When I tell people I develop software for elevator manufacturers, I’m often met with the same tired joke: “How’s the elevator industry? Does it have its ups and downs?” The question comes with an implicit assumption that there couldn’t possibly be anything interesting about such an everyday industry.
But here’s the thing – at Unstoppable Software, we’ve discovered that the most overlooked industries often present the most fascinating software challenges. The companies operating in these spaces are the backbone of our economy, yet their technological needs are frequently underserved by off-the-shelf solutions.
The Hidden Depth of “Ordinary” Industries
What makes these seemingly mundane industries so captivating to us? It’s the hidden complexity that outsiders rarely see. Behind every elevator, adhesive product, or building material is an intricate web of processes, challenges, and opportunities for innovation.
When we partnered with a major US elevator manufacturer, we weren’t just building another software system. We were diving into a world where precision matters down to the millimeter, where safety requirements create fascinating constraints, and where the right software solution can transform an entire operation. The factory logistics system we developed ended up saving them $1.5 million annually, not because we’re miracle workers, but because we saw value where others saw the ordinary.
Why We’re Drawn to These Spaces
The question I’m often asked is “Why?” Why focus on manufacturing systems for traditional industries when there are flashier, more headline-grabbing sectors out there?
For me, it comes down to impact and authenticity. When we help a building materials manufacturer modernize their systems, we’re not just moving data around, we’re helping create the physical infrastructure of our world. There’s something profoundly satisfying about writing code that influences tangible products people use every day.
These industries also present unique challenges that push us to be better problem solvers. As an example, the environmental consulting firm we worked with had decades of specialized knowledge embedded in their processes. Creating software that honored that expertise while modernizing their operations required a depth of understanding that generic development simply doesn’t demand.
The Joy of Solving Real Problems
Perhaps what draws us most to these overlooked spaces is the opportunity to solve real, meaningful problems. In the work order management system we developed for a manufacturing client, every efficiency we created translated directly to reduced costs, improved quality, and better working conditions for their employees.
There’s an honesty to these projects that I find refreshing. These aren’t companies chasing the latest tech trend. They’re businesses with concrete challenges that need thoughtful solutions. When a Midwest bakery approached us about optimizing their sales adjustment process, they weren’t looking for buzzwords or hype. They needed a solution that worked reliably day after day, supporting the business they’d built over generations.
Finding Meaning in the Overlooked
I’ve come to believe that there’s a special kind of creativity required to find fascination in what others consider mundane. It’s about looking at a factory floor and seeing not just machines and processes, but opportunities for transformation. It’s about recognizing that the “boring” industries are often the ones where software can make the most profound difference.
This perspective has shaped our entire approach to development. We don’t start with technology. We start with understanding. What makes this business unique? What challenges have they faced that off-the-shelf solutions can’t address? Where are the opportunities that others have missed?
The Reward of Making a Difference
The most rewarding moment in any project comes when we see the real-world impact of our work. When a manufacturing floor transitions from paper-based processes to real-time digital tracking, or when a traditional business leverages predictive analytics to prevent costly machine failures, we know we’ve made a tangible difference.
These moments remind us why we’re drawn to these spaces in the first place. It’s not about the glamour. It’s about the opportunity to create something meaningful, something that matters in the day-to-day operations of businesses that form the foundation of our economy.
So the next time someone asks me if the elevator industry has its ups and downs, I’ll smile and tell them about the fascinating challenges we’ve helped solve. Because I’ve discovered that innovation isn’t about the industry you’re in. It’s about having the vision to see possibilities where others see only the routine.
