Latvian companies are becoming increasingly digital! In the new “Digitalisation Success Stories” series, we will meet entrepreneurs who have developed their businesses with the help of technology and LIAA grant support – from automated production and artificial intelligence solutions to e-commerce. The first guest in the series is Kristaps Laipnieks, CEO of “KnK Mefab”.
In the interview, Laipnieks explains how digital solutions are transforming the day-to-day operations of a metalworking company. He shares how the idea for an online platform for ordering metal parts emerged, how technology helps streamline production processes, and why digitalisation is becoming an increasingly important prerequisite for competitiveness.
Laipnieks stresses that introducing technology is not about following trends, but a deliberate step towards making operations more efficient and transparent. In his view, modern companies need more than just advanced equipment – they also need intelligently managed processes.
“I’m probably just the kind of person who likes to do things better. And that’s why digitalisation is an integral part of every process,” says Laipnieks.
The idea of taking digitalisation further emerged when the company’s workload increased and it became clear that its existing processes were no longer efficient enough. To better understand where costs were being generated and how management could be improved, the company introduced a range of digital tools. “If I remember correctly, it was in 2019 when we reached a point where our turnover was growing, but at the end of the day there was less money left in the bank account,” Laipnieks recalls.
One of the most visible results of this approach is the “Mefab.lv” platform, which makes it easier for customers to order metal parts. Instead of spending time explaining orders by email or over the phone, customers can upload their drawings and immediately receive a price quote.
“Any customer, any individual, can upload their drawings and files, get the price of the product online and place an order. In principle, within just a few days, they can have the finished product delivered to a parcel locker near their home,” the entrepreneur explains.
Digital tools also help reduce the risk of human error. Laipnieks gives a practical example: if dimensions are mixed up in an order, the company might manufacture tabletops in the wrong size, meaning that both the work and materials could go to waste.
“Producing defective products is very expensive in manufacturing,” Laipnieks stresses, noting that a well-structured digital ordering process can significantly reduce such mistakes.
Technology also strengthens the company’s reputation among customers and business partners. Well-organised processes enable the company to work faster and approach international customers with greater confidence. “The digitalisation tools we have introduced help us work faster. And speed means that we can handle a greater volume of orders,” he explains.
At the same time, Laipnieks emphasises that even the most advanced technologies cannot fully replace people. Automation can support day-to-day operations, but experience, knowledge and the ability to make decisions remain essential.
“There are still many processes that digitalisation or artificial intelligence simply cannot replace,” says Laipnieks.
As competition intensifies and markets become increasingly dynamic, digitalisation can often determine which companies are able to grow and which are left behind. Laipnieks therefore encourages entrepreneurs not to delay the introduction of new technologies.
“While you’re hesitating, others are already implementing it!” he says, highlighting that in business, the ability to act at the right time can make all the difference.
Listen to real-life stories from entrepreneurs about how digitalisation helps companies grow, compete and expand into export markets in the “Digitalisation Success Stories” series every Thursday shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Radio SWH and Radio SWH TV.
Latvian companies have access to a wide range of government- and European Union-funded business development support programmes, available through the unified business portal business.gov.lv and its dedicated LIAA platform liaa.business.gov.lv. Companies can find information on various support programmes, ranging from funding for innovation and new product development, export promotion and international cooperation to grants for digitalisation, technology adoption and productivity improvements.
The project is co-funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (NextGenerationEU) and the Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027. The preparation of this article was funded with support from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
