PostNL Clears 2 Year Backlog in 6 Months with Low-Code

PostNL, the national postal carrier of the Netherlands, has significantly transformed its business approach by adopting a low-code development platform Mendix. This strategic shift was spearheaded by Jasper ten Hove, the Manager of Logistical e-Commerce IT at PostNL, alongside key team members including Chris Neuteboom and David Ramp. The introduction of this new system has enabled PostNL to efficiently handle an impressive volume of 1.1 million parcels daily while supporting 4.5 million customers.

The use of low-code technology has allowed PostNL to clear a two-year backlog of IT work in just six months, marking a major achievement in streamlining their operations. The system is built on a microservices architecture, which is quite complex and possibly one of the most extensive implementations of low-code technology to date. This architecture plays a crucial role in ensuring that the company can adapt quickly to changing market demands and continuous growth in e-commerce, which has significantly increased parcel volumes.

“The old system was slow and complicated. It was a black box for us,” says Order Management Platform Owner David Ramp.

Originally, PostNL’s order management system was designed to handle 600,000 orders per day using traditional programming approaches. However, this system became inadequate due to rapid market growth, prompting a redesign to better manage the scaling needs and process improvements essential for logistics operations. The new system, re-architected by Neuteboom, ten Hove, and Ramp, utilizes 64 microservices spread across 32 sorting centers, ensuring robust scalability and high availability.

Parcel Tracking for 4.5 Million Users with Low-Code

PostNL’s transition to a low-code platform has not only addressed immediate operational challenges but also positioned the company to expand into other lines of business such as time-sensitive deliveries and pharmaceutical logistics. Each line requires unique logistics solutions, highlighting the flexibility of the new system to cater to diverse operational needs.

Moreover, the platform has enhanced customer interaction with the parcel delivery process, allowing 4.5 million users to track and modify their delivery routes. The success of the system’s implementation has garnered national recognition for PostNL, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in logistics and technology-driven solutions.

The future looks promising for PostNL as it plans to extend its services and infrastructure, with plans for new depots and expanded operations across Holland and Belgium. The company’s shift towards a technology-driven approach is not only a testament to its adaptability and innovative spirit but also sets a new standard in the logistics industry. Through continuous improvement and a focus on integrating advanced technology into their operations, PostNL is well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the market and enhance the overall customer experience.

(Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik)