VanMeijel Automatisering offers ERP system Metacom as cloud package

In today's rapidly evolving digital world, cloud-based solutions play a major role. Especially in transforming the way organizations manage data, collaborate remotely and gain insight into their projects. "This is why VanMeijel Automatisering offers the ERP system Metacom entirely as a cloud package," says Peter van Meijel, director at VanMeijel Automatisering. 

This allows organizations to be more flexible, reduce costs and adapt faster to an ever-changing business environment. "The use of the cloud is no longer just a trend, but rather has become an essential part of modern business," Peter believes. "But that hasn't happened overnight, of course." 

Back to 2013 for a moment

Peter dives back in time with us for a moment. "In 2013, over a decade ago already, the industry was slowly clawing its way out of the construction crisis of the time. And even though the smartphone had been around for several years, it took a while for it to become commonplace. So until 2013, filling out paper forms was the usual course of action with regard to recording various things on the construction site. The paper slips containing daily reports and time records went to administration, where they were typed over. These then had to be submitted for approval before invoicing could take place. You can imagine that a lot could go wrong there," says Peter. "Illegible or lost bills, stagnation in the process because approval is delayed, and perhaps one of the most important drawbacks: the project results are only visible after this whole process."

Automating administrative processes

"By bringing registrations to the cloud, we avoid that kind of problem," Peter continued. VanMeijel started setting up a cloud platform ten years ago to automate administrative processes around the construction site. "We took the first step toward the cloud back then," says Peter. "There is now a large group of customers who have embraced this and where many common basic processes have been automated."

Benefits of working in the cloud

By moving data storage and processing to the cloud, organizations can benefit from scalable and cost-effective solutions, according to Peter. Another benefit of these automated work processes in the cloud is that companies can quickly and easily gain valuable insights into projects. "And that in turn results in better decision-making and a competitive advantage. In addition, companies can then invoice sooner because data is available more quickly." Peter goes on to mention the benefit of remote collaboration via the cloud. "We see that organizations often operate from multiple offices and project locations. Also, the number of people working from home has increased significantly since the early 2020s. By moving collaboration to the cloud, teams can communicate more effectively, share documents and work together on projects. This not only improves productivity, but also promotes flexibility and agility, as employees can collaborate seamlessly wherever they are." Yet he does see that companies still find this a challenging step. 

Process optimization support

"In most companies, digitization goes in steps. It often starts with automating the processes in the office. Then companies also automate their processes outside. Eventually, collaboration in the chain is also automated. But before that, the basics have to be in order. Involving the chain is really the next step," says Peter. "Technically, more is often possible than companies now think, but in order to take that next step in the digitalization battle well and use the technology properly, it is essential that it fits the development phase of the customer." VanMeijel therefore not only focuses on technical solutions, but also offers support in optimizing processes. This lifts the entire company to a higher level.

Standardized yet flexible solution

"Recording and managing project data may sound like a general process, but the way it is organized varies greatly from company to company. An infrastructure company simply works differently than a crane rental company," says Peter. "Our ERP system Metacom is in fact a standardized solution that is flexible enough to suit our customer's specific way of working. And now Metacom is fully available as a cloud package, allowing not only the users 'outside' to work from anywhere, but also the office functions. This makes the benefits of the cloud available to everyone."