a technical challenge or simply need some additional guidance, our technical team is ready to help.
Get in touch with Ellard today and speak to our technical team.
www. ellard. co. uk
Door Industry Journal Autumn 2026
57