The Challenge
As the business had grown, their existing website - which we’d built for them previously - no longer met their evolving needs. They required a completely new platform that could handle significantly more sophisticated functionality.
Their distributor network needed 24/7 access to product information, compliance documentation, and stock availability. End-users on construction sites and industrial facilities require instant access to safety specifications and certification for individual pieces of equipment. The challenge was to design and build a new website that could bring all of this together in a seamless digital infrastructure, putting control directly in William Hackett’s hands rather than relying on third-party specialist systems commonly used in their industry.
Our Approach
Lazy Grace have worked continuously with William Hackett since 2004, growing alongside them as they’ve developed into the multi-million pound global business they are today. Rather than treating each requirement as a separate project, we’ve taken a true partnership approach - they know we’re here to assist them whenever they need us.
We recognised that William Hackett needed more than just a website. They needed an integrated platform that would serve multiple audiences - their internal team, their distributor network, and end-users of their equipment - while maintaining the highest standards of safety compliance and traceability that their industry demands.
The Solution
Unified Platform with Single Sign-On
We built a completely new website designed to serve as the central hub for all of William Hackett’s digital services. A critical requirement was bringing everything under a single sign-in system - users can now access both the website and mobile app with one set of credentials, significantly improving the user experience and reducing friction for distributors and end-users alike.
Bespoke Website and CMS
The new website features a suite of unique technology applications, fully managed by William Hackett’s small communications team via a bespoke CMS. The system gives the team extensive options for displaying products and content, making it far more flexible than their previous platform.
We built in multi-lingual content input capability from the ground up, meaning the business can target new countries at any time without additional third-party involvement. With the company trading worldwide, this was essential for their continued international growth.
Enhanced User Experience
The new platform makes it significantly easier for users to find what they need - whether searching for CAD files, product information, or technical data sheets. Crucially, the site is optimised for mobile use, recognising that many users access it from construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities where mobile devices are the primary tool.
Sage Integration
Working with William Hackett’s technology partners, we established a secure data feed from their Sage accounts system. We process the data files provided and integrate them seamlessly into the platform, automating what would otherwise be manual data entry and ensuring information remains current.
The Assure Portal
Designed specifically for William Hackett distributors, the Assure Portal provides a comprehensive resource planning and management platform. Distributors can log in 24/7/365 to:
- View real-time stock levels and reserve stock
- Access over 15 years of trading history and Declarations of Conformity
- Retrieve compliance documentation for any product they’ve ever purchased
- Download customer-branded materials - the system automatically applies the distributor’s logo and colour scheme to white-label documentation via PDF generation
- Access product files, including CAD drawings
- Add documentation to individual pieces of equipment (service records, special offers, etc.)
This automated certification management system provides product traceability and compliance documentation to individual serial number level - essential for industries where equipment safety is paramount.
RFID App Integration (The William Hackett App)
We built a mobile app for IOS and Android from the ground up to provide end-users with RFID scanning capabilities on job sites. Construction workers, riggers, and industrial operators can scan RFID tags on lifting equipment to instantly access:
- Up-to-date product specifications
- Safety certification and best practice information
- Certificates of Conformity
- Service history and additional documentation added by distributors
- The app also includes functionality for users to build custom lifting slings, manage their accounts, and download product information - all available wherever and whenever needed.
Crucially, the app integrates seamlessly with the Assure Portal, meaning distributors can update equipment documentation and it’s immediately available to end-users scanning that specific piece of equipment in the field.
The Results
William Hackett now have complete control over their digital infrastructure. Whilst the lifting equipment industry commonly uses third-party specialist technology systems, William Hackett’s decision to commission their own integrated platform puts the power directly in their hands - and builds a significant commercial business asset to boot.
The Assure Portal provides distributors with instant access to everything they need - compliance documentation, stock management, and branded materials - without waiting for business hours or support teams. The RFID app gives end-users critical safety information at the point of use, enhancing safety compliance on job sites worldwide.
We continue to work with William Hackett on design and technology projects that help this forward-thinking company deliver on a worldwide stage.
Services Provided
- Website design and development
- Bespoke CMS with multi-lingual capability
- Assure Portal development for distributor management
- Sage accounts system integration
- RFID mobile app development (iOS and Android)
- Automated PDF generation with custom branding
- Product traceability system (to serial number level)
- Real-time stock management integration
- Ongoing technical partnership and development
