A new digital platform designed specifically for the scaffolding sector is being launched, with its backers claiming it could transform the way contractors run their operations.
Baton, a scaffolding management system, has been in development for more than four years and is now being made available to early adopters. Unlike general business tools, it is described as the first full enterprise resource planning (ERP) system created solely for scaffolding companies.
Backed by a leading industry figure
Well-known scaffolding figure Des Moore has thrown his weight behind the system, saying it tackles some of the sector’s most persistent challenges.
“Too often, vital information is scattered across paper files, spreadsheets or different systems,” he said. “That makes it difficult for companies to get a real-time picture of what is happening. Baton brings all of that together in one place.”
Moore added that during his career, he has seen firsthand how fragmented information can restrict growth. “Having a central source of truth across a business is vital, and Baton finally delivers that for our industry,” he said.
Tackling common problems
The software is designed to provide greater oversight and control of day-to-day operations. Features include:
- Real-time attendance tracking, no-show monitoring and wage automation
- Oversight of plant, transport and processing costs
- Clear breakdown of project costs, including yard, site, prelim and consumables
- Digital handovers issued on site and linked to contracted work items
- Revenue forecasting and improved cashflow management
Accessible on any device, Baton allows staff in the office, yard or on-site to work from the same information. The system is also designed to be tailored to each business, whatever processes or systems they currently use.
Companies already trialling the software have reported improvements in efficiency, better visibility of financial data and faster decision-making.
A personal commitment
Des Moore, former CEO of the TRAD Group, said his decision to get directly involved with Baton reflects how strongly he believes in its potential.
“I hate the term game-changer, because it’s so overused,” he said. “But I can’t think of a better way to describe what Baton brings to the market. When I was scaling TRAD Scaffolding, this type of system would have been invaluable.”
He added that, just as he has long promoted system scaffolding for its impact on business performance, he believes Baton could deliver a similar long-term benefit for contractors.
Moore has committed both his time and financial investment to the company. He has taken on the role of Chief Business Development Officer, helping to establish Baton’s presence in the sector and shaping its growth strategy.
“I’ll be bringing my executive experience and my many years of running scaffolding operations,” he said. “That gives me a clear understanding of the challenges contractors face – and how Baton can help solve them.”
Market launch
Baton was originally developed in partnership with a single contractor before being expanded into a product for the wider market. The software has since gone through a beta testing process with selected firms.
It will be showcased at ScaffEx 25 in September, where Moore will be on Baton’s stand (E8) throughout the day on Thursday, 11 September. He will also introduce company co-founder Matthew Loddy in the Demo Zone at 12.15pm, when Loddy will demonstrate how Baton works.
Firms interested in becoming open beta or early adopters are encouraged to contact the company directly.
More information is available at www.baton.build or by emailing [email protected]
