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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THE GOAL

Nexans is one of the world’s largest cable suppliers, with 25,000 employees in 40 countries. It supplies all kinds of cables, for aerospace, wind farms, data and telecoms, and many other uses. In Norway, where Nexans has 1,550 employees, the company’s Halden facility supplies high-voltage and control cables for the offshore oil and gas industry. Most cables manufactured at Halden are custom solutions and often consist not only of the cable itself, but also the connective equipment at either end.

The company was using several different IT systems to manage its construction and development process, some of which were outdated legacy systems. Data was often unreliable and needed to be double-checked. Nexans needed a better way to manage information such as drawings and product descriptions so they would be easy to share throughout the organisation. The company approached low-code and no-code expert CLEVR to handle this project and move the company’s processes on to Siemens Teamcenter product lifecycle management (PLM) platform.

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THE APPROACH

The first step was to get a clear idea of exactly how the existing system worked. Many people used different methods to accomplish the same task, which made it hard to determine the best way to do things. CLEVR worked with Nexans to analyse its processes and determine where changes would be most beneficial. It interviewed employees to gain a greater understanding of what works well and what should be improved. Meanwhile, Nexans worked with Accenture consultants to analyse its whole organisation, from management to operations, with a focus on maintaining quality and competitiveness.

These projects allowed CLEVR to achieve a detailed understanding of Nexans and helped test and verify Teamcenter as the ideal solution. The next phase involved workshops with Nexans employees at various levels of the organisation, both to determine the best order in which to implement the project and to begin to establish new working methods that would fit with a PLM system.

Teamcenter will be used primarily by Nexans engineers, but some project organisers will use it too, while other staff will need it on a read-only basis. The software will roll out to all staff at the same time, but it will take two years to complete the transition because only certain parts of the system will be used at first. As each new function is successfully adapted into the workflow, more will be added.

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THE RESULTS

Teamcenter will bring Nexans better access to information for staff across the whole organisation. It will improve data quality and reliability, eliminating the need to double-check information. The new system also standardises working methods, so everybody accomplishes tasks in the same way. This eliminates potential problems that can arise when staff take unexpected shortcuts and provides a simple paper trail for all tasks. Overall, it will allow Nexans to work faster, with greater accuracy, and deliver better products in a more efficient way.

As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions surges, with the green hydrogen market expected to reach $12.8 billion by 2030, the imperative for companies to expand production capacities and enhance operational efficiencies has never been more critical. This shift towards greener solutions highlights the necessity for manufacturing firms, notably Nel Hydrogen in the electrolyser industry, to scale up their operations in response to this escalating demand.

Nel Hydrogen, a leader in manufacturing equipment to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, stands at the forefront of this transformation, symbolizing innovation and leadership in sustainable energy technologies. The journey towards modernization and scalability poses significant challenges, necessitating strategic partnerships like that with CLEVR to navigate the landscape of increased demand and the urgent push for environmentally friendly alternatives.

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Nel Hydrogen's Journey from Manual to Automated Processes

"Where we came from, a lot of processes were manual and the way we handled data in projects was highly manual too. We needed to automate and professionalize the way we handle projects and deliveries, and we need to continue that process. So, I think that's the biggest challenge we have, besides the fact that technology is developing all the time, and it's developing quickly." - Torsten Mann | Director of Product Engineering at NEL Hydrogen

Nel Hydrogen's success was built on manual processes that have served as the company’s backbone for nearly a century. Yet, in an age where efficiency, speed, and accuracy are paramount, these traditional methods started to limit the company's ability to scale and meet the surging demand for green hydrogen. The challenges were ranging from the necessity to modernize manual operations to ensuring seamless information flow across departments and maintaining up-to-date engineering documentation. These hurdles were not just operational but cultural, necessitating a shift towards integrating Industry 4.0 technologies into Nel Hydrogen's legacy systems.

The collaboration with CLEVR was a decisive step towards overcoming these challenges. Recognizing the potential of digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and agility, Nel Hydrogen partnered with CLEVR to automate their engineering processes. CLEVR brought to the table innovative solutions and a deep understanding of how to leverage technology in streamlining workflows, improving project management, and enhancing data integration across the organization.

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The Role of CLEVR in Transforming NEL Hydrogen's Processes

The partnership between CLEVR and Nel Hydrogen started with a detailed assessment to identify key areas where improvements could make a real difference. This assessment, which involved input from Siemens experts, was focused on fully understanding Nel Hydrogen's specific challenges and opportunities. By working closely with business consultants, solution architects, and representatives from both Siemens and Nel Hydrogen, CLEVR gained a thorough understanding of the company's processes and needs.

CLEVR's approach went beyond technological integration, it offered a holistic business consultancy aiming at modernizing Nel Hydrogen’s entire operational framework. By focusing on automation, digital workflow implementation, and the establishment of a cohesive information system, CLEVR addressed the critical pain points blocking Nel Hydrogen’s scalability and efficiency. This transformation also encompassed the modernization of engineering documentation processes, ensuring accurate, accessible, and up-to-date project information, which is crucial for sustaining engineering excellence and innovation in electrolyser production.

The result of this detailed evaluation was as the following:

• Implementation of a fundamental core Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system- Teamcenter for Nel Hydrogen.
• Tight control over product designs through direct integration with CAD, MCAD, and ECAD.
• The integrated system connects directly to the company's ERP system, enhancing process efficiency.
• CLEVR's strategic move modernized Nel Hydrogen's operations and prepared it for future growth and innovation.
• Ensured readiness to meet the growing demands of the green hydrogen market.
  

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The solution: Implementing Teamcenter, Leading PLM Technology by Siemens

The project's initiation marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Nel Hydrogen, with the integration of Teamcenter as a pivotal solution tailored to its specific operational needs. After a detailed assessment with Siemens and CLEVR, Teamcenter was chosen for its robust capabilities in aligning with Nel Hydrogen’s strategic and operational objectives. A key highlight of this implementation was the seamless interface with the ERP system, enabling a flawless transfer of procurement data, a major step forward in operational efficiency.

For Nel Hydrogen, the discovery phase was conducted by Eirik Hoel, PLM engineer at CLEVR, to establish their data model. This involved determining the required data for Teamcenter, the optimal way to display it to users, the specific information they wanted to add and view, and how to digitally capture their internal processes. This discovery led to configuration requests that our PLM Engineers later implemented in Nel Hydrogen’s Teamcenter.

A major focus for Nel Hydrogen was on documents within Teamcenter. As Ali Hassan Qureshi, Advanced PLM Engineer at CLEVR explained “We set up document templates (both Word and Excel) that allowed users to have a fixed template ready for use, which they could then fill out as needed. These templates were provided by Nel Hydrogen and configured by our team.”

“Another critical aspect was integrating their CAD authoring tool. I oversaw the migration of their CAD data from the previous system to Teamcenter. Given that one of Teamcenter's key features is the control of design data, it was crucial for Nel Hydrogen to have their design data migrated so they could interact with it and test configurations with actual product data” added Ali. “This migration, completed in the first half of 2023, included all their standard parts and the entire design structure of two products.”

Nel Hydrogen's prior automation and digital transformation initiatives resulted in significant increases in production capacity, improved product quality, and reduced operational costs. These changes also contributed to Nel Hydrogen’s sustainability goals, with more efficient operations leading to reduced energy consumption. "Productivity has increased dramatically since we moved production to the Heroya Facility, scaling it up by 10x and achieving a capacity of 500 MW. We transitioned from completely manual processes to a fully automated production line, marking a world first." said Torsten Mann.

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Vision and Future Outlook for the Nel Hydrogen and CLEVR Partnership

The vision for the ongoing partnership between CLEVR and Nel Hydrogen extends well beyond their current achievements. The implementation phase of Teamcenter within Nel Hydrogen's operations is still in its early stages, with the goal of establishing Teamcenter as the engineering backbone of the organization. Plans are underway to fully roll out Teamcenter across the entire organization soon. Following this rollout, a comprehensive review to evaluate the adoption of additional features that have not yet been implemented will take place. Among the enhancements being considered are advanced change management modules and the service lifecycle management module, which are crucial for monitoring the lifespan and maintenance requirements of the equipment supplied by Nel Hydrogen.

Looking ahead, the objective is to expand the scope of this digital integration by including equipment tracking and tracing capabilities and incorporating a monitoring feature. This addition aims to deliver real-time data from the field back into Nel Hydrogen's database, enabling the identification of production patterns and potentially highlighting issues such as a bad batch.

By leveraging live data, Nel Hydrogen achieves a deeper insight into their product performance and production processes, enabling continuous, data based improvement.

"I think we build tomorrow together in different ways. We try to build the future by providing equipment to produce green hydrogen to enable the green transition, and CLEVR with the information technology will help us to do that efficiently"- Torsten Mann

This statement encapsulates the shared ambition to not only enhance operational efficiency but to also contribute meaningfully to the green transition. Reflecting on the partnership's path forward, the vision extends beyond the current accomplishments, focusing on leveraging digital transformation to build a sustainable future.