Greater returns with an industry-focused ERP system

For 35 years, Liemar has been developing industry-specific ERP software with a strong focus on steel construction. The Dutch software house demonstrates that ERP software is not only suitable for large companies, but that the potential is huge for smaller steel construction companies as well. An interview with director Jan van Hapert and sales manager Niels Oudenaarden about the in-house developed ERP system LiemarX.

Liemar deals exclusively with the development of ERP software. "The greatest merit of an ERP in general and LiemarX in particular lies in the integration of different modules to control and manage business processes and projects," begins Van Hapert. When is an ERP interesting? "For example, if you have many different software programs running that are also painstakingly tied together. Of course, you can't avoid a drawing package and an accounting program, but all the other information can be easily extracted from one software program: an ERP. That leads irrevocably to greater efficiency."

Part of the overall approach

"Our customers very clearly indicate that, since they have been working with LiemarX, they are turning over more revenue without having to hire new people," Van Hapert continues. "Natural turnover is very easily accommodated with automation. A good example of this is Meco Metal. Managing director Harry Seijkens consciously looked for a totally integrated ERP system to implement his intended lean philosophy. Together we set up a completely different methodology for controlling the factory and controlling both business processes and projects. This is what we excel at and what makes our software unique. LiemarX is part of the total approach to achieve greater efficiency. Meco Metal is living proof of that."

Fundamentally different approach

According to Oudenaarden, Liemar takes a top-down approach when it comes to controlling business processes and projects. "To provide specific support to the various departments from here and provide them with the right information. This is fundamentally different from the usual bottom-up approach. Because of our conceptual approach and specific approach, you see that our software is actually supportive.   

At the touch of a button, all relevant information is available. Users do not become slaves to the software, nor are they hindered by it. Indeed, you even get into a continuous improvement cycle with each other." Van Hapert adds: "Organizationally, you don't have to reinvent the wheel either. Our software includes a template for setting up the entire organization based on the know-how of tig other users in the industry."

Market expansion

According to Oudenaarden, LiemarX also lends itself perfectly to application in sectors where a steel component is part of the total solution. "For example, companies focusing on industrial construction, where complete projects are taken on, including concrete work, cladding, etc., among other things. The management aspects and project dynamics are identical, and because of the conceptual top-down approach, these scope parts can also be controlled to perfection with Liemar."

Gratitude

Liemar is constantly working with customers on the latest solutions that are thereby tested directly in practice. "Every year we invest more than 25% of our turnover in new developments from which all our customers benefit. By doing so, we guarantee optimal continuity of their information system," says Van Hapert. "Moreover, the advantage of an industry-specific ERP system is that no huge investments are required in the preliminary process. We take away the fear of the 'unknown' and take all the risks out of their hands." Oudenaarden, who himself has many years of experience in project management and project control at home and abroad and therefore knows better than anyone else what an ERP must meet, concludes, "We help with LiemarX to get processes and projects under control quickly. Very recently, we connected a small company with a handful of employees. The owner sees LiemarX as a godsend, suddenly having complete control and insight into hours, scheduling, costs and revenues. It takes the company so much further. You just feel the gratitude."