When local knowledge and international clout come together

On September 26, the LIC Summit took place in the Event Hall in Gorinchem. This meeting, organized by Progress Group and LIC Software Development BV, was dedicated to the strategic cooperation between LIC and the Progress Group and what this partnership brings to the customers of LIC. Invited were relations and users of the LIC software from the concrete reinforcement and precast concrete industry. The program highlighted the background of the acquisition of LIC by Progress, the joint vision and strategy for the future and the introduction of the new software platform aheadSuite.

From collaboration to acquisition

LIC has been a trusted name in the Dutch concrete reinforcement industry for many years. Progress Group, on the other hand, has a strong international position with both software and machines for the reinforcement and (precast) concrete sector. The two companies are no strangers to each other: in 2005 they already worked together on a first project and the cooperation intensified afterwards. This culminated in a strategic partnership in 2020 and eventually led to Progress Group taking over LIC in 2024.

A shared future

The combination of knowledge, expertise and experience of both companies offers clear added value. For LIC's customers, this means the backing of a powerful software partner known for its innovative solutions and its strong roots in 3D reinforcement solutions. For its part, Progress benefits from LIC's extensive knowledge of the BeNeLux market, its consultation culture in construction and its practical experience with bars and with work processes on the construction site. Together they form a strong basis for further growth.

Vision for the future: new software

During the Summit, it quickly became clear that the future demands new, "future-proof" software. Key requirements included the presence of an API for links to other systems, a fully web-based environment accessible from any device, apps for mobile use and visual, dynamic reports instead of static reports. The ability to open multiple screens simultaneously was also high on the wish list.

The development of this software requires more than just technical knowledge: experience in the industry, insight into existing installations and a good understanding of customer requirements. The joining of forces between LIC and Progress Group brings all this together.

aheadSuite: ready for the future

In view of the increasing automation and robotization in construction, the new aheadSuite software has been developed. This modular platform can be tailored precisely to the customer's needs. It is fully web-based, has an intuitive interface and offers the flexibility that the market demands now and in the future.

What does this mean for LIC customers?

For LIC customers, little changes in day-to-day operations: the company remains the point of contact and provides support. But there are also clear advantages: better software, support during migration and access to the knowledge and experience of a strong international player. And what do the LIC customers themselves think? The reactions were already positive: they see the added value of the new software and the possibilities it brings. And with a well thought-out migration plan, nothing will stand in the way of a smooth transition.

As Gert Verschoor of Betonijzerbuigcentrale en Handelmaatschappij B.V. summed it up: "Good thing that collaboration and the resulting new software. We really needed the new capabilities that are now offered."

For all information, visit www.lic.nl