Nordic Batteries

Hanab Telecom Infra (Formerly known as VolkerWessels Telecom) is a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ digital society, tasked with designing, building, managing, and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure across the Netherlands. 
Their work ensures millions of people have reliable internet, can study online, use smart devices, and stay connected in today’s digital world.

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At the heart of Hanab Telecom Infra’s operations is the Workflow Infratechniek, a powerful system that coordinates over 60,000 infrastructure projects —from the initial intake of project data to completion and feedback. This application is integral to every stage of all grid projects across the Netherlands, from onboarding and design to planning and delivery.  
 
When a project begins, subcontractors hired by Hanab for a project provide details such as location, timelines, and personnel, which feed directly into Workflow’s system. The application then structures tasks, assigns roles, and checks every step is signed off before users can "advance” to the next phase of a specific project. 
 
The Workflow application integrates with the Netherlands’ Digital Collaboration Platform (DSP), a standardized messaging system maintained by Mijn Aansluiting, to help keep things running smoothly. This platform establishes communication between firms like Hanab, subcontractors, and network operators, so important infrastructure projects like fiber optic installations and underground utility connections can be carried out as efficiently as possible. 
 
However, maintaining and improving such a complex system requires third-party expertise from the digital sphere–which is where CLEVR comes in as a Platinum Partner for Mendix low code. Mendix is a platform that allows applications to be built quickly and flexibly without the need for extensive coding knowledge (hence the term “low code”). CLEVR has over 20 years of experience implementing Mendix solutions across industries, including the manufacturing, energy, utilities, and marine industries, and was tasked with working alongside Hanab to upgrade the Workflow application. 
 
In this collaboration, CLEVR supported Hanab in a crucial upgrade to the DSP, which involved transitioning to more modern REST APIs and implementing advanced security protocols like OAuth 2.0 (which we’ll explain below). These upgrades allow Hanab to maintain the reliable and secure systems the Netherlands depends on.

 
The Challenge

The DSP 2.0 integration posed a set of challenges for Hanab Telecom Infra; at its core was the need to modernize the underlying technology of the Workflow application. Speaking to Hanab’s Citizen Developer, Roeland Drok, CLEVR was an easy choice when it came to creating a partnership; “We tried another supplier for a while and well, there was a difference in collaboration. CLEVR knows what to do; they understand the business, they understand us.”

Modernizing Communication: SOAP to REST APIs 

It’s important to understand that APIs are like digital messengers that allow systems to talk to each other. Modernizing these messengers is like upgrading from a postal service to instant messaging, which is clearly more efficient and easier to manage when it comes to just sending written communications. 

 
One of the critical changes involved transitioning from the outdated SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) to the more modern REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs. While SOAP relies on heavy, XML-based messaging, REST uses the lighter JSON format, making data exchanges faster and more efficient.  
However, this shift was not just about adopting a new standard, it required a restructuring of how information flows between systems. This included remapping processes and ensuring that all parties in the network, from subcontractors to end users, could operate seamlessly under the new system. 

Upgrading the Workflow Application: Mendix 8 to Mendix 10

Another challenge was upgrading the Workflow application, which had been in operation since 2017, to the latest version of the Mendix platform. This upgrade was far from straightforward, especially since it had to be executed without disrupting the management of thousands of ongoing projects. These projects represent a wide array of telecommunications and utility networks, all progressing through multiple phases such as intake, design, and execution.  
 
“We upgraded from Mendix version 8 to version 10. I couldn’t do that myself—no one within Hanab could do that.” 
 
Roeland Drok, Citizen Developer at Hanab Telecom Infra

Securing the System: OAuth 2.0

Security was another key point within the project. The existing system used certificate-based authentication, a method that had become outdated and less effective against modern cybersecurity threats. The transition to OAuth 2.0, a widely accepted security protocol, introduced a new level of protection for Hanab’s sensitive project information. However, implementing OAuth 2.0 was no small feat—it involved configuring secure access tokens, integrating identity verification systems, and making sure every user and system could authenticate seamlessly under the new framework.

Collaboration Across Teams

Along with the technical challenges, the DSP 2.0 integration required collaboration between Hanab’s internal teams, subcontractors, and CLEVR. This meant aligning priorities, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that all parties had the tools and knowledge needed to transition smoothly. Such a large-scale collaboration increased the complexity of the project, making it essential to have an experienced partner.

CLEVR’s Solution

“CLEVR has helped us since the beginning–they built it from scratch, and we don’t have to worry when CLEVR’s on the project. They know what to do.” 

Roeland Drok, Citizen Developer at Hanab Telecom Infra

CLEVR helped the team at Hanab carry out the DSP 2.0 integration by using its vast Mendix expertise and management experience to keep the project on track and successful despite its complexity.

Transitioning to REST APIs

One of CLEVR’s key contributions was modernizing the data exchange system by transitioning from SOAP to REST APIs. This shift involved significant technical changes, including converting message formats from XML to JSON and redesigning how systems communicated. CLEVR’s team not only executed these changes but also made sure there was a seamless integration between the Workflow application and external systems like the Digital Collaboration Platform (DSP).

 
Implementing OAuth 2.0 for Enhanced Security

As you’d expect from a nationwide digital project, security was the priority, and CLEVR led the charge by implementing OAuth 2.0, a modern authentication protocol designed to secure sensitive data. This involved creating secure access tokens and integrating identity verification processes to replace the outdated certificate-based authentication. CLEVR’s ability to adapt to these new requirements ensured Hanab’s systems met the latest security standards without disrupting operations. 
 
“OAuth 2.0 was completely new for me… CLEVR took care of it for us, connecting with the right people and making it work.” 
 
Roeland Drok, Citizen Developer at Hanab Telecom Infra

Upgrading to Mendix 10

The upgrade of Hanab’s Workflow application from Mendix version 8 to version 10 was a critical component of the project. This task demanded extensive knowledge of Mendix and the Workflow application itself, as the system handles over 60,000 projects across multiple stages of development. CLEVR’s team meticulously planned the upgrade to make sure that all existing features and integrations functioned as intended while introducing the new capabilities of Mendix 10.

Flexibility and Last-Minute Adaptation

CLEVR’s flexibility and responsiveness were critical in overcoming challenges and quick changes in direction. When Hanab needed new integrations at the last minute to align with a broader ERP migration, CLEVR quickly adjusted its plans and delivered the required updates on time. "It was really last-minute, but CLEVR helped us with their planning and willingness to move forward. They made sure the new integrations were completed,” said Drok. 

Seamless Collaboration

CLEVR’s approach centered on an ability to collaborate seamlessly with both Hanab and its subcontractors. This extended beyond technical expertise; CLEVR’s familiarity with Hanab’s systems and processes meant they could anticipate needs and deliver solutions with minimal oversight. This not only saved time but also reduced the risk of errors, a critical factor given the project’s complexity. According to Drok, “Working with CLEVR proved to be a lot smoother [than with other suppliers].”

Impact and Future Outlook: Stronger Together

The DSP 2.0 integration has already delivered significant improvements to Hanab’s operations. By upgrading to modern REST APIs and implementing advanced security protocols like OAuth 2.0, CLEVR has enabled Hanab to streamline communication with subcontractors and improve the overall efficiency of their projects. This enhanced collaboration ensures that Hanab can deliver critical infrastructure projects, such as fiber optic installations, faster and with greater precision. 
 
For Hanab, this isn’t just about technology—it’s about maintaining their role as a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure. The Workflow Infratechniek, now upgraded to Mendix version 10, is better equipped to handle the evolving needs of over 60,000 active projects, ensuring that Dutch citizens and businesses continue to enjoy reliable, high-speed connectivity. 

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How CLEVR and Naviva Created an Essential Digital Companion for Expecting Parents

In the world of maternity care, providing timely and reliable information is critical for both new and expecting parents. Recognizing this need, Naviva Kraamzorg embarked on a digital transformation journey to enhance its client engagement and information accessibility.

The result? The Nieuw Leven App — a Mendix Native Mobile application – available in the App Store and Google Play Store - developed in close collaboration with CLEVR.

The Vision: From Paper to Digital Excellence

For years, Naviva relied on newsletters, printed magazines, and website content to inform expecting parents. However, these methods inherently lacked interactivity and personalization. During the pandemic, face-to-face contact was restricted, further highlighting the need for a digital solution that could facilitate real-time engagement. Combined with an increasing number of digital-savvy parents and a growing demand for accessible information, Naviva saw an opportunity to innovate.

"Nine years ago, we envisioned an App that would serve as a one-stop platform for expecting parents," shares Marieke Kolthof, Marketing and Innovation Manager at Naviva. "However, the market wasn’t ready, and the budget was a challenge. It wasn’t until the pandemic accelerated the shift toward digital communication that we received the green light."

Naviva needed a flexible, scalable, and user-friendly mobile solution that could adapt to evolving client needs while seamlessly integrating with their existing systems. Enter CLEVR, a Mendix Platinum Partner known for its expertise in building powerful low code applications.

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Collaborating for Digital Innovation in Maternity Care

The partnership between Naviva and CLEVR is built on mutual trust and innovation. Andries Smit, Senior Mendix Developer at CLEVR, recalls what set this project apart: "Naviva was fully committed to digital transformation, and the entire organization was supporting it. That level of involvement made a huge difference. They understood that a consumer app needs to be seamless—users won’t give it a second chance if it doesn’t meet their expectations."

Why Build the App with Mendix?

With the decision taken that a Native Mobile App was the best approach to meet their needs. CLEVR recommended building the app using Mendix, leveraging its low code capabilities to ensure rapid development, flexibility, and future scalability. Mendix offered several key advantages, particularly in terms of agility, co-creation, and adaptability:

• Offline usability, allowing parents to access critical information even without an internet connection.
  Push notifications, ensuring timely updates and reminders.
• Scalability and adaptability, enabling seamless integration with Naviva’s CRM system while allowing for future enhancements without extensive redevelopment.
• Agility and rapid iteration, ensuring that changes based on user feedback and evolving requirements can be implemented quickly.
• Co-creation and collaboration, empowering Naviva to be directly involved in the development process, refining features to meet real-world needs.
• App Store & Google Play Store availability, making it easily accessible for all users.
  
  

Overcoming Challenges

Building consumer-facing healthcare applications comes with unique hurdles, from regulatory requirements to seamless user experience. One of the biggest technical challenges in the development process was integrating with Naviva’s patient dossier system, which initially lacked APIs. This required project management to push for necessary developments to enable seamless data exchange. Through close collaboration, the teams navigated this challenge, ensuring a smooth user experience.

CLEVR also placed significant emphasis on user experience (UX). As Andries explains, "For consumer apps, 30% of the budget should be focused on UX and UI. If users don’t find the app intuitive and engaging, they simply won’t use it."

The Impact: Enhancing Maternity Care Quality

Since its launch, the Nieuw Leven App has exceeded expectations, becoming an indispensable tool for expecting parents. Key results include:

• More then 95% of first-time parents installing the app.
• Over 20,000 active clients using the app annually.
• Increased efficiency in client communication and engagement.

The app provides vital information on pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care, along with videos, checklists, and interactive features. By offering easily accessible guidance, the app significantly reduces the need for parents to consult maternity care professionals with common questions, allowing the professionals to focus more on hands-on care. This unburdens the care providers while ensuring parents receive high-quality, timely support. Importantly, it enhances self-reliance among parents by equipping them with trusted information, fostering confidence in newborn care, and improving overall maternity care quality.

"One of the things we appreciated most about working with CLEVR was their ability to take our ideas and make them better," says Amanda Weijenberg, Marketing and Innovation Advisor at Naviva. "They didn’t just build what we asked for—they challenged us, refined our vision, and helped us create something truly impactful."

What’s Next? The Future of the Nieuw Leven App

Looking ahead, Naviva is exploring further enhancements to the app, including:

• Chat functionality, allowing parents to interact with maternity care professionals directly.
• Integration with patient records, further streamlining administrative processes and care planning.
• Personalized notifications, increasing engagement while avoiding information overload.
  
  
  

A Benchmark for Digital Healthcare Innovation

The Nieuw Leven App is more than just a digital resource—it’s a great example of how low-code technology, human-centered design, and strategic collaboration can drive innovation in healthcare. By leveraging Mendix Native Mobile, Naviva and CLEVR have set a new standard for maternity care, proving that digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about enhancing real-life experiences.

Want to learn how CLEVR can help transform your industry with low code solutions? Let’s Build Tomorrow Together.

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As businesses become more aware of their environmental footprint, many feel the pressure to go green and meet strict material standards. It's not just about being eco-friendly, it's about ensuring that every part of the process is compliant and sustainable. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, it's something businesses need to seriously consider, especially with regulations like the CSRD pushing for transparency and accountability.

Recent reports highlight that a significant gap exists in the readiness of businesses in the EU, with only about 10% of large companies currently reporting their ESG data​ (Environmental, Social, and Governance). The challenges they face are not only regulatory but also involve a lack of effective tools for managing sustainability needs.

However, going green isn't easy. There are challenges to overcome, such as the high costs of launching sustainable initiatives and the complexities of managing a green supply chain. Many companies find themselves lacking the right tools or expertise to keep up with regulations on environmental and social impact reporting. Meanwhile, they face the added challenge of meeting supplier requirements and satisfying customers who demand eco-friendly products without a premium price.

To address these challenges head-on, Tec4U offers a solution that empowers businesses to manage sustainability with efficiency and ease. Through its DataCross platform, Tec4U has helped companies bridge the gap between compliance and actionable sustainability strategies. For years, the company has served as a trusted partner in material compliance, sustainable product design and supply chain due diligence. With expertise in material data communication, Tec4U oversees more than 400 projects annually, managing a network of over 40.000 suppliers and achieving a remarkable 167% increase in response rates for supplier queries!

What is DataCross?

DataCross, built on the Mendix low-code platform, is a communication software that integrates supply chain information to meet sustainability requirements. As Stefan Nieser, CEO of Tec4U, explains, "Sustainability is not only an environmental question, sustainability is a very important economical question... many enterprises face increasing demands from both legal and customer sides, and that is why it's very, very important to fulfill these requirements.”

The platform’s ability to automate compliance processes is a game-changer, empowering businesses to meet regulatory requirements and reduce the risk of non-compliance. Nieser emphasizes, "What enterprises need is information from their suppliers to fulfill their own sustainability requirements."

Beyond compliance assurance, DataCross provides a strategic advantage, enabling businesses to adapt to both legal and customer expectations. Nieser describes it as "a specialized communication platform, rich with knowledge and functionality."

Supporting Compliance with CLEVR

“The challenges that our customers face are very broad, so they do have these legal requirements coming up more and more. The worldwide legislators are coming up with new ideas almost every month, customers have to monitor all these requirements,” explains Irina Messerschmidt, Key Account Manager at Tec4U. “DataCross not only helps them meet these challenges but also provides the assurance they need to maintain their market presence.”

Dominik Nieser, Head of Operational Services highlights the strength of their collaboration with CLEVR: “CLEVR is a key partner, turning our expertise in data services, sustainability and material compliance into one software solution”. Together, they developed DataCross, which merges communication and compliance needs, allowing companies to manage corporate, product, and material compliance seamlessly. "DataCross addresses all our clients' sustainability needs," Dominik notes, pointing to its modularity with features like the material compliance module, supply chain due diligence, and an upcoming CO2 footprint module.

Before collaborating with CLEVR, Tec4U faced challenges due to a small development team reliant on Java and PHP, which made their code-intensive system difficult to maintain. Partnering with CLEVR and Integrating Mendix low-code technology, transformed Tec4U’s approach to software development, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness to industry demands. “The measurable improvements include better performance and cybersecurity on our DataCross platform,” Dominik added, highlighting new features like automated status reporting that saves time and improves access to real-time compliance data.

Sven Jerusalem, Head of Sales & Business Development at CLEVR, emphasizes the value of this long-standing partnership: “What makes us unique is our 20+ years of experience managing complex projects and requirements. We translate these needs into effective software solutions on the Mendix platform. This is how we Build Tomorrow Together.”

Building a Robust Platform with Mendix

DataCross, now one of the largest Mendix applications focused on sustainability, benefits from Mendix’s built-in security features. Stefan Schulze, the Head of IT at Tec4U, explains, “Mendix has been a game-changer for us in terms of security and maintainability. With the built-in tools and the ability to configure security without deep dives into the source code, it’s much easier for us to keep everything secure and compliant.” This seamless integration reduces the need for complex code adjustments, making it easier to implement updates and maintain the platform.

The platform’s adaptability is another key advantage, particularly when it comes to meeting evolving regulatory requirements. “Mendix allows us to rapidly adapt to new legal demands and security updates,” Stefan notes. “Where we used to have to test the entire system after every change, now we can simply implement an update and configure it. The built-in tools make the process much more efficient, which saves us a lot of time and effort.”

Mendix Marketplace modules play an important role in enhancing DataCross’s functionality. Stefan continues, “One of the best things about Mendix is the Marketplace. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time we need a new feature. We can easily use existing modules and build on them, which accelerates our development process and reduces the amount of custom coding we need.”

CLEVR’s support has been instrumental throughout the process, ensuring timely implementation and quick resolution of technical challenges. Stefan adds, “CLEVR helped us from the very beginning, starting with the vision of the software and working with our team in the development phase. Their expertise in low-code solutions and their ongoing support have been invaluable in getting DataCross delivered in-time.”

Datacross: One of the largest Sustainability Solutions built on the Mendix Platform

Tec4U’s journey with DataCross, developed in collaboration with CLEVR, is a testament to innovation and industry leadership in compliance and sustainability. DataCross serves over 40.000 users, helping companies manage supply chain information, fulfill sustainability requirements, and strengthen market positioning. Irina notes, “The feedback from our clients has been very positive regarding DataCross, its speed, flexibility, and comprehensive capabilities. They are impressed by how much it can manage.”

Among its standout features are DataCross’s 24 compliance modules, twice the number delivered by most competitors, which enable users to meet diverse legal requirements with ease. Irina adds, “The platform’s ability to gather data from supply chains has led to impressive results. For example, response rates for suppliers have increased from 30% to 80%, which is great!”

Building on these strengths, CLEVR has focused on ensuring that DataCross is not just effective today, but also adaptable to future needs. Gerrit Kiefer, Project Manager at CLEVR, elaborates on the platform’s future-proof architecture: “With the new architecture that we have implemented, we are able to also scale vertically so that it's possible to take one of the modules and build it in a microservice architecture. With that in mind, we are able to be future-proof for new requirements, open for new challenges, and able to extend the solution.”

Siemens Teamcenter Integration: Extending DataCross’s Capabilities

“We are now integrating DataCross into Siemens' Teamcenter PLM system to offer a unified solution that meets all sustainability requirements,” explains Stefan Nieser. “This integration covers material compliance, social sustainability aspects like LCSD, and sustainability reporting, providing a comprehensive solution for Siemens customers.”

By combining DataCross with Teamcenter, businesses benefit from an efficient, secure, and transparent product development process. The integration enhances compliance with evolving regulations while streamlining supplier communication and strengthening product marketability. Together, DataCross and Teamcenter create a powerful, future-proof system that positions companies to meet global sustainability challenges and drive innovation in product development.

Future Outlook: A Comprehensive Sustainability Platform

Looking to the future, Tec4U envisions DataCross evolving to become a full-spectrum sustainability platform. Planned expansions include new modules such as CO2 tracking, positioning DataCross to address the broader sustainability challenges faced by today’s businesses. As Stefan Schulze explains, “DataCross will transform into more than just a compliance tool, it will be a comprehensive sustainability platform. This will require the expertise and support of a strong, reliable partner like CLEVR to overcome technical challenges along the way.”

Tec4U’s leadership is strengthened by CLEVR’s partnership, which has enabled the DataCross platform to remain a versatile, reliable solution across various industries, from automotive to pharmaceuticals. "We are on our way to becoming a true sustainability partner, going beyond traditional compliance challenges," concludes Irina. This approach has solidified DataCross as a trusted solution for businesses committed to sustainability and compliance, with Tec4U and CLEVR driving this vision forward.