In the fast-paced world of global commerce, efficient contract management can be the key differentiator between success and stagnation. AVEBE, a leading producer of potato starches with a global footprint in industries ranging from food to textiles, faced significant challenges in managing its complex sales cycles and contract processes. Leveraging its SAP ERP system for core operations, AVEBE encountered critical gaps in contract visibility and automation, prompting a search for a more agile and effective solution.

Initially confronted with the dilemma of customizing their existing SAP infrastructure or embarking on a bespoke .NET development project, AVEBE sought a third path that would deliver results swiftly and seamlessly integrate with their ERP backend. This quest led them to Mendix’s low-code application platfor, a game-changer in the realm of rapid application development.

The Challenge

Jilt Bakkes, AVEBE’s Chief Information Officer, highlighted the strategic and tactical deficiencies that plagued their previous processes. “Strategically, we lacked comprehensive insights into order histories and client preferences,” noted Bakkes. “Tactically, manual processes led to inconsistencies in pricing and approvals, exposing us to legal and audit risks.”

Such challenges necessitated an automated solution capable of bridging these gaps without the cumbersome constraints of traditional development cycles. The rigidity of SAP for front-end modifications and the concrete-like inflexibility of .NET underscored the urgency for a more agile approach.

The Solution: Mendix

AVEBE’s adoption of Mendix’s low-code platform proved transformative. Offering unparalleled flexibility and speed, Mendix empowered AVEBE to develop a multi-device application for contract management within an astonishing 30-day timeframe. This rapid deployment not only streamlined their contract processes but also facilitated agile adjustments to business rules in response to evolving market dynamics.

“Mendix’s cloud-based platform allowed us to lead development cycles with business users,” Bakkes emphasized. “We could adapt swiftly to changing conditions without the delays typical of conventional development approaches.”

The Results

The impact of AVEBE’s collaboration with Mendix was profound. By shifting contract management functions outside SAP to a user-friendly interface, AVEBE empowered its sales teams to manage approvals, authorizations, and routing efficiently. The application’s ability to apply complex business rules in real-time significantly enhanced operational efficiency and compliance.

“With Mendix, we achieved standardized contract terms and conditions,” Bakkes elaborated. “Exceptions could be identified and managed promptly, offering us unprecedented control over our business processes.”

Moreover, the application’s integration capabilities with SAP’s Process Integration Layer ensured seamless data flow and complete auditability of all contract transactions. This not only improved forecasting accuracy but also enhanced long-term planning capabilities for AVEBE.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, AVEBE remains committed to leveraging Mendix’s platform to enhance business agility further. “Mendix truly enables agility,” Bakkes affirmed. “Future developments and modifications will be rapid and straightforward, positioning us to meet evolving market demands with unmatched responsiveness.”

Conclusion

AVEBE’s journey with Mendix exemplifies the transformative power of agile development methodologies in enterprise software. By choosing Mendix over traditional SAP customization or .NET development, AVEBE not only resolved critical operational challenges but also positioned itself for sustained growth and innovation in a competitive global market.

As businesses worldwide continue to prioritize agility and efficiency, AVEBE’s success story serves as a testament to the potential of low-code platforms like Mendix in driving digital transformation and operational excellence.

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