Introducing the Holstein UK Group Digital Transformation Project

The Holstein UK Group has changed significantly over the last 30 years. From the split from the Republic of Ireland, the purchase of CIS in 2001, the creation of the Telford Laboratory in 2012, the launch of NBDC in 2017 and the development of Scope House following its purchase in 2021. The services we deliver are more complex, reaching many more customers across 23 different breeds of cattle. And importantly, the information we need to provide our farmers to enable them to make the best decisions for their herds is changing rapidly.

The Board of Trustees recognises the need for change. The investment in our state of the art facilities at Scope House was the beginning of our new journey and provided the physical space to improve and expand. Our next step is to transform our digital estate, and the key to the success of this project was the appointment of Michael Halliwell, Group Commercial Director, who is the project lead.

Why Do We Need a Digital Transformation Project?

Our current systems have served us well, but the organic nature of our growth has resulted in disjointed systems which do not talk to each other easily. The complexity of our data has increased, and data is replicated in multiple databases so when we need to make changes, the timelines are excessive. This means that we cannot quickly grasp opportunities that become available and reduces our ability to improve and enhance services. We are also experiencing more system downtime as technology moves so quickly, and there is a constant need to update versions.

What Will The Project Do?

Although we are only at the solution architecture stage, we have a clear vision for the future. Our systems must be flexible so we can adapt to the changing requirements of our farmers, future customers and the devolved Governments. We will have an online portal where all services are available in one place, irrespective of which company provides them. And our staff will have the tools they need to provide the excellent services our farmers rightly expect. 

Change of this magnitude does not happen overnight. This is a multi-year project with many hurdles to cross. We need to take time to make the right decisions at the right time and involve appropriate stakeholders (staff, members, customers and farm advisors) as mistakes at this level can be costly.

The Board of Trustees have agreed a significant budget for this project, which will be funded by the interest generated from the investment of the proceeds of the sale of Scotsbridge House.     

We will provide further updates as we move through the project.