From a global perspective, Axelent’s customers are to be found in automation - in the automobile and aeronautics industries - both directly or as subcontractors. According to Stefan, regardless of the markets on which the customers operate, there are more similarities than differences.
“The intention of our products is the same wherever in the world the customer operates: protecting people and increasing security in the workplace. Mindset and and background knowledge do however vary a great deal between Western and developing countries. Here we have a more extensive framework of regulations covering, for example, personnel, and we have a better understanding of softer values,” says Stefan.
One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned during these years is that things always take a little longer and cost a little more than planned for.
“Even if you have the best product in the world, it can still be more difficult and take more time than you expect. The sales process, with the face-to-face meetings, take a long time, and we currently put a lot of resources into internal training of our staff. In the future, the majority of sales will probably be digital, so we have to keep up with tech developments and adapt to the new conditions,” continues Stefan.
It’s also worth realising that the world has actually got smaller during the 30 years that Axelent has been active.
“Distances have lessened and nothing seems particularly far away these days. Today’s communications have shortened the distances between us and the rest of the world, and made it so much easier to move between sites and run businesses in other countries, wherever they may be.”