Softlabs Group Team Visits UK Client FP McCann
Date - 06/08/2026
Introduction
Softlabs Group’s team recently visited multiple sites of its UK client, FP McCann, including factory, depot, and quarry locations, to gain first-hand insights into manufacturing operations, technology adoption, and operational excellence.
The visit provided the team with valuable first-hand insights into FP McCann’s production processes, safety practices, AI-powered quality control systems, and the day-to-day use of Qload Web across quarry operations. The experience also created an opportunity for direct interaction with operational teams and end users, helping identify practical feedback for future technology enhancements.
FP McCann Site Visits Offer First-Hand Manufacturing Exposure
The Softlabs Group team visited three FP McCann factory and depot sites as part of the tour, gaining a deeper understanding of how large-scale manufacturing operations are managed across the business.
Before entering each facility, all visitors completed a mandatory safety induction and were provided with the required personal protective equipment, including helmets, safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing, and safety footwear. Each guided tour lasted between one and two hours and covered the complete production journey, from raw materials to finished products.
The visits highlighted the importance of safety, structured processes, quality control, and operational discipline in a high-performance manufacturing environment.
Factory Tour Highlights at Cadeby, Ellistown and Byley Depot
At the Cadeby and Ellistown sites, the team observed the production of several FP McCann products, including roof tiles, pipes, and headwall solutions. These visits provided a clear view of the company’s manufacturing standards and quality-focused production practices.
The visit to Byley Depot was one of the key highlights of the tour. As one of FP McCann’s largest and most technologically advanced facilities, Byley Depot showcased the production of major precast concrete structures, including prison walls and cells, large-scale bridge components, and other heavy precast products.
The experience helped the team understand how complex manufacturing workflows are managed at scale and how technology continues to support efficiency, consistency, and quality across production lines.
AI-Powered Quality Control Demonstrates Manufacturing Innovation
A standout feature of the Byley Depot visit was its AI-driven quality control system. Cameras positioned along the production line capture each product in high-resolution 3D. These images are then stitched together to create a complete digital model of the product.
The AI system analyses this digital model against the original design specifications and automatically identifies defects or deviations. This allows the production team to review issues quickly and take corrective action where required.
The system demonstrates how AI can support manufacturing teams by improving product quality, increasing inspection efficiency, and helping reduce manual review challenges in complex production environments.
The session was led by Andy Slavin, who shared insights into the technological advancements already implemented across the facility, along with future plans for innovation and digital transformation.
Ireland Quarry Visits Provide Qload Web Feedback
The visit also included several quarry depots in Ireland, where the Softlabs team observed live operations using Qload Web. The Quarry module has been fully operational for the past two to three months following migration from the previous system.
Seeing Qload Web in active day-to-day use gave the team valuable insight into how Custom Software Development can support quarry operations, improve workflow visibility, and adapt to the practical needs of end users.
Operators shared useful suggestions for both Qload Web and the Quarry module. This feedback will help shape future improvements and ensure the platform continues to support real operational needs effectively.
Collaboration Between Technology Teams and End Users
The site visits reinforced the importance of close collaboration between technology teams and end users. By observing live operations and listening directly to operator feedback, the Softlabs team gained a better understanding of how digital systems perform in real working environments.
This type of engagement helps bridge the gap between software development and practical usage. It also supports continuous improvement by ensuring that future updates are based on real user needs, operational challenges, and business priorities.
The visit reflected the value of combining industry knowledge, technology expertise, and user feedback to improve systems that support day-to-day operations.
Key Highlights
The FP McCann site visits included several important highlights:
- Visits to three factory and depot sites
- Safety induction and PPE compliance before facility entry
- Guided tours covering the complete production journey
- Observation of roof tile, pipe, headwall and precast concrete production
- Visit to Byley Depot, one of FP McCann’s major advanced facilities
- Exposure to AI-powered 3D quality control technology
- Live observation of Qload Web usage across quarry operations
- Feedback collection from weighbridge operators
- Discussion on future improvements for Qload Web and the Quarry module
Acknowledgement Section
Softlabs Group thanks the FP McCann team for hosting the site visits and providing detailed insights into manufacturing operations, quality control practices, quarry workflows, and technology adoption across the business.
The team also appreciates Andy Slavin for leading the session at Byley Depot and sharing valuable perspectives on current technological advancements and future innovation plans.
Softlabs Group also acknowledges the weighbridge operators and operational teams who shared practical feedback on Qload Web and the Quarry module.
Conclusion
The FP McCann site visits provided Softlabs Group with meaningful exposure to large-scale manufacturing, quarry operations, AI-powered quality control, and real-world system usage.
From observing production processes at Cadeby, Ellistown and Byley Depot to reviewing live Qload Web operations across Ireland quarry depots, the visit offered valuable insights into how technology can support safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
The experience highlighted FP McCann’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence, while also reinforcing Softlabs Group’s focus on building technology solutions that are shaped by real business environments and end-user feedback.
