LINKIT Together #7 EN

Anneke Keller, CTO PostNL

ACHIEVING DIGITAL AMBITIONS TOGETHER

In this edition of Together, we delve into the essence of digital transformation, shed light on the role of low-code in it, and explore the choice between custom software versus off-the-shelf solutions.

We showcase an inspiring project where the transition from high-code to low-code not only accelerates development but also offers strategic flexibility. This edition is all about adapting, innovating, and staying ahead in a constantly evolving technological world. LINKIT believes in the power of collaboration and innovation to not only evolve but also make a positive impact. This issue of Together takes you on a journey and shows you how digital ambitions are being realized.

In 2026, approximately 75% of all new applications will be built using LOW-CODE TECHNOLOGIES

The end of high-code for Service2Fruit

Discover how Service2Fruit is embarking on a new path with lowcode technology. Their journey from the outdated high-code platform to a flexible, scalable system that defines the future of online fruit trading.

Insights from Anneke Keller on digital transformation

Discover the vision of a digital pioneer on transforming businesses and the essential skills needed in the digital age.

The transformation of the customer service center at Hollard Investments

Discover how Hollard Investments is elevating their customer service center to new heights using low-code technology.

THE END OF HIGH-CODE FOR SERVICE2FRUIT

A

new

course for the future

In the challenging world of online fruit trading and auctions, Service2Fruit has a clear vision: to expand its product offering and enter new markets, which are inherently linked.

As an established player in the Dutch fruit market, it was time to scale up with the current focus on apples and pears. Bart Leemans, CEO of Service2Fruit, is clear: “If we can disrupt other markets, where retail determines the prices, just like we did with apples and pears, by making processes transparent and eliminating intermediaries, then I’ll be thrilled.” However, the existing Service2Fruit platform, based on ‘high-code’ .NET technology, was no longer future-proof for their ambitious plans. Continuing with high code would mean that Service2Fruit cannot build new functionalities quickly enough and would miss opportunities to meet the needs of future markets and platform users. Following the recommendation of independent external advisors, Service2Fruit sought an expert in low-code who could help them build a new, flexible, and scalable platform that would support their growth objectives without the need for complex IT knowledge.

The starting point for Service2Fruit: the vision for the future

The story of Service2Fruit begins and ends with their honest ambition and pay-off: ‘Always a fair deal’, meaning achieving fairer prices for growers and buyers in the fruit market (and in the future, in many other markets).

“As a marketplace built on transparency, trust, and convenience, we were able to revolutionize the market ten years ago. We now connect hundreds of growers and buyers online, with growers selling their crops through auctions. It allowed us to eliminate many intermediaries, resulting in better prices for growers and buyers.” Even though the way of working is easy to explain, it was only sometimes accessible to bring the target audience along. “There is a clear shift towards online and related platforms nowadays, thanks to success stories like Marktplaats. However, ten years ago, it still needed to be advanced for many people, especially growers.

After all, it concerns the business of an entrepreneur who needs to sell a million kilos of apples, pears, or other crops for a good price. That is their livelihood, and they suddenly have to entrust it to ‘something’ on a computer - and they find that scary.”

Service2Fruit has gained a strong position in the market through trust and transparency, and they have noticed that younger generations want to go even further. They want to use Big Data, AI, and all the other technologies that provide insights into auctions and their crops.

An outdated platform and the need for change

However, a switch had to be made to continue serving the current market and the intended new markets beyond apples and pears. The traditional approach of ‘high-code’

4 FAST FACTS

• The volume processed annually through the Service2Fruit platform is 60 million kilos of apples and pears.

• Apples and pears can be stored up to almost a year after harvest. Based on the Freshmonitor tool offered by Service2Fruit, which is considered price-setting in the market, growers often wait for the right moment to sell.

• The grower market is consolidating and professionalizing, with larger parties wanting to manage the distribution to capture more margin.

• With the introduction of the new CSRD legislation, the market will have to disclose the origin of products (including packaging, etc.) in the future. It will majorly impact the market, where transparency becomes crucial.

needed to be more flexible to quickly add new features and brands or adapt to changing market conditions in the current and future platforms. Scaling up was not possible. By seeking external and independent advice, Service2Fruit knew that

FAST

low-code would help them further, and they looked for a partner with whom they could build the future—a future where the platform could be managed by non-IT-specialized colleagues through drag-and-drop functionalities, responding to the changing needs of growers and sellers. LINKIT proved to be the perfect partner for this.

LINKIT’s 4D approach: low-code as a strategic solution

Therefore, the transition to low-code was a strategic choice driven by the need for flexibility, modularity, and speed in platform development. “We see this as a typical question for a digital transformation,” explains Jimmy Iliohan, Solution Advisor team manager at LINKIT. “It is important to analyze which aspects of the service the customer

wants to adopt and where opportunities lie for improvement in such questions. It would be a shame to transfer the current stack one-on-one to the new platform.” This approach perfectly aligns with LINKIT’s 4D model, consisting of the steps ‘Discover’, ‘Design’, ‘Develop’, and ‘Drive’. In the first phase, practical

“We see this as a typical question for a digital transformation”

and conceptual thinking was applied to the future platform and the required functionalities. “We developed some great applications, such as ‘smart auction creation’. It pre-fills the forms

that the grower needs to fill in before the auction, based on previous auctions or data from their account. It greatly enhances user convenience,” Jimmy explains. After this phase, the technological vision and architecture of the platform were defined, and user experiences were designed and validated. Service2Fruit will be the first customer of LINKIT to use the new Outsystems platform called ODC (Outsystems Developer Cloud). With ODC, organizations can easily and automatically scale up when visitor numbers increase significantly, eliminating performance issues. “In addition, ODC offers the possibility to use the latest technologies, such as generative AI, containerization, and microservices. This makes Service2Fruit future-proof in one fell swoop,”

“ODC offers the possibility to use the latest technologies, such as generative AI, containerization, and microservices. This makes Service2Fruit future-proof in one fell swoop”

explains Anne Kreuger, OutSystems Developer at LINKIT. LINKIT is currently finalizing the MVP using best-practice methods and an agile approach to create value quickly. However, both parties are already looking further into the ‘Drive’ stage. In this stage, LINKIT will provide the necessary support and training so that Service2Fruit can focus on its core activities and independently manage and scale the platform. It includes training internal experts to manage, maintain, and further develop this platform (and potentially future platforms). This way, Service2Fruit will always remain in control of its digital transformation.

A glimpse into the future: low-code as an enabler for fairer prices, even in the future When asked when the project will be successful, Bart answers firmly: “If I can facilitate at least one new product category every year, while 80% of the ‘back-end’ of the platform remains the same and we can adapt the front-end based on the product category and target audience. In short, if we are scalable and remain so.” By choosing low-code, Service2Fruit has laid a solid foundation for future success and created opportunities to tackle new challenges and seize new opportunities.

ABOUT SERVICE2FRUIT

Service2Fruit is an online trading platform for fruit that is renewing its efforts to promote a fair and transparent industry. It shortens the chain by connecting buyers and sellers, providing insight into the current market, and making trade accessible worldwide.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

The Foundation for a Successful Digital Transformation

Businesses are pressured to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies. The temptation to prioritize speed over all else is vital in the race for competitive advantage and a strong market position. Ironically, this drive for innovation and growth also brings risks that, if ignored, can lead to significant problems.

It is a well-known phenomenon: the haste to launch products (too) quickly, without thorough testing. The consequence? Costly errors can lead to financial consequences and damage to the organization. Sukanta Nama, Senior Quality Assurance Specialist at LINKIT, emphasizes the crucial role of quality assurance (QA) in digital transformations. “Failing to take the QA process seriously can lead to a complete failure of the modernization effort or the loss of customers.”

The backbone for quality and results QA is a systematic testing process that ensures products, services, systems, and processes meet pre-defined quality standards. According to Sukanta, it is the backbone that ensures new digital systems, applications, and processes meet the highest quality standards and achieve the intended results. “In essence, it is a strategic, preventive approach to avoiding errors rather than correcting them at a high cost later. QA specialists critically assess existing systems and processes through various in-depth tests, in which they identify weaknesses and recommend

“Encourage all stakeholders to actively participate in QA processes and create an environment of feedback and quality”

AUTOMATED APPS

• Leapwork: A visual automation tool for repetitive processes and software testing

• UiPath: Automation tool for RPA (Robotic Process Automation) for data entry

• Selenium: Open-source tool for test automation

• Cucumber: Tool to test software packages and enable BDD (Behavior-Driven Development)

• Postman: Extensive tool for API testing and generating test reports

• JMeter: Test tool focused on analyzing and measuring performance

improvements. It lays a solid foundation for a successful transformation.”

Hidden bugs and errors cause problems

Yet, he finds that many companies must pay more attention to this process. “The risks of not testing are often underestimated, while when systems have not been adequately tested and validated, hidden bugs and errors can cause problems. Applications can crash, you can experience system downtime, performance speeds are much too low, and certain functionalities don’t work; all issues that impact operational efficiency.” He illustrates this with two examples. “A small error in an online banking application can lead to significant financial losses and enormous reputational damage. Similarly, a poorly functioning e-commerce website can deter customers, resulting in revenue loss. Furthermore, such shortcomings bring security risks and undermine the trust of both customers and users.”

Not a separate activity but an integral part

Companies prevent harmful consequences by placing QA at the centre of every transformation.

“QA is not a separate activity, but an integral part of the development process,” Sukanta explains. “It promotes collaboration between quality management, developers and the business, with targeted testing improving the ultimate user-friendliness.” Processes, systems, applications or services are tested manually and automatically. Automated testing, in particular, is crucial; Sukanta tells us: “Automated test tools can be quickly repeated and help identify regression errors

after each code change. It reduces the risk of human error and provides a faster, more efficient test structure. By investing in continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms, organizations can quickly respond to problems and implement improvements before they worsen. It ensures that digital solutions are reliable, secure and user-friendly.”

LINKIT

Sukanta has a few practical tips for companies interested in QA: “Define clear quality standards and intended results. Encourage all stakeholders to actively participate in QA

processes and create an environment of feedback and quality. Consider errors as learning moments and ensure clear (internal) communication about the importance of quality.” He cites the QA Squad within LINKIT as an example. “We encourage employees to stay current on new testing technologies and skills. For example, converting an old application to a modern variant is not difficult. However, making it a high-quality solution that is efficiently maintained requires more expertise. By staying relevant, we can develop products that meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.”

SUKANTA NAMA (39)

Senior Quality Assurance Specialist

Sukanta Nama has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and has worked at LINKIT as a Senior Quality Assurance Specialist since 2018. He is responsible for the highquality delivery of software products and ensuring customer and user satisfaction at various clients.

OVERCOMING OUTDATED IT OBSTACLES?

Prevent ‘Computer says no’

Nearly everyone knows the iconic slogan ‘Computer says no’ from the comedy series Little Britain. But as humorous as this scene may be, it vividly illustrates the hindrance outdated IT systems can cause in the real world.

This article will discuss the ‘computer says no’ phenomenon and its impact on organizations. It will also show how technology can help identify, understand, and address these obstacles on time. In other words, it will help you discover how to turn ‘computer says no’ into ‘computer says yes’.

The evolution of technology

Technological developments have a remarkable history. In the 1980s, computers were standalone models and used sparingly. By the late 1990s, this changed as

standalone IT systems were interconnected to support business processes. However, since the 2010s, the focus has shifted towards integrating modern technologies into constantly evolving networks and new business applications to meet changing customer and market demands. Yet, despite this evolution, many businesses still need to be more independent of old systems and technologies. As a result, they struggle to adapt to changing needs, creating a gap with the market—think of Free Record Shop or V&D. Opportunities remain untapped, the organization’s relevance is at stake, and companies fall behind as the

importance of IT modernization is only recognized too late, with all the associated risks.

Misplaced confidence in familiar technologies

The American credit company Equifax can also attest to this. In 2017, they failed to patch their outdated Apache Struts framework, allowing hackers to access sensitive information of nearly 147 million people. This event led to significant damage to the company, including legal proceedings, fines, and reputational harm. “In 2017, they failed to patch their outdated Apache Struts framework, allowing hackers to access

sensitive information of nearly 147 million people.” Even closer to home, it’s been demonstrated that outdated systems cause problems. Many financial institutions still rely on COBOL, a sixty-year-old programming language that has become intertwined with business-critical processes. Migrating to new systems is, therefore, very complex and further complicated by the growing

digital market changes led to internal resistance.” Change management (Verandermanagement) is an indispensable link in the renewal process. By cultivating continuous knowledge improvement, bringing together expertise from different industries, and encouraging closer teamwork, effective change management contributes to a successful transformation.

Organizations can better respond to rapidly changing customer needs and market demands by creating a culture of flexibility, innovation, and collaboration.

Identifying and addressing pain points

shortage of COBOL experts, with all the risks this poses for the banks themselves, their customers, and (international) payment transactions.

Changing culture and structure

Clinging to outdated technologies often has two reasons. It may be because the current IT environment “has worked fine for years” or internal resistance to change exists. Implementing new technologies often requires changes in organizational culture, work processes, and how employees perform their tasks. Resistance is indeed good and encourages a critical view of possible adjustments. But it can also backfire, as in the case of Nokia. Once one of the world’s largest phone manufacturers, it completely disappeared from the scene since the rise of the smartphone. Despite the awareness of the need for change, traditional mindsets and distrust of digital market changes led to internal resistance. It resulted in an irreparable loss of market position and the sale of the phone division to Microsoft (2014). “Despite the awareness of the need for change, traditional mindsets and distrust of

With the constant stream of technological changes, the need for modern solutions is increasing simultaneously. Successful modernization is not just about updating a single application or refreshing software; it’s about identifying pain points and obstacles in the outdated IT environment. “It’s about identifying pain points and obstacles in the outdated IT environment.” Take the healthcare sector, for example. Many healthcare institutions rely on outdated systems and urgently need modern networks and technologies to meet the growing demand for digital healthcare (e-health, telemedicine, wearables). By shifting the focus to their dated systems and bottlenecks and investing in advanced technologies like cloud computing, automated processes, and integration platforms for seamless connections between systems and applications, they can modernize targeted areas without disrupting daily care. By developing strategic solutions, either alone or with an IT partner, that are focused on addressing core problems, growth, and efficiency, organizations lay a solid foundation for the future. These technologies increase operational efficiency, reduce security risks, and allow them to be agile in

responding to market changes. Furthermore, they enable organizations to more accurately identify and analyze data and trends, make evidence-based decisions, and anticipate changes earlier.

Adapt and dare to lead

One of the companies benefiting from this targeted approach is ModuleMakers (part of Croonwolter&dros). As specialists in smart building technology, they work with complex design processes for engineering and calculation, with millions of possible combinations —a complicated, time-consuming, and error-prone process. LINKIT has completely transformed the design process and involved all users from day one. The massive Excel file that previously required manual input was converted into a single application: a decision tree with conditional logic and an underlying database that has streamlined and simplified the entire design process, enabling twenty times as many (error-free) calculations in the same timeframe. “The massive Excel file that previously required manual input was converted into a single application.” This success story illustrates the combined power of digital innovation and change management. Transitioning from a time-consuming and error-prone process to an efficient, automated application marks an important milestone in their growth path. By daring to innovate and leveraging technological capabilities, ModuleMakers has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the future. Computer says yes.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Scan the QR code for the transformation of ModuleMakers.

“In 2017, they failed to patch their outdated Apache Struts framework, allowing hackers to access sensitive information of nearly 147 million people”

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

The recipe for customer loyalty and competitive advantage

In a highly competitive market, creating positive customer experiences is crucial for building customer loyalty and a strong competitive position. However, where customers expect a personalized approach and seamless interactions, outdated systems and complex processes often stand in the way.

Nick van Ramshorst (Business Delivery Manager at LINKIT) regularly sees companies that know what they need to do in theory but are hampered by an outdated IT landscape in practice. “This limits their

growth and ‘drives away’ customers. By building a customer experience based on modern applications, they build a stronger customer relationship and create a futureproof IT environment.”

Demanding and High Expectations

Customers are becoming increasingly demanding and have high expectations of companies. They demand a sense of (re)cognition, personal contact, a hassle-free ordering process, and being

served through all possible channels (omnichannel). Meeting these demands places a lot of demands on companies. However, despite the knowledge that it is necessary, not everyone succeeds, and there are various reasons for this, says Nick. “It may be that an IT environment is so outdated that upgrading it is costly and timeconsuming. They may also lack the financial and/or technical resources to improve the customer experience. Is there a labor shortage? Perhaps there is internal resistance to change. Or they lack the insight to recognize changing trends and preferences in the market,” says Nick. Yet ignoring it is not an option, he states. “The consequences are severe. Customers switch, sales and profits will decline, there may be negative publicity in the form of reviews, and you lose your competitive position. Make sure your business is accessible and easy to do business with. It is simply a fact that customer experience is the foundation on which your organization essentially operates.”

Customer experience excellence

Every organization strives for the highest level of customer satisfaction. The ‘Customer Experience Excellence’ approach focuses on delivering this and is about exceeding customer expectations throughout the customer journey. “This approach goes beyond just offering products or services. It’s about creating a seamless and ‘excellence’ user experience that leaves an indelible and high-quality impression on the customer,” explains Nick. This approach’s characteristics are seamless interactions, quick responses to questions or comments, and reliable service. Nick: “Think, for example, of automated customer service that reduces response time. Or user-friendly interfaces that allow customers to navigate easily. Innovative solutions to serve customers efficiently and win their trust.”

A powerful tool for customer demands

A modern IT environment helps with this, and innovative platforms like Mendix and OutSystems act as driving forces behind this modernization. Nick: “With low-code, you simplify the integration of all channels and create a uniform IT architecture, which is essential for a seamless customer experience.” In addition, low-code also offers benefits in the area of staffing. “Many companies struggle with labor shortages, which makes it difficult to answer customer questions, process orders, and collect feedback. Low-code offers a solution by automating and

“Make sure your business is accessible and easy to do business with”

making these processes more efficient.”

According to Nick, low-code also has an innovative effect on companies, especially regarding user feedback. “By using rapid feedback loops, continuous improvements and functionalities can be implemented. It results in higher customer satisfaction and a strengthened competitive position.”

Game changer

Nick considers new technologies a game changer for organizations where customer experience excellence is an important element of corporate culture. Companies gain an advantage in customer acquisition and loyalty by

accelerating the development of customer-centric applications, offering personalized experiences, and delivering flexible solutions. He says the agility and innovation capabilities that low-code platforms offer them contribute to an improved customer experience and strengthening their competitive position in the market. Nick: “The importance of a strong IT strategy for a seamless customer experience will continue to grow. Innovations are the basis for growing with this. Because only by continuously improving the client experience will the loyalty and retention of your organization increase.”

NICK VAN RAMSHORST (38)

Business Delivery Manager

Nick has worked at LINKIT since 2021 and focuses on the retail industry as Business Delivery Manager. With a focus on low-code, he has carried out various assignments at organizations such as Lidl and Croonwolter&dros.

Insights from Anneke Keller on Digital Transformation MODERNIZATION MADE EASY

She was at the forefront of online grocery shopping at Jumbo, closely witnessed Coolblue’s digital transformation, and was responsible for the IT departments at TomTom and Wehkamp. Anneke Keller, currently the CTO at PostNL, is rightfully considered an expert in digital transformations.

But what exactly does a digital transformation entail? How does it contribute to business continuity, and how can you ensure it becomes a success for your organization? As a member of the LINKIT Advisory Board, Anneke shares her experiences and shows how technology, particularly human factors, is the driving force behind business innovation.

Recognizing the IT department

Digital transformation is often a response to changing market

conditions, such as rapid growth or decline, the shift from physical to digital service delivery, or as a result of a business acquisition. “These changes force organizations to revisit their

“For me, innovation lies in the human ability to anticipate changes and developments”

business models and adapt to the new reality,” says Anneke. Recognition of the IT department is an essential first step

in this process. “Many organizations view IT as a necessary cost, so technology is not an integral part of the business model.” In her view, the strategic and intelligent use of IT by companies like Google and Netflix leads to more profit and innovation, allowing them to maintain a market advantage.

Technology sets the tune; humans determine the tempo

However, while new solutions like AI and quantum technology offer enormous innovation opportunities, they also blind companies to the human factor. From experience, Anneke knows that

technology often takes precedence, and the softer side (the human element) is underemphasized. “There is often the idea that technological gadgets improve business, but I don’t believe in that definition,” she says. “For me, innovation lies in the human ability to anticipate changes and developments.” Organizations becoming fixated on technical capabilities can lead to an overgrowth of legacy in the IT environment over time. Anneke notes that it is much more important to look at the future applicability of a proposed solution. “Technology plays a major role, but as a human, you determine its application. Selecting the right technology is not about having the latest solutions; it’s about the desired technology answering the question and being applicable at various levels, including future projects. Only in this way do you create a sustainable (IT) environment.”

The human dimension is vital

The word ‘human’ has been mentioned as a keyword as far as Anneke is concerned. It’s no coincidence that soft skills were central to all the IT projects she has led. “The human dimension is vital for successful digital transformation, but it often remains underemphasized. Inspiring leadership creates an engaged team that understands the goal and reduces resistance to change. The positive result is that people become more creative, and innovative solutions emerge.” In her view, humans are essential to a purposeful business strategy. “Good management is characterized by effective communication, which aligns everyone in the same direction— creating synergy between all disciplines and stakeholders and sharing experiences. Developing (and monitoring) a culture where making mistakes is allowed. It forms a strong foundation for success, and as an IT manager or CTO, you don’t have to

worry whether your team is thinking about Green IT or GenAI; they are aware of applicable technologies and have been working on them for a long time.”

A different way of working

However, the relentless evolution of new technologies influences business strategies and how people work. “Decisions are increasingly data-driven, the demand for AI specialists or UX specialists is

“New technologies support business growth, but that can only be achieved through the right application, and humans determine that”

growing, and task automation is increasing,” says Anneke. She illustrates this with the role of a developer. “Previously, they spent equal time thinking, developing and implementing a solution. With the emergence of new technologies (such as low-code platforms, automation tools, and cloud services), coding has become much faster and more efficient - especially with the rise of copilot, which provides AI assistance in programming. As a result, the developer’s focus has shifted to the functional aspect, so the task ratio is now 50/50. It leads to shorter lead times, more frequent releases, and an accelerated time-to-market, benefiting both companies and customers.” Anneke points to the importance of knowledge sharing in keeping up with new technologies. “This is where leadership facilitates. Assemble the right teams so they can strengthen each other. Be open to experiments and allow mistakes to be made. The goal is to learn

from them because that creates added value. New technologies support business growth, but that can only be achieved through the right application, and humans determine that.”

Cycle of innovation

Anneke has written the book ‘The Cherry Model’ to provide insight into this constant stream of new technologies and changing market and business needs. “I use a cherry tree as a metaphor: the trunk represents the company, the branches represent management, and the cherries illustrate the employees. The tree’s growth depends on the seasons, and it’s the same with innovation. The four seasons are synonymous with growth and stagnation. Winter symbolizes a difficult period where the market doesn’t always cooperate, and it feels like survival. In spring, calm returns, and you have time to shape the organization, depending on the market. Summer is characterized by growth: much is possible, and you can start building the organization and

the culture. Fall represents the harvest time. You seize opportunities, enter new markets, and implement new solutions. Then winter comes again, and the cycle begins anew - this is how the tree grows. Innovation is nothing more than a constant trajectory of improvement and renewal.” Anneke says this ‘cherry tree approach’ applies to almost any organization, including smaller businesses. “There is often the idea among small businesses that a digitization effort costs more than it’s worth or adds little value for them. They often see a digital transformation as ‘something for a big company’. They don’t realize then that their relatively small size makes them extremely flexible and scalable, allowing them to respond quickly to changes. These companies have an advantage, especially in a knowledge-

“Innovation is a constant trajectory of improvement and renewal”

driven market, because implementing innovative solutions does not have to go through various layers, as with large Agile-driven organizations. Speed is crucial for innovation, and by leveraging this advantage, smaller companies can challenge and even

dethrone large organizations. A digital transformation is therefore certainly of added value for them, just as it is for large organizations.”

A continuous process of adjustments and improvements

According to Anneke, two companies capture everyone’s imagination and illustrate the impact of a digital transformation well: bol.com and Coolblue. At the latter, she has been at the helm of the development department for years (as ‘IT Manager Development’ and ‘Head of Software Development’). She has closely

ANNEKE KELLER (53)

CTO at PostNL

Anneke Keller studied at Delft University of Technology and has over 25 years of experience as an IT manager at companies such as TomTom, KPN, Coolblue, Jumbo, and Wehkamp. In addition to her current role as CTO at PostNL, she is a member of the Advisory Board of LINKIT and co-author of the book ‘The Cherry Model’, in which she describes the cycle of innovation management. In 2022, she was one of the three nominees for the ‘CIO of the Year’ title by ICT Media.

witnessed the shift from physical retail to e-commerce. “New technologies were embedded in the business model, teams were reformed, and the focus shifted to the continuous development of people and (digital) technology. The importance of in-house development of business-specific software became an integral part of operations, and my development team grew from around 40 to nearly 200 people in just under three years. Strategic decisions have paid off handsomely for the organization (2.4 billion euros in revenue in 2023).” According to Anneke, this example also shows that modernization is not a one-time project but an ongoing process of adjustments and improvements. “The rapid rise of new technologies can be a challenge for organizations, but the fact is that you cannot ignore it. Falling behind poses a serious problem, so see it as an opportunity. Recognize the importance of IT and focus purposefully on technological capabilities that help make strategic (digital) choices. Paying attention to both the technical components and the soft skills ensures a sustainable, competitive growth pattern for your cherry tree.”

LINKIT strengthens strategic vision with new Advisory Board members

LINKIT proudly announces the addition of Debby Jansen and Anneke Keller to its Advisory Board. This underscores LINKIT’s focus on continuous improvement and innovation, bolstered by the experience and expertise of these new members.

Debby Jansen, former Chief Commercial Officer at Levi9, and Anneke Keller, current CTO at PostNL, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to LINKIT’s Advisory Board. With a proven track record in commercial strategies, customer experience in the IT sector, and leadership qualities in technological innovation, they reinforce LINKIT’s pursuit of growth and customer-centricity.

“With Debby Jansen and Anneke Keller, we are expanding our Advisory Board with members who not only bring impressive expertise but also contribute to the diversity and strength of our advisory team.”

Cornelis Lemstra, CEO of LINKIT.

LINKIT and KLM celebrate 25 years of technological innovation

LINKIT and KLM reflect on 25 years of successful partnership as they jointly share their vision for a future where technology and digitalization are at the forefront.

For a remarkable 25 years, LINKIT and KLM have stood together, weathering storms and embracing opportunities. Their partnership has birthed numerous pioneering projects, including mobile check-in, selfregulating algorithms, and an advanced loyalty program. Even in the face of global upheavals like the COVID-19 outbreak, their collaboration has remained unyielding and adaptable, leading to swift adjustments and continuous progress. Looking ahead, KLM envisions a future where it stands as the ‘most technologically and data-driven airline’. LINKIT is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation, leveraging its expertise to unlock legacy data and implement innovative technological solutions. The enduring commitment between LINKIT and KLM sets a robust platform for further fruitful collaboration in the decades to come, fueling their shared vision of technological advancement.

THE SOFTWARE DILEMMA IN DIGITIZATION: BUY OR BUILD?

Standard or custom software: a choice that determines your success

As the world changes daily, businesses’ choices become more challenging. Identifying changing customer needs, setting realistic short-term and longterm goals, and staying ahead of the competition are crucial issues that determine the business’s overall success.

“The goal of software is not only to meet the current needs of the business; it must also be flexible enough to adapt to market and business changes”

All custom advantages at a glance

misconception that custom software is inherently expensive, which usually stems from a lack of technological knowledge or a short-term vision. While the initial investment in custom software may be higher than with a standard solution, getting insight into the total costs over the entire life cycle is essential. The two graphs at the bottom of this paragraph show the difference in value and costs between standard and custom software over this life cycle. A standard solution starts with an initial investment, after which revenue is generated after a short period, but the recurring investment remains. The revenue set against the costs is then ‘linear’: the scalability of the value and functionality of the software is limited, and additional adjustments and maintenance bring extra fees. Moreover, standard solutions require separate adjustments or integrations, requiring adapting internal processes. Risky because there is a chance that the processes no longer fit the customer’s needs, causing your service to no longer meet the requirements and you to lose customers. With custom software, it’s different. The initial investment may be slightly higher, but it is more than offset by the efficient process design, seamless integration with existing (and future) systems, and improved fit with the customer. The result? An exponential increase in revenue in the long run

the comparison between custom and standard software; flexibility, functionality, and capacity are at least equally important considerations.’

Custom software offers the ability to

infrastructure and strengthen their competitive position.

IMPROVED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

The choice between high-code or low-code

The customizable UX and UI design ensures a better customer and user experience;

FUTURE-PROOF

The ability to keep evolving means the organization remains scalable and agile during market or business changes;

INCREDIBLY FAST TIME-TO-MARKET

Thanks to the visual aspect of low-code, applications are developed and implemented faster;

STRONG SECURITY

With low-code, security is always up-to-date, and updates take place OTA (On The Air);

AUTOMATION OF TASKS

Repetitive tasks are automated, significantly improving production;

Customize to your wishes

LABOR MARKET SCARCITY

Due to the shortage of well-trained IT personnel, it isn’t easy to find qualified professionals. By choosing low-code through an external partner, you save on recruitment and personnel costs;

However, cost is just one element of comparing custom and standard software; flexibility, functionality, and capacity are at least equally important considerations. In this regard, custom solutions offer much more freedom than off-the-shelf solutions. ‘However, the cost aspect is just one element of

LOWER DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Since low-code requires less manual coding, the programming costs are lower than with high-code.

When developing custom software, there is a distinction between high-code (traditional programming) and low-code (visual programming). High-code can then be seen as the traditional development method with manual coding, requiring in-depth knowledge of Java, C#, or Python. This development method is primarily interesting for large organizations with complex projects where in-depth adjustments are needed, and recruiting new personnel has less impact on costs than in an SME organization. On the other hand, low-code is a progressive way of programming where this in-depth programming knowledge is unnecessary. Thanks to the visual aspect of accessible platforms like OutSystems and Mendix, the development speed is much higher than that of high-code and involves lower costs. Low-code is a futureproof way of software development and enables SMEs to keep up with changing customer or market conditions, thanks to:

Amidst these strategic questions, the key to success is increasingly found in digitalization: the demand for cuttingedge technologies and advanced software is constantly growing, and the desire to streamline business processes is increasing.

Standard or custom?

When it comes to business software and applications, the choice between standard and custom software quickly comes to the fore. Both options have pros and cons, so making the right decision is essential for an organization’s future. The goal of software is not only to meet the current needs of the business; it must also be flexible enough to adapt to market and business changes. “The ultimate goal of software is not only to meet the current needs of the

“However, the cost aspect is just one element of the comparison between custom and standard software; flexibility, functionality, and capacity are at least equally important considerations”

business; it must also be flexible enough to adapt to market and business changes.’ Standard software, also known as ‘off-the-shelf software’,” is ready-made applications that can be used immediately (without modifications). These solutions are developed for most users and businesses, where no specific adjustments are needed. The advantages include quick implementation time, a continuous update stream from the supplier, and lower initial costs. On the other hand,

custom software is developed to meet an organization’s unique needs. It can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems and processes and is often designed with an eye on future growth, allowing a business to remain scalable. And while the initial investment is usually higher, the long-term value is also higher than with a standard software package.

Costs: the misconception of custom

Unfortunately, there is the misconception that custom software is inherently expensive, which usually stems from a lack of technological knowledge or a short-term vision. While the initial investment in custom software may be higher than with a standard solution, getting insight into the total costs over the entire life cycle is essential. The two graphs at the bottom of this paragraph show the difference in value and costs between standard and custom software over this life cycle. A standard solution starts with an initial investment, after which revenue is generated after a short period, but the recurring investment remains. The revenue set against the costs is then ‘linear’: the scalability of the value and functionality of the software is limited, and additional adjustments and maintenance bring extra fees. Moreover, standard solutions require separate adjustments or integrations, requiring adapting internal processes. Risky because there is a chance that the processes no longer fit the customer’s needs, causing your service to no longer meet the requirements and you to lose customers. With custom software, it’s different. The initial investment may be slightly higher, but it is more than offset by the efficient process design, seamless integration with existing (and future) systems, and improved fit with the

customer. The result? An exponential increase in revenue in the long run and decreasing costs.

Customize to your wishes and requirements

However, cost is just one element of comparing custom and standard software; flexibility, functionality, and capacity are at least equally important considerations. In this regard, custom solutions offer much more freedom than off-the-shelf solutions. ‘However, the cost aspect is just one element of the comparison between custom and standard software; flexibility, functionality, and capacity are at least equally important considerations.’ Custom software offers the ability to customize applications much more precisely than the carved-in-stone functionalities of standard software. Think, for example, of explicit reporting functions or the implementation of industry-specific modules. By considering the business’s unique requirements, the dynamics of the market, and your customers’ expectations, customizing custom software enables entrepreneurs to create a flexible IT infrastructure and strengthen their competitive position.

The choice between high-code or low-code

When developing custom software, there is a distinction between high-code (traditional programming) and low-code (visual programming). High-code can then be seen as the traditional development method with manual coding, requiring in-depth knowledge of Java, C#, or Python. This development method is primarily interesting for large organizations with complex projects where in-depth adjustments are needed, and recruiting new personnel has less impact on costs than in an SME

organization. On the other hand, low-code is a progressive way of programming where this in-depth programming knowledge is unnecessary. Thanks to the visual aspect of accessible platforms like OutSystems and Mendix, the development speed is much higher than that of high-code and involves lower costs. Low-code is a futureproof way of software development

and enables SMEs to keep up with changing customer or market conditions, thanks to:

• Reduced technical complexity;

• Faster time-to-market;

• Flexibility and scalability;

• Closer collaboration between IT and the business.

When you choose custom software, you also require specific

(programming) knowledge. Collaborating with an experienced partner means you don’t have to worry about recruiting technical personnel or complex IT development. Thanks to the available knowledge and expertise, your partner helps you develop customized solutions that seamlessly fit your business.

Hybrid solution: integration with existing applications

When a completely new custom package is too extensive, but standard software does not suffice, there is an alternative approach: the hybrid solution, which adds a ‘custom shell’ to the existing applications. This allows the advantages of both approaches to be utilized and creates a custom-made system that meets the organization’s specific needs and growth potential. In a hybrid solution, standard components are used for the basic functionalities of the IT environment. In addition, custom solutions are implemented to add specific functionalities to the company’s business processes.

The potential benefits of a hybrid approach are cost savings (you only need custom work for specific business elements) and a faster implementation time, as custom software is rolled out in phases, and standard packages are immediately up and running.

Conclusion: custom keeps you successful and competitive

In summary, standard software solutions offer solutions for standard questions, but when specific needs must be met, the limitations outweigh the benefits, and additional costs are incurred. Custom (based on low-code) offers much freedom for SME entrepreneurs. The long-term financial value is often higher than the costs; it gives the organization flexibility, and processes are set up more efficiently. These are all elements necessary to be successful and competitive now and in the future.

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Costs: the misconception of custom.

IMPROVED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

customizable UX and UI design ensures a better user experience;

FUTURE-PROOF

keep evolving means the organization remains agile during market or business changes;

INCREDIBLY FAST TIME-TO-MARKET

REQUEST YOUR LOW-CODE DISCOVERY SCAN

visual aspect of low-code, applications are and implemented faster;

SECURITY

security is always up-to-date, and updates

OTA (On The Air);

AUTOMATION OF TASKS

tasks are automated, significantly improving

MARKET SCARCITY

shortage of well-trained IT personnel, it isn’t easy to professionals. By choosing low-code through an partner, you save on recruitment and personnel costs;

It is advisable to perform a thorough analysis and evaluation before you start to determine the optimal balance between standard solutions and custom software. This way, you avoid unnecessary costs and time. Want to know what such an analysis entails and how it works? Scan the QR code here.

DEVELOPMENT COSTS

low-code requires less manual coding, the programming lower than with high-code.

“This imbalance results in an extremely competitive market with sometimes bizarre employment conditions”

THE IT TALENT SHORTAGE

The shortage of IT talent is a concern for all sectors. The demand for quality applications is increasing, while the labour shortage puts significant pressure on businesses, forcing them to explore alternative paths.

One of these routes is the use of low-code, for as ironic as it may sound, embracing new technologies offers a solution to the shortage of IT professionals.

Bizarre employment conditions

Paradoxically, the labor shortage is partly due to technological advancements worldwide: increasing business digitalization, the growth of online services and e-commerce en the rising cyber-crime threat. However, this has also led to a growing demand for specialized programmers, developers, and security experts that is far exceeding the supply. Omid Darroudi, Director of New Business at LINKIT, recognizes

IMPROVED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

this: “This imbalance results in an extremely competitive market, with sometimes bizarre employment conditions. It makes it almost impossible for many companies to find and retain IT talent.”

The customizable UX and UI design ensures a better customer and user experience;

FUTURE-PROOF

The ability to keep evolving means the organization remains scalable and agile during market or business changes;

Low-code as a smart solution

INCREDIBLY FAST TIME-TO-MARKET

By leveraging new technologies, companies can bridge the labor shortage. Omid emphasizes that low-code platforms like Mendix and OutSystems are particularly wellsuited. “Developers are scarce and expensive, especially in high-code (traditional programming). Conversely, low-code requires no deep programming knowledge, thanks to the visual approach to application development.” As a result,

OMID DARROUDI (43)

Director New Business

Thanks to the visual aspect of low-code, applications are developed and implemented faster;

STRONG SECURITY

With low-code, security is always up-to-date, and updates take place OTA (On The Air);

AUTOMATION OF TASKS

companies do not need to hire costly personnel; instead, they can develop with their employees. “Both IT and non-IT professionals can learn low-code, allowing application development or the automation of repetitive tasks to continue simply. The rapid development speed of low-code (up to eight times faster than traditional programming) ensures a quick time-to-market, allowing the business to continue without being hindered by the labor shortage.”

Continuity through flexibility

Repetitive tasks are automated, significantly improving production;

LABOR MARKET SCARCITY

Due to the shortage of well-trained IT personnel, it isn’t easy to find qualified professionals. By choosing low-code through an external partner, you save on recruitment and personnel costs;

Omid Darroud has been working at LINKIT since 2017. As Director of New Business, he speaks daily with (potential) clients and advises them on transformation trajectories and creating business value through the use of low-code.

LOWER DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Since low-code requires less manual coding, the programming costs are lower than with high-code.

In addition to technological developments, customer needs are also evolving at a rapid pace. “Scalability and flexibility are vital,” Omid emphasizes. “To ensure that low-code allows companies to develop in short cycles. It allows them to quickly respond to changing market needs. In this way, low-code prevents the IT talent shortage from causing stagnation within your business, but rather promotes digitalization and a competitive advantage over your rivals.”

EFFICIENCY IN ACTION

How Hollard Investments transforms the customer service center

in this transformation, leveraging its expertise to unlock legacy data and implement innovative technological solutions. The enduring commitment between LINKIT and KLM sets a robust platform for further fruitful collaboration in the decades to come, fueling their shared vision of technological advancement.

Hollard Investments, part of the privately-owned Hollard Group, has spent years trying to find the right workflow system for its call centre. But thanks to the use of low-code, LINKITSYSTEMS was able to develop a workflow model in just six months which not only fitted the bill but exceeded all of Hollard Investments expectations.

Hollard Investments was looking for an efficient customer call centre workflow system to streamline their administration and communication around customer cases.

Zainub Khan, Project Manager and

Business Analyst at Hollard Investments, explains: “We wanted to move away from using manual processes to manage daily tasks, have a central place where the admin team could manage their work, and have an overview of all the work distributed amongst the team, including automatically generated task reposts and team stats.” Next to optimising these day-to-day activities, they wanted to be able to source case information quickly. Their current

solution wasn’t sufficient and posed a number of data risks. Zainub continues: “We had looked at different solutions in the past, but most were too complex, required many plugins or simply did not meet all our requirements. All in all, those solutions would become too expensive and take too much time to develop and adjust to everchanging business needs while we were set on being quick-to-market.”

The solution: how low-code unlocked the puzzle Hollard Investments challenged LINKITSYSTEMS to come up with a customised solution. Given a basic

“We had looked at different solutions in the past, but most were too complex, required many plugins or simply did not meet all our requirements”

scope document, LINKITSYSTEMS applied its unique 4D Model (Dream, Design, Develop, Drive) to ensure that every aspect of the brief was addressed and that all stakeholders would be happy with the result. Key to the solution was the use of low-code within the OutSystems platform. Thanks to low-code’s pre-built components, it was possible to create the first demo in double quick time as part of the ‘Dream

Phase’, which established that OutSystems fitted the team’s overall strategy. “It was like they had built it especially for us,” says Zainub. “Our team could immediately picture themselves working with it as all the requirements were there in front of us. We were impressed! It was clear that using OutSystems and its low-code ‘drag and drop’ functionality would help us deliver what we wanted within a short period of time – in fact, a quick time to market was one of our main goals. Right then and there we decided to give LINKITSYSTEMS the green light.”

The ‘Design’ and ‘Development’ phases were all about collaborating with Hollard Investments to ensure real user impact. These began with an initial 3-day scoping workshop during which the details of the project were analysed and assumptions validated. Timelines were set, resources identified and architecture outlined. Thabo Sibeko, Team Lead and Principal OutSystems Developer at LINKITSYSTEMS, explains: “That also meant looking at all the possible personas involved in different tasks. What were the touchpoints and how should we break those down to screen level?” Wireframes created during the scoping workshop immediately showed the team what each persona would see on screen, what the functionalities were and where to go next. Using 2-week Agile sprints helped drive collaboration and results while ensuring work was carried out in the most efficient way possible. After

approval of the wireframes, one of LINKITSYSTEMS’ UX/UI designers then created a clickable prototype. This way the team could really experience the usability and functionalities before the full application was actually built. Thanks to the 4D process, Hollard Investments already knew what they were getting. And users at every level of the organisation had been able to try out the system as it was being developed, so there were no surprises in functionality, budget or timings.

The result: a unique and efficient system built collaboratively “We signed off the designs and within six

months LINKITSYSTEMS was able to develop the initial MVP,” says Zainub proudly. “The low-code development addressed various challenges: it provided a visual and collaborative environment, accelerated development, simplified integration and enhanced adaptability to changing business requirements. The result is a system that fully fits the needs originally set out and which has significantly increased satisfaction levels among case workers and customers alike. Today, around 10 Hollard Investments staff members are using the workflow system daily. Now that the ‘Drive’ phase kicks in, the team is focusing on the next steps. Zainub has

“We signed off the designs and within six months LINKITSYSTEMS was able to develop the initial MVP”

big plans: “We definitely see potential to use the platform for future builds which include optimisation of the current workflow, but we would also like to build a document repository and potentially a correspondence solution as well. Looking back, it was a pleasure working together on this project. LINKITSYSTEMS engaged with us every step of the way, understood the business process and

requirements, and worked hard to develop an end-solution that would meet our needs.”

The final verdict: low-code, high satisfaction

At the outset of the project, Hollard Investments had multiple requirements and a diverse set of users to please. That explains why they struggled for so long to find an off-the-shelf solution. But LINKITSYSTEMS delivered a unique and scalable system at lightning speed that not only met all requirements but – thanks in large part to low-code – was also neither too complex nor too expensive.

FAQ

LOW-CODE

New to the world of low-code or looking for the possibilities? In this FAQ section, we answer the most frequently asked questions about low-code. Whether you want to know more about the benefits, applications, security aspects, or cost savings, we’ve got it all covered for you.

What is low-code development?

Low-code development is an approach to software development that uses visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools to build applications, accelerating and simplifying the development process.

What does low-code development entail, and how does it differ from traditional development methods?

Low-code development utilizes visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools instead of manual coding, making the development process more accessible and faster compared to traditional methods.

What benefits can low-code development offer our organization?

Benefits include faster development times, reduced reliance on specialized programmers, improved flexibility, and lower development costs.

How can low-code accelerate our development processes?

Low-code accelerates development processes by reducing manual coding and providing visual tools that enable rapid iterations.

Can we respond more quickly to changing business needs and market conditions with low-code?

Yes, because low-code development makes it easier to adapt applications and quickly add new features.

Is low-code suitable for complex business applications?

Yes, low-code can be used for both simple a nd complex applications, depending on the platform and its capabilities.

How scalable is a low-code development approach for our organization?

Low-code can be scalable, but this depends on the chosen platform and support for large-scale deployments.

What skills are needed to work with low-code?

Problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and an understanding of business processes are important, while specific programming skills are less crucial.

How does security and compliance work with the use of low-code?

Good low-code platforms adhere to strict security standards and often offer built-in security features.

What are some practical applications of low-code in our industry?

Examples include internal workflow tools, customer portals, reporting and analytics tools, and full-fledged business applications for specific business processes.

How do the costs of low-code platforms compare to traditional development methods?

This can vary, but low-code platforms are often more cost-effective due to the reduced need for specialized programmers.

How can I leverage AI in low-code platforms?

AI functionalities can be integrated into low-code platforms to enhance tasks such as automated data analysis, predictive modelling, and natural language processing.

Vendor lock-in: are you stuck with the platform?

There is a risk of vendor lock-in with the use of certain low-code platforms. It is important to evaluate the possibilities for integration and data portability to manage this risk.

How can i connect low-code with other platforms/systems?

Low-code platforms often support integration with other systems via APIs, webhooks, and standard connectors, enabling data exchange and interoperability between different applications and systems.

What should I consider when choosing a low-code platform? (which platform should I choose?)

When choosing a low-code platform, factors to consider are the degree of customizability, available functionalities, support for integrations with existing systems, scalability, user-friendliness, security features, pricing, and the vendor’s reputation.

I have a heavy application with many transactions. Can that be done with low-code?

Yes, it is possible to develop heavy applications with many transactions using low-code, provided the right platform is used. Some low-code platforms offer advanced functionalities and scalability options specifically designed to meet the requirements of complex and highly transactional applications. It is important to choose a low-code platform that provides powerful integration capabilities, advanced data processing options, and support for scalability to ensure the performance and reliability of the heavy application.

GET ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

Need more information? We’re here to help. Contact us to get answers to all your low-code queries.

TIRED OF LEGACY HEADACHES?

Say goodbye to frustrations and complexity

As technologies age, they become more vulnerable to security breaches and perform less optimally. After an average lifespan of five years, developers or vendors no longer provide support, and it’s time to modernize. Yet, this step towards digital maturity often seems far away in practice.

Omid Darroudi, Director of New Business at LINKIT, speaks daily with entrepreneurs who cling to outdated systems. They are often convinced that their organisation’s continuity is at risk if they renew their IT environment. “The urgency to innovate only becomes clear to them when things go wrong, but they are often too late. It is precisely by taking action early on that you can prevent far-reaching consequences.”

Homemade software

Businesses and outdated systems are often deeply entrenched, but the threshold to innovate is increasingly higher. Omid: “Organizations rely too much on the past. Small problems in old software are often ‘solved’ with homemade software, leading to a layered approach and increasing complexity. The company becomes more susceptible to cybercrime and data breaches, maintenance costs rise, there is no room for innovation, and the organization becomes increasingly unattractive to new personnel due to the lack of new technologies. It turns a solution from the past into a problem for the future.”

A brake on ambition and growth

someone leaves the company,” says Omid. “The consequence is clear: while you, for example, continue to work with manual Excel sheets, your competition is steadily pulling ahead thanks to efficient, digitized solutions.”

Modernizing business software

While new technologies bring structure, outdated technologies create an overgrown jungle of complex programming languages and frameworks. “Legacy systems are difficult to integrate with new software and are not future-proof and scalable due to the challenging code language. Additionally, there is often a lack of thorough documentation, causing the loss of substantive knowledge when

According to Gartner research, by 2025, more than 80% of organizations will need to modernize their outdated IT infrastructure to meet the demands of the digital market. Although this seems like an enormous challenge, Omid believes it is not impossible. “By integrating new technologies, companies can modernize their business environment.” He cites low-code as an example, which was previously often only used as a supplement to existing systems but now plays an important role in modernizing entire business-critical processes. “Within platforms like OutSystems and Mendix, all

“While you, for example, continue to work with manual Excel sheets, your competition is steadily pulling ahead thanks to efficient, digitized solutions”

functionalities, data structures, and application screens are fully customizable without in-depth programming knowledge. Thanks to the visual interfaces, developers with little programming knowledge can still build business applications at lightning speed.” He states that speed is crucial. “Time-to-market is significantly reduced, and companies can respond more quickly to market changes. This creates a future-proof IT landscape that contributes to stability in the organization. Legacy is no longer a hindrance to the future but merely a memory from the past.”

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With Stencil, you can access a robust toolkit for creating your Web Component or a complete Design System library. This article is a Step-by-step instruction on developing a simple Stencil component for Amazon Location Service Maps for use in OutSystems.

STEFAN WEBER

In modern-day applications, one of the core components is the data and how we manage to use it. The data can be used in multiple processes and for various purposes. When it comes to data, many questions occur. How do we create or obtain the data? How do we manipulate it? How do we make use of it? But most importantly, how accurate is the data?

Especially for industries such as insurance, banking and e-commerce, having reliable data is crucial since a false piece of data can have an immediate financial impact and, in some cases, legal consequences. Mendix has various ways to retrieve data, e.g., association and database. In the database, the entities are distinguished with unique IDs. However, this is not always adequate. For example, multiple cars from the same brand can have the same features and colours. In the database, they are distinct entities because they have different IDs, but when we retrieve these cars, we cannot cherry-pick them when it comes to retrievals. You may want to retrieve cars with distinct features produced in a factory, with the distinction of colour, motor volume etc. But these cars are mass produced and are duplicates of the same car. Such scenarios and many more can occur, and if you have duplicate data, it may cause issues in your processes throughout your application. This article describes how you can ensure that you have no duplicate data in your Mendix application using different methods and how you can uniquify your lists based on an attribute in Mendix.

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EXPLORING THE SPECTRUM

Low-code vs high-code

In the race to stay ahead, most enterprises have been embracing digital transformation. Most larger organizations have adopted custom application development, traditionally using languages such as .NET, JavaScript, or Java. However, as the demand from the business continues to grow, current IT resources struggle to keep up.

As a result, more organizations are now considering alternatives, such as low-code development, to speed up their digitization. But how does low-code compare to traditional coding? From my experience, there are strong points to be made for both. Often even within the same organization.

Understanding low-code development

Low-code platforms began to emerge over a decade ago as IT departments were experiencing more pressure to deliver value within the tight timelines of the business. Whether held back by the speed of development, the lack of agile processes, or the complexities of testing and deploying applications, traditional coding languages often fell short. The initial promise of low-code was to make software development accessible for a larger workforce to build applications more rapidly. Over time, the focus of low-code platforms has evolved. Platforms like Mendix and OutSystems have shifted towards bridging the gap between business and IT, facilitating faster delivery of high-performance software solutions. Low-code offers some real benefits, but most organizations will fully utilize them immediately. from the start. Your organization and development teams will need to gain

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Scan and read the article ‘AI Integration in low-code Platforms’. READ MORE ONLINE

knowledge of this new technology. Not everyone can be a great low-code developer in a day. But you can make a good start in a couple of months and become a decent developer in one year, making the learning curve much steeper than with other languages. And low-code platforms do come with a license fee. So, your business case must be there. Mentioning ‘high-code development’ often highlights the bubble in which enthusiasts of low-code live (me!). But the ability to now compare high-code to something like low-code also enables us to point out the advantages of traditional coding languages such as .NET, Java, or JavaScript.

Use Cases for low-code vs high-code

Having had different jobs within IT, I have built up the experience with different technologies and languages. A technology is not chosen solely by its technical specifications. Any technology should be a fit with its users and organizational goals. If your organization can differentiate itself by delivering features faster, whether towards end users or for internal automation, then the speed of low-code could be your most important argument. Is your organization built around a limited number of fundamental applications, and is not feature delivery but the detailed level of quality of the performance and UI more important? Traditional languages may be the better fit.

Composable businesses

The choice between low-code and high-code is not always absolute; many organizations integrate both. Utilizing low-code for applications that require rapid delivery while employing high-code for other critical aspects allows for granular flexibility. The

BENEFITS OF LOW-CODE DEVELOPMENT

The advantages of low-code compared to high-code include:

• Development is ten times faster than traditional coding.

• Not only development but also implementation is largely managed by the platforms.

• Low-code platforms facilitate collaboration with the business thanks to the fast visual feedback loop, resulting in a greater focus on actual value delivery.

• Popular low-code platforms continue to improve, offering access to new features and tools, with AI playing an increasingly significant role. Additionally, patches and upgrades are largely managed by the platforms.

BENEFITS OF HIGH-CODE DEVELOPMENT

While low-code often attracts attention, high-code development also offers significant advantages:

• Applications can be controlled at a more detailed level, allowing a deep focus on quality and performance.

• There are large communities of developers, freelancers, and service providers available for collaboration.

• The high flexibility of development and implementation can better align with architectural and security standards, preventing extensive internal discussions.

• Open-source standards reduce or eliminate recurring licensing costs.

choice between low-code and high-code depends on specific use cases and organizational goals. Whether to prioritize speed, automation, and IT/Business collaboration through low-code, or to emphasize control, precision, and community support through highcode, depends on the goals of each business or even each use case. Opting for multiple technologies can therefore be a very well-suited

approach for any larger, dynamic organization. In conclusion, low-code and high-code coexist and will do so for the foreseeable future. Are you considering how to integrate low-code alongside high-code in your organization? I am happy to help map suitable use cases to a fitting technology, drawing from my experience at different companies in retail, finance & insurance, healthcare, and logistics.

HOW LOW-CODE TRANSFORMS QUOTING PROCESSES AROUND THE GLOBE

For a farmer to fertilize their field, they need fertilizers. Whether that person is in the Netherlands or India, those fertilizers are likely purchased through Van Iperen - with a little help from LINKIT.

Van Iperen International is a Dutch company specialising in specialized fertilizers and biostimulants. To serve customers worldwide, the company employs sales agents who work with local dealers. LINKIT helped develop the My Iperen International quote application to support these sales agents. The system is built using a low-code platform; the system is designed to streamline sales processes so Van Iperen International employees in over a hundred different countries can generate and follow up on quotes consistently.

Seeking a knowledge partner

Fast-growing companies often reach a turning point - a moment when a particular process is no longer efficient as it was initially set up. It is especially true when the employees working with that process are located in different countries, using their own Excel sheets

and having to combine information from various sources. It was high time to bring that together, the team at Van Iperen International decided. “Lowcode was already in our architecture,” says Vincent, IT Manager at Van Iperen, explaining the choice for OutSystems. “Because we already have people working in it for Van Iperen Netherlands and because we want as little fragmentation as possible, that was also the most logical option for Van Iperen International. OutSystems has the advantage of allowing you to synchronize online with an offline app. So someone can, for example, work on a quote on a plane, and it goes out the door as soon as they land.” They found the connection with LINKIT through the OutSystems partner portal. “We were looking for extra capacity, but also for a party that can guarantee continuity, ensure the quality of the development team, and make sure that team remains flexible and scalable.” But it wasn’t just about the people. “It was also about us being able to steer on results,” adds Antonie, the scrum master from LINKIT. “Because we are involved as a knowledge partner, we are co-responsible for that.”

Working with a quick response team

The collaboration between the two parties is going very well, according to both. Antonie explains: “Quick Response means that we can quickly make the necessary expertise available. We always have to balance budget, time, and functionality, which was sometimes challenging. Especially in the beginning, because there were still quite a few requirements to be gathered from the business.” Vincent: “LINKIT has taken care of us by their approach. It was proactive and open so that we had our project and our way of working streamlined after a few weeks.” In addition to scrum master

Antonie, a developer, a tester, and a designer from LINKIT were involved in the project. Product owner Yichi came from Van Iperen and was a logistics expert at the start of the project. Antonie guided her through the process. “That went great,” says Vincent. “As a result, she has learned an incredible amount quickly.” Finding experienced people is difficult, even for Van Iperen. In this way, the experience stays within the company. “It’s important for us that these teams can keep going; that’s our job, too,” Antonie explains. “Van Iperen can move forward, even when we’re no longer involved.”

With or without design sprints?

Unlike other projects, design sprints were not used in this assignment. However, in collaboration with the product owner, whether the designs matched the users’ needs was constantly checked. The sales agents were directly involved in the process, so they could indicate what they needed and expected. Yichi then worked with a designer from LINKIT to elaborate user

stories, which the developers then discussed and developed. “Ultimately, we do use design sprints in other projects now because we’ve found that this streamlines the process. This way, we only work out what is needed and know if something will work before it’s even developed,” says Antonie. “That also works better for the team because there’s ultimately much less rework needed.” The sales agents were also involved in testing to see if everything was working as expected. About 30% of the company is now working with the new tool. Their experience? “It takes some getting used to, but they’re happy with the clear structure and information. They know how to reach us with complaints, so I think they’re saying this is a sign that we’ve listened well,” winks Vincent.

More efficient and less error-prone

In addition to the Van Iperen development team making great strides, the product is making a big contribution to the company’s further digitalization. The tool provides an efficiency boost, as information is automatically retrieved and loaded from various sources, including the company’s ERP system. It also significantly reduces the risk of errors and requires less coordination between team members. Where previously, a lot of communication was done by phone and email, resulting in the loss of certain information, the order flow is now secured within the new application. It allows everyone to work in a standard, uniform way. The application includes information on

price updates, inventory indexation, and a blend tool. With the latter, specific fertilizers can be mixed in different proportions from various base fertilizers on request, after which a price can be set. Prices can be added with a single click instead of being entered separately, and everyone has simultaneous access to the same information. The collaboration between LINKIT and Van Iperen can be considered a complete success on time and within budget by keeping communication open and jointly taking responsibility for delivery. As of October, everyone is working with the new system, and quotes are finding their way to the customer faster than ever. Whether in agriculture or sales, the right tools make your work much more efficient!

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