My Business Life: Ronan Clinton, Timewise

Ronan Clinton from Timewise Systems shares his life and business lessons.

Ronan Clinton is the Chief Executive of Timewise Systems.

Founded in 1999, Timewise Systems provides intelligent and integrated solutions to the supply chain industry.

Currently celebrating the dual milestones of 25 years in Ireland and 15 years in the UK, the impact Timewise Systems delivers for clients can be read about here.

Tell us about your background and the journey that led you to where you are today?

I started out my career studying telecommunication engineering, particularly wireless communications, back in the 1990s. Back then, the technologies we now use, like Wi-Fi, didn’t exist. I consider myself lucky to have been around for the birth of these technologies.

When I started working with mobile computers, I could really see the transformation such equipment could bring to supply chain environments. I spent much of my time focusing on introducing this technology to the Irish market.

A defining moment came when I worked for a company in the West of Ireland that faced a real challenge scanning barcodes on pallets of water coolers. We were connecting barcode scanners with long cables to mainframe terminals – very impractical. I spent time soldering cables, using transceivers to send and receive data, until we discovered a fully mobile terminal solution. I saw how transformative it was.

From there, I worked with companies to implement similar technologies. The arrival of Wi-Fi and faster communication speeds opened new possibilities, and we continued growing as demand increased. Fast-forward to today, we have 52 employees between Ireland and the UK, with plans to reach 55 by March next year.

Why are you doing what you’re doing? What needs are you meeting, and what is your USP?

I absolutely love what I do; it remains vocational for me. The impact we make on industries is significant. It’s not uncommon to see productivity improve by 25% and accuracy by 80% when our solutions are implemented.

Our unique selling point is the seamless integration of hardware and software. Many companies focus on one or the other, but we do both, ensuring everything works together flawlessly. This avoids costly incompatibilities, especially since the shift to Android after the discontinuation of Windows in mobile workspaces.

How was the business started, and what are your growth plans?
The business started organically. Back in 1998, we won two significant projects while I was working for our now sister company Heavey Technology. My then-boss, Michael Heavey, agreed but soon recognised the growth potential.

Michael provided funding to set up a separate limited company within the Heavey Technology Group. We built it from the ground up with minimal investment and a lot of hard work. We operated out of his premises until we could afford our own space.

Today, the business continues to grow organically. And we’ll keep expanding based on demand.

What are your key skills and qualities that set you apart?

A key strength is our constant focus on training and upskilling. We train people internally and promote from within, which has created a loyal, experienced team.

We also adopt a rigorous approach to technology. We never implement something just because it’s new. Every technology we recommend must have a demonstrable, measurable impact. If it doesn’t solve a problem or improve efficiency, we reject it.

Who has helped you most along the way? Who has been your greatest mentor or inspiration?

Michael Heavey, our chairperson, has been a tremendous influence. He always offers impartial advice, personal or business, for me to take or leave. His belief in me, particularly at the beginning, was invaluable.

What is the biggest challenge in growing the business?

Finding the right people who share our vision and passion. We’re not about hiring based solely on credentials. It’s about finding individuals who fit our culture, understand what we do, and are committed to growing with us.

What is the greatest piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

Only work with companies that value what you do. We ask: Do they need us? Do they value us? If a customer can’t see the value we bring, we’re not the right fit for them.

The best advice we run at our core is asking the right questions at the start of any project to ensure that we have an alignment with the customer that is mutually beneficial and mutually respectful.

• Who’s the decision-maker?
• Is the budget approved?
• When is the decision being made?

These questions ensure we’re working with the right opportunities.

What circumstances can mark the difference between success and failure in business?

Communication. We need to communicate the value we bring, and the customer needs to communicate their needs clearly. Misalignment in either direction can derail a project.

How did you navigate the business through the pandemic? What lessons did you learn?

We used the time to reassess and innovate. While others furloughed staff, we decided to invest in building new solutions, like our warehouse management software. This decision has paid off, positioning us strongly post-pandemic.

Do you believe Irish firms are utilising digital technologies sufficiently? How has digital transformation impacted your business?

Irish firms are innovative but could benefit from greater adoption of digital technologies.

Our business has embraced digital transformation fully. Tools like AI are helping us join the dots, especially in a remote work environment.

If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would be more selective about releasing new technologies to market. In the past, we’ve led the charge on new devices and ended up solving teething issues at our cost. Today, we rigorously evaluate before rollout, and I would have applied that principle earlier.

Who inspires you in business today?

Richard Branson has always been an inspiration, though you hear less about him now. I also draw ongoing inspiration from Michael Heavey for his guidance and belief in me.

What advice or guidance do you give new hires, and how do you nurture talent?

Be patient. Good work is always recognised and rewarded here. We promote from within, and many of our senior team started in entry-level positions.

What business books would you recommend?

I don’t tend to read business books. I prefer autobiographies of people I respect to learn from their journeys. I think our unorthodox approach gives us an edge, and aligning too much with standard practices would take that away.

What technologies or tools do you use to keep yourself on track?

I use an e-ink notepad for all my notes and my phone to keep things organised.

Where do you see technology heading, and how will it apply to your business?

AI will play a significant role in helping us streamline operations and share knowledge. In warehousing, wearable technology will become more prominent; lighter, faster, and more ergonomic solutions for operators.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self, knowing what you know now?

Hard work and dedication are the best way forward. Learn from the mistakes of others.

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