#3 – In conversation with Jan van Hapert, Barry van den Reek, and Niels Oudenaarden from Liemar Software

This episode of Beton & Staalbouw de Podcast focuses on Liemar's 40th anniversary, with founder Jan van Hapert and colleagues Barry van der Reek and Niels joining us at the table. Jan explains how Liemar started out in the software world and eventually found its focus in the steel construction sector after a few detours. The decision to specialize proved crucial: Liemar did not want to do everything, but to excel in one area. That focus led to the development of an integrated ERP solution for steel construction, from calculation to delivery. Jan candidly shares lessons from the early years, including failures, legal conflicts, and financial setbacks.

Barry looks back on his start at Liemar through a graduation internship and how customer questions formed the basis for, among other things, the planning module. He emphasizes that the core question from customers has remained the same for 27 years: more peace of mind, control, and overview in projects. Niels, with a background in operational steel construction, explains how he helps customers to actually experience that control. A recurring theme is that software only works if companies are willing to change their working methods.

According to them, the biggest inefficiencies in the sector lie in fragmented systems, Excel spreadsheets, and clinging to old ways of working. Time appears to be the most underestimated problem among steel constructors. Lean principles, good planning, and clear processes actually create more flexibility and job satisfaction. Liemar provides intensive support to customers and sees implementation as a long-term process, not a one-time installation.

Unique is the active cross-pollination between customers, who learn a lot from each other. Liemar develops its software in close collaboration with users, but maintains a clear vision. Technological choices, such as working locally versus cloud solutions, are made consciously and critically. After 40 years, Liemar is still evolving, driven by specialization, listening to customers, and the search for lasting peace of mind and returns in steel construction.