ABLOY UK streamlines returns, reduces errors, and improves visibility with a Power Platform solution.
Project Type: Power Platform Sector: Security
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ABLOY UK’s internal product returns process was in need of a serious update. The company had been relying on an outdated Microsoft Access database to manage returns, but over time, the system had become slow, unreliable, and difficult to maintain. It lacked integration with other business systems, forcing staff to re-enter information manually, which increased the risk of errors. The old interface also made the process more frustrating for users and offered limited visibility for other departments who needed access to returns data.
These issues were impacting efficiency and limiting the company’s ability to scale or improve the process further. There was no effective platform for onboarding, sharing policies, or celebrating internal news. Key processes such as “Ask the CEO” were handled through non-anonymous emails, limiting honest feedback. Additionally, there was no centralised system for managing controlled documents or contracts, creating version control risks and unnecessary admin overhead.
ABLOY UK, part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, is a trusted leader in locks and access control. Known for reliability and innovation, their solutions protect offices, industry, and public services worldwide. They also run a training academy to keep partners up to date.
Following a demo of Microsoft 365 tools and an exploratory workshop with Valto, ABLOY UK asked us to redesign their returns process using Microsoft’s Power Platform. We began with a detailed discovery phase to understand the business needs and technical limitations of the current setup. From there, we designed and built a tailored model-driven app that would replace the legacy system entirely. The new platform uses Microsoft Dataverse that integrates seamlessly with ABLOY’s existing product database, removing the need for duplicate data entry. It also features automated workflows, reducing the chances of human error and keeping everything running smoothly in the background.
To improve how returns are tracked, we introduced QR code functionality via a custom-built Azure Function, allowing items to be followed through the process more easily. We also created custom pages to manage product assessments and added the ability to capture and upload photos directly into the system, something the old platform couldn’t support. The project was supported by detailed documentation, training for users, and post-launch support to ensure everything continued to run as expected.
Since launching the new system, ABLOY UK has seen a marked improvement in how returns are handled. Automation has helped reduce errors, and integration with existing systems means employees no longer need to input the same information multiple times. Departments such as Customer Service and Workshop team now have better visibility into the returns process, making it easier to respond to queries and track issues.
The updated user interface has been well received by the team, who find it much more intuitive and easier to use. Their concerns about adoption were addressed through extensive end user testing and hands-on training, which helped ensure a smooth rollout. Valto’s experience with the Power Platform, custom development, and system integration was key to delivering a stable, future-ready solution.
Moving forward, ABLOY UK plans to monitor performance closely and gather feedback from users to inform future improvements.
"This project was a great example of how the Power Platform can completely modernise a legacy process. By replacing ABLOY UK’s old Access database with a tailored, integrated solution, we not only streamlined returns but also gave teams across the business the visibility and efficiency they needed. It’s a future-ready platform that will keep delivering value as their needs evolve."
Ben Breeden,
Developer, Valto
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