Middy's Smart Apps
Digital innovation program to improve day to day operations of Australia’s largest independent electrical wholesaler.
Digital innovation program to improve day to day operations of Australia’s largest independent electrical wholesaler.
Ackama is working with Middy’s on a long-term digital innovation program to create internal tools that help staff complete core operational tasks more easily. The tools are called Smart Apps. They are built on top of the existing Pronto ERP system and designed to work within the constraints of current infrastructure.
The suite includes:
These tools give staff a way to work more efficiently and accurately, without needing to navigate the complexity of ERP systems. They are web-based, lightweight, and designed to be used directly on the warehouse floor.
“Smart Apps started as a simple idea – make it easier for our people to do their jobs well. Instead of forcing branches to adapt to the system, we built solutions around their real workflows.” – Darren Edgerton, Chief Information Officer, Middy’s
The program has also delivered measurable business benefits. Middy’s no longer needs to shut down branches for stocktakes, saving on overtime and lost trading hours. In one end-of-year period, over 80% of stock was counted in five days without closing stores.
“It’s the best thing that Middy’s have ever done.” – Middy’s Branch Manager
The cycle counting approach has passed external audit review, supporting more accurate financial reporting. Real-time dashboards provide insight into performance and help reduce stock variance, and the Smart Pricing tool allows more consistent margin management without extra admin at the branch level. Together, the Smart Apps suite improves operational control and reduces cost while making work simpler for staff on the ground.
The first app in the program was Smart Cycle Count. Previously, Middy’s branches closed for a full day once a year to complete a stocktake. This approach caused fatigue, overtime, and inaccuracy. Smart Cycle Count allows branches to count small batches of stock every day. The system prioritises high-turnover products and tracks progress against daily targets.
Each branch gets a live dashboard showing how many items have been counted, how that compares to the target, and where variances have occurred. Regional dashboards give area managers a full view of how their branches are performing.
The app connects directly to Pronto using a custom-built API layer. Pronto remains the source of truth, but the user interface and workflow are managed through a separate web app built with Django and HTMX. This makes the experience cleaner and faster without requiring a complete ERP rebuild.
After a small-scale launch at the Oakleigh (VIC) branch, the app was rolled out to more than 100 locations within six weeks. The rollout included a mix of in-person and remote training, supported by Middy’s internal teams.
Ackama worked closely with branch teams during the rollout to identify workflow issues and prioritise improvements. This included dealing with:
New features were added to address these problems. Users can now flag a stock item as found in a different location and assign it to the correct bin. Related products can be grouped so staff are reminded to count both during the same batch. Variance reporting shows mismatches in real time and helps staff quickly understand what needs review.
The app was designed to be straightforward. Each screen focuses on a single task. Visual feedback is immediate. Printouts are available when staff need them. The approach focuses on reducing friction so that people can focus on the work, not the tool.
“The result is less admin, fewer errors, and more time focused on serving customers — exactly where we want their energy.” – Darren Edgerton, Chief Information Officer, Middy’s
The Smart Cycle Count app was treated as a proof of concept. Its success helped make the case for hiring Middy’s first internal Python developer and investing further in technology built for internal use.
Smart Pricing is now in pilot. It allows the head office to define margin targets by product group and send pricing recommendations to branches for feedback. This reduces the administrative load on branch managers and allows better national coordination.
Smart Reordering is being scoped. It will use sales data, supplier terms, and minimum order volumes to suggest stock purchases for each location. This will help reduce under – and over – ordering and improve the way volume-based pricing is managed.
The Smart Apps suite is not a replacement for the ERP. It is a practical way to improve the parts of the workflow that need to work better for staff and the business.
“Smart Apps has proven that innovation can be both strategic and hands-on. It’s been one of the most practical and rewarding digital initiatives we have undertaken at Middy’s. The best technology feels invisible – it just makes the work easier.” – Darren Edgerton, Chief Information Officer, Middy’s.
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