Apator reveals details of digital changes. It tries to anticipate, not just react.

• "We are preparing to build an AI server in Toruń, where we will learn new elements related to maintenance and preventative maintenance of equipment, the use of the Internet of Things, and communication with machines. It is important for us to anticipate events, not just react to them," says Sławomir Migała, Operations Director at Apator.
• One of the most significant investments of Grupa Apator (a manufacturer of measurement equipment and systems for the electricity, water, and heat sectors) in recent years was the purchase of an SMT machine for integrated circuit assembly. The cost of this investment was several million zlotys.
• Apator Group is also preparing to implement a new ERP system. The ERP implementation will be completed in 2026.
• This text is based on a conversation – part of a series of interviews that will serve as the basis for the report "From Tape to Algorithm. How Digitalization Shapes the Future of Industry," prepared by WNP Economic Trends in connection with the New Industry Forum (Katowice, October 14-15, 2025). The premiere will take place in October.

"In recent years, we have allocated a significant portion of our capital expenditures to the purchase and development of machinery and the automation of production processes. This is a conscious response to growing cost pressures – including the dynamic increase in the minimum wage – and a way to maintain the competitiveness and profitability of our products and services. Robotization also translates into higher quality and repeatability of products and enables the implementation of more complex solutions, including in the area of ​​communication systems – as clearly demonstrated by the new generation of meters," says WNP Sławomir Migała, Operations Director at Apator.

The newest production line of this type in Poland

One of the Apator Group's most significant investments in recent years was the purchase of an SMT machine for integrated circuit assembly. The cost of this investment was several million PLN. Compared to previous generations, the new line is equipped with an X-ray machine that checks the soldering quality of BGA integrated circuits.

Currently, this is the newest production line of its kind in Poland – owned by the Japanese company Fuji. The launch of the new investment has increased efficiency by 30% and enabled the achievement of new functionalities. The line assembles complex electronic systems for companies within the Apator Group, which will be used, for example, in the production of ultrasonic water meters.

Another major recent implementation at Grupa Apator involves visual inspection support using artificial intelligence-based systems. Apator currently has eight such stations.

"Another important investment in digitalization that we've made over the last five years was the implementation of an MES (manufacturing execution system – ed.), which digitizes production: from fully digitized documentation, through production plans, product tracking at every step of the production process, material issuance and verification of proper material use, to confirming the quantity of items produced and quality control. Currently , we have no paper process documentation in production; everything happens digitally, " says Sławomir Migała.

Preparations are underway to implement a new ERP system

"Cybersecurity is very important to us. Group companies operate in accordance with the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard, and numerous procedures and activities have been implemented in the field of cybersecurity, including systematic monitoring of IT infrastructure, regular security tests, employee training, and updating of security mechanisms," emphasizes the Chief Operating Officer of Apator SA.

The Apator Group is preparing to implement a new ERP system. "We are currently in the proof-of-concept phase, but it is already clear that a solution will be implemented that will significantly improve the group's operations and competitiveness," our source added.

The new ERP system will introduce additional functionalities, such as a long-term sales and operations planning (S&OP) system. Few companies utilize this type of tool.

- We believe in this solution because it brings us great benefits, both in sales planning and in adapting production capacity to market demand - assures Sławomir Migała.

The ERP system implementation will be completed in 2026.

Consolidation of some operational processes is underway

Apator operates an ERP system, but each company in the Apator Group has a slightly different version. The new system will be more modern, better meet the company's needs, and – importantly – will be common to all companies in the Apator Group.

Many processes are already being shared; consolidation of some operational and business support processes is underway. The goal is to simplify management of the entire Apator Group. This will also facilitate ESG and carbon footprint reporting. The new system will significantly improve the quality of service for the capital group.

- Some of the things we do manually in Excel today will be "applied" to the ERP system, so our efficiency and speed of operation will be much greater - declares Sławomir Migała.

And he sums up: investments in Apator are divided into the sphere of digitalization of production, company operations and hard robotization of production - in order to reduce production costs and increase production capabilities.

The Group must maintain an appropriate level of employment

It is not without reason that the Apator Group is preparing for further investments...

"We're preparing to build an AI server in Toruń, where we'll learn new elements related to maintenance and preventative maintenance of equipment, the use of the Internet of Things, and communication with machines. It's important for us to anticipate events, not just react to them. There are many possibilities for using AI, which we're currently analyzing... We want to adapt and develop them step by step. It's crucial that our staff perceive these types of solutions as benefits for the company and opportunities for growth," explains Sławomir Migała.

The manager explains that Apator does not assume that it will reduce employment as a result of digitalization and automation.

- On the contrary: we operate within a special economic zone and we must maintain an appropriate level of employment - explains Sławomir Migała.

Apator also uses temporary employment agencies.

"We operate in a specific market and also participate in public tenders. When we win large tenders, we periodically increase our headcount, and then we collaborate with employment agencies. Of course, we strive to retain the core of our employees, which ensures the stability of our operations," explains Sławomir Migała.

In his opinion, it has been difficult to recruit well-educated employees in recent years. Even university graduates don't provide the necessary skills that can be immediately applied in industry. Therefore, Apator is training its employees to meet market requirements.

Apator Group collaborates—although to a limited extent—with universities to recruit appropriately trained employees; there are no specific needs in this regard. However, there are examples of collaboration between some Apator Group companies and universities, for example, on joint research and development projects or conferences.

Artificial Intelligence and ESG Reporting

A potentially future-proof area of ​​innovation is artificial intelligence, which is much talked about, but its potential is not always fully exploited...

"There's often a lack of knowledge about artificial intelligence. We've already completed our first AI training sessions at the board and management levels; we know the potential for its use and have already implemented some solutions. To utilize AI, companies will need either qualified in-house employees or external partners. Today, we're moving more toward external partners," says Sławomir Migała.

Digitalization should also help the industry meet new obligations, such as ESG reporting.

- The new ERP system in Grupa Apator will certainly be configured to support ESG reporting and provide management data that will enable us to make investment decisions in a way that will improve our organization and reduce the negative impact on the environment - says Sławomir Migała.

He announced that Grupa Apator has developed the Omnitorus system for managing utility utilities. It is designed for those who want to save money and continuously analyze their utility costs. The system analyzes consumption of electricity, heat, water, and gas, among other things.

"We are currently modernizing this system and will be implementing it at our facilities. I believe that the data we will obtain from Omnitorus will translate into improved organizational efficiency and a reduction in our carbon footprint. We have already identified key investments, which we will definitely implement," concludes Sławomir Migała.