At Continuum, we believe that a partnership with our customers is the driving force towards innovation and a strong customer relationship, our collaboration with H. Essers is proof of this. We spoke with Guy Staskowiak, senior manager of software development.
H.Essers is an international logistics company based in Genk. In the industry, H.Essers is a major player offering a wide range of logistics services. They leverage advanced technologies and innovative solutions to assist customers in streamlining their logistics processes.
What works in real life and delivers the desired results is exactly what we needed. Moreover, Continuum has a strong expertise in Java profiles, which is also an important part of our technology stack.
Several years ago, the paths of H.Essers and Continuum crossed when discussing a Proof of Concept they wanted to develop. The pragmatic approach of Continuum resonated with them.Â
In addition, H.Essers got acquainted with Continuum through an organised training on Domain Driven Design. This knowledge was brought into practice and applied during the development proces. Furthermore, Continuum organized a brainstorming session with another client regarding a technology choice. H.Essers was able to leverage this new information to make informed decisions among the potential technologies for a new platform.
The Customer Service project is a job in which Java developers from Continuum were engaged. The current customer portal was thoroughly reviewed and completely renewed both conceptually and technically. This enables H.Essers to better meet current and future customer needs and inquiries, respond to them more quickly and offer more automated services. The customer-facing applications will be used by the customers, while the back office applications are intended for internal use.
Transport and logistics is a very broad field with its own challenges. H.Essers is active in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, high security and chemicals. These sectors involve very diverse and specific processes. For example, H.Essers developes specific use cases for various types of web orders, handles the processing of IoT sensor data regarding temperature measurements during transport, and tracks high-security shipments. It is also common to work with slot bookings, where customers can determine the specific arrival time for a delivery.
With the Customer Service project, H.Essers is establishing the foundation for being even closer to customers in their shared future challenges.
Continuum's consultants bring valuable experience and have a solution-oriented mindset.The pragmatic approach is important because they consider both theoretical aspects and practical feasibility in order to achieve tangible results. Working with consultants from Continuum means that in addition to internal employees, you can explore other knowledge that may not be readily available in-house.
During the setup, Continuum was able to propose developers who fit within H.Essers and possess the necessary expertise. The consultants are fully integrated team members and seamlessly contribute to the team. They work together with other developers, analysts, and the PMO in a dedicated project team.Â
Within H.Essers the MVPs (Minimum Viable Product's) are carefully considered in terms of long-term planning. This task involves both internal employees and external consultants. They collaborate to determine which specifications are important, make architectural decisions together, and jointly decide how they will build as a team. The developers have autonomy, while the organization maintains a good overview of when specific business requirements will be delivered.
Several times a year, touchpoint meetings are organized between Continuum and H.Essers. These moments are used to discuss any questions and comments. At Continuum, we are eager to understand where we can further provide support. We are action-oriented with clear communication and are always willing to evaluate and improve our collaboration.
The pragmatic and solution-oriented approach of Continuum is what made the difference.
Want to learn more about the customer case at H.Essers? Or would you like to know how we can help your organization? Then please contact Mitte.
