Bart Dhaene: "We did have an ERP system, but it didn't adequately meet our needs. A lot of manual work was needed to get something useful out of it. In some parts of the company, planning was done in Excel. That is very cluttered. Explanations were always needed from the planner to get an overview and therefore there was little grip on (long-term) projects. Our method could not give a clear picture of the projects or took too much time. An enormous paperwork, which we are happy to say goodbye to.
The search for the right package for Vytech was already well underway when Bart came into contact with Jan van Hapert of Liemar Software. 'We were still talking to two players when I discovered Liemar Software. Jan came to us for an initial introduction and immediately made a very positive impression. Jan had very clear answers to our questions. Whereas with other packages it might be possible to create customizations to meet our needs, Jan has an ERP package that already has it all. It's a strong foundation, with which you can start immediately.'
'Liemar Software made a choice: the ERP software was developed for the steel and metal construction industry. They have not deviated from that specific choice in over 35 years. As a result, they have a strong reputation in the industry and software that fits seamlessly with our operations. They are consistent in their vision and ambition. You also notice that when you speak with Liemar employees. They really speak our language. And with a smile, "Even if it is Dutch.
'Liemar was last at the table to discuss the package, but they were so quick and efficient in communication that there was no delay in our journey. After our acquaintance and our request, we quickly had a concrete customized quote. The implementation has a very short lead time: we were counting on going live in the summer of 2022, with LiemarX it can be done six months earlier. The software can be installed on our current systems and we will start setting it up in September. In every phase of the preliminary process, Liemar responded to us quickly, clearly and efficiently.'
'It is also that speed that made for 100 percent conviction that Liemar is the right choice. When we asked for a reference visit, we were invited to four competitor companies the very next day. That gave us confidence. What we then saw at the reference visit to Ferris, another LiemarX user, gave the final push.
'LiemarX is not the cheapest package we considered. But in the longer term, I expect the return to be higher. With LiemarX we can automate our processes to a great extent, so that there is continuously - without having to invest a lot of time and energy - a good overview of our performance, materials and projects. The simple links to drawing packages naturally help with this. The software is user-friendly for all our employees. You can find everything in no time.
'Liemar promises to boost the profitability of your business and that's how they work themselves. Every contact moment and every visit is used efficiently. I have seen plenty of examples of companies that schedule (and bill!) as many visits as possible. There is no such thing with Liemar.'
'Jan mentioned things that will be developed in the near future. I was very charmed by that. It looks like even more manual work will disappear. The vision of customization also appeals to me: only if other users also benefit from it. That is also possible with specialized software. So far, so good. Everyone here is looking forward to it!
To grow, Vytech needs good people. As with all other companies in the industry, finding and retaining those people is a challenge for Bart. 'That was another reason for us to start LiemarX. The new generation of project managers wants to be able to do their work well, supported by a smart system. Technical people see administration, rightly so, as a burden. Entering information manually gets in the way of practicing their profession. By automating - by starting to work with LiemarX - we offer a great workplace to the people we need to realize our ambitions.'
Vytech is a strong, multidisciplinary group that provides the necessary (technical) strength. Its services consist of four main segments: industrial maintenance, machine building & automation, metal construction and industrial removals. The company, with offices in Menen and Duffel in Belgium, currently has 130 employees. Bart Dhaene, CEO, says the organization aims to achieve annual growth of 5 to 10 percent in both employees and turnover. Despite an impactful coronary year - for everyone - the company is nicely on track to achieve that ambition.
Are you curious about our software and the potential return on its use in your organization? Visit www.liemar.nl or contact us at +31 (0) 40 2484041 or info@liemar.nl.