Software ecosystem for the precast concrete industry

The best of all worlds

The world is digitizing. Also that of the precast concrete industry. The demand for software to structure business processes is increasing, but companies can no longer do without a good CRM, ERP and planning system in the process. Matrix Software and dtnext offer a powerful total solution for the precast concrete industry that integrates all facets into one flowing ecosystem that supports and enriches the entire business.

The collaboration between Matrix Software and dtnext arose from the needs of a joint customer in the precast concrete industry. "During an exploration in the market she came across many traditional solutions, but did not find what she was really looking for: a solution that can meet all her needs," Coen Boot of dtnext knows. "Traditional providers often originate from one background. They deliver an ERP system and add CRM a little bit. Then you have one solution that covers everything, but only excels on one subject. Matrix Software and dtnext have created a solution that offers the best of all worlds: a complete ERP, CRM, production and engineering solution."

Proven track record

According to Jaap van Kampen of Matrix Software, the software ecosystem is a unique solution that is very powerful on all facets. "From Matrix, we give substance to this with IMPACT Production, software specifically aimed at controlling, managing and planning processes in the precast concrete industry. It is a stand-alone program that is already running very successfully in more than 200 concrete plants." The CRM and ERP solutions of dtnext are somewhat broader in scope and fully focused on project-based companies. Boot: "Our software solutions are based entirely on the Microsoft platform, in particular Dynamics 365. An innovative platform with CRM, ERP and numerous other features. This also makes it highly applicable in all kinds of subsectors, including companies that process steel."

Grip and control

Back to the precast concrete industry. "Concrete plants come in all shapes and sizes. The production processes are also far from the same. Every plant has its own idiosyncrasies and unique processes," Van Kampen knows from years of experience at many a concrete plant. "The strength of Impact Production is that the program can be set up and configured to fit all those different processes. The core of the software is focused on controlling production, but there is a whole range of modules around it, including 3D design and calculation software. It provides insight into ongoing projects and manages production planning and staffing. It also provides insight and control over the storage of concrete elements and transport and construction logistics."

Standard platform

Impact Production and dtnext's software interlock in such a way as to create one total solution. "In doing so, we use standard platforms and modern techniques such as api's to seamlessly integrate all facets," Boot explains. "With this, a company has a total overview of the progress of all projects. You can see at any time at the project level how the project is doing. Has all the information been received? Has all the work been scheduled? Which draftsmen and structural engineers are scheduled? What tasks have already been completed? Have all freights already been invoiced? It all becomes visible with the click of a mouse. In addition, you can be sure that information, such as drawings and documents, is well documented via the CRM. All communication is also stored at the customer level. For example, there is a standard integration of Outlook and Teams. So from the CRM, you can fully house and monitor the entire process from quotation and calculation to order and project. From there, engineering and production get to work through Impact Production. Purchasing, inventory management and the entire financial processing is then again done through the ERP and so the circle is complete."

In the total solution of Matrix and dtnext, data is exchanged in real time. "All software runs completely in the cloud," says Van Kampen, who adds that via the mobile app IMPACT GO you can also very easily record the registration of quality processes. "It becomes important in view of the Quality Assurance Act. There is also a module to calculate the CO2 footprint and prepare environmental impact reports." According to Boot, the fact that the software runs in the cloud means that, as a company, you always have the most up-to-date version. "You no longer have to perform updates yourself; that is completely taken care of for you. All in all, it's a very modern and innovative total solution that you as a company in the precast concrete industry can move forward with in a future-oriented way."