Optimize Product Development with Teamcenter

CLEVR, a leader in helping retail companies thrive through digital transformation, is excited to announce their partnership with Primera, a prominent name in retail, with more than 540 convenience stores in The Netherlands, welcoming over more than 46 million customers a year[1]. Primera’s stores offer items such as magazines, greeting cards, gift cards, tobacco, lottery, office supplies, and gifts as well as services like postal handling. This collaboration signifies a pivotal step for Primera in becoming a more digitized, data-driven organization.

Primera has selected CLEVR to guide their digital transformation journey, targeting significant enhancements in their promotional processes. Historically, these processes were marred by inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies due to manual systems. With CLEVR's expertise, Primera is transitioning to a robust, automated promotion workflow system, eliminating outdated methods and improving overall efficiency and data accuracy.

"Our partnership with CLEVR represents a strategic pivot towards advanced digital solutions that streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and foster cross-functional collaboration across our departments.", said Angelo Ridderhof, Manager Digital Business & Innovation at Primera. "CLEVR's approach has exceeded our expectations by setting a new standard in how we manage our promotions and forecast the promotional budget."

The CLEVR promotion management solution is at the heart of the commercial process. This cloud-based, low-code application built on Mendix has been refined over many years to become the industry standard, providing flexibility, rapid deployment, and extensive customization capabilities. This allows Primera to:

• Digitize and automate the entire promotion lifecycle, from planning to execution.
• Enhance efficiency and reduce the time needed to launch promotions.
• Preparation to improve data integrity and analytics for better decision-making.
• Foster real-time collaboration across marketing, sales, and supply chain teams.

Jeroen Hanekamp, CEO of CLEVR, noted, "Our mission is to empower retail companies like Primera to harness the full potential of their digital capabilities. We're delighted to see the tangible benefits our collaboration brings to Primera, and we're excited about the future of this partnership."

The implementation has already yielded significant results for Primera, improving promotion execution and enabling a data-driven approach to their marketing strategies. Primera is now better positioned to manage its marketing efforts across multiple channels efficiently, including digital and traditional advertising mediums.

“Our next step is to link the internal promotion process to the cash register. This broadens the scope, touches another department and creates even more efficiency.”, said Leonie Buitenhuis, Business Analyst at Primera.

[1] Based on check-out registrations

German aerospace and defense contractors must be able to manage classified information securely while keeping projects moving forward. Securing Verschlusssache-Nur für den Dienstgebrauch (VS-NfD) data has become a make-or-break capability for companies seeking Bundeswehr (military) and NATO contracts.

Yet many engineering teams have scattered data systems and inconsistent security practices that put compliance at risk.

This guide unpacks how contractors can weave VS-NfD compliance into their everyday product development workflows.

Short on Time? Here's a Brief Overview  

• VS-NfD classification represents the lowest tier of classified information in Germany, equivalent to NATO/EU Restricted, requiring specific security controls for handling.
• PLM systems provide the essential foundation for compliance by centralizing product data with integrated security controls and audit trails.
• Security features like encryption, role-based access, and audit logging are mandatory for systems handling VS-NfD information.
• Combining PLM with targeted low code applications enables organizations to build custom compliance workflows while maintaining security.

What Is VS-NfD and Why It Matters to A&D Contractors

Verschlusssache-Nur für den Dienstgebrauch (VS-NfD), which translates to “Classified-For Official Use Only,’ sits at the entry level of Germany's four-tier classification system. It ranks below VS-Vertraulich (Confidential), Geheim (Secret), and Streng Geheim (Top Secret).

According to the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), information tagged as VS-NfD could potentially harm German interests if it falls into unauthorized hands.

How it compares

VS-NfD matches the NATO/EU “Restricted” level, requiring consistent protection for equivalent data in international projects. Even at this lower classification level, leaks of information like technical drawings or operational details could harm national interests, reveal capabilities, or provide adversaries with insights.

Handling VS-NfD data correctly is often mandatory for Bundeswehr contracts. Companies must commit to protection in accordance with specific guidelines, such as the VS-NfD Merkblatt. Non-compliance risks legal trouble and contract termination, while any accidental breaches could severely damage reputations and trust.

As such, strong VS-NfD compliance offers a competitive edge, since secure firms are better positioned in bids, while less secure businesses risk exclusion entirely.

The Role of PLM in Supporting VS-NfD Compliance

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems create a secure home for all product-related information. Instead of scattering sensitive data across multiple systems, PLM provides one central repository with built-in security controls.

Digital thread maintenance
PLM's strength in classification management lies in its ability to maintain the “digital thread” that connects all product information. When engineers create designs containing VS-NfD information, the PLM system preserves that classification as the design moves through development, manufacturing, and support. In short, sensitive information is prevented from slipping through security cracks.

Configuration and access management
Configuration management becomes straightforward with PLM. The system tracks every document version, recording who made changes, when they occurred, and what was modified. This means auditors and security officers can easily find exactly what they need.

Furthermore, access management in PLM applies the “need-to-know” principle essential for classified information. For instance, a hydraulic system engineer might review VS-NfD specifications for their component without accessing classified details about unrelated electronics.

Security Features A&D Contractors Should Look for in a PLM System

For a PLM system to properly support VS-NfD compliance, it needs specific security functions aligned with German standards.

Encryption and access controls
Strong encryption is vital in VS-NfD data protection. Your PLM should encrypt sensitive information both at rest and in transit.

PLM systems should implement encryption methods that comply with BSI Technical Guideline TR-02102, which specifies approved cryptographic algorithms (such as AES-256, RSA-2048, and ECDSA with P-256 or higher curves) and minimum key lengths. Systems should also support secure key management through hardware security modules (HSMs) that have received BSI approval for VS-NfD use.

Role-based access control with detailed permissions helps enforce the need-to-know principle. So, the PLM should let administrators set precise access rules based on job roles, projects, and security clearances.

Audit and classification features
Comprehensive audit logging captures a complete record of classified information handling. A good PLM system tracks who accessed information, when and where they accessed it, what actions they performed, and what changes they made. These logs should be tamper-resistant and available for security reviews.

Next, classification labeling ensures VS-NfD markings stay attached to sensitive information. The PLM should support classification tags that travel with documents throughout their lifecycle. Automatic marking of new documents prevents accidental exposure when information moves between systems.

Finally, integration with existing security tools rounds out the picture. PLM systems should connect with identity management systems, certificate authorities, and network security tools used for VS-NfD approval.

The link between PLM and low code (an optional extra)
Low code platforms can enhance PLM systems for VS-NfD environments by speeding up the development of security-focused applications. These platforms let organizations build custom interfaces and workflows for specific compliance needs while inheriting the PLM system's underlying security controls.

A contractor might use a low code platform to create the key processing for a dashboard showing all VS-NfD-classified components in a product, along with their current approval status and access history. This means security officers get a clear view of classification status without requiring deep PLM expertise.

Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them

Implementing VS-NfD-compliant systems presents several notable challenges for German aerospace and defense contractors.

1. Legacy systems and data migration
Legacy systems and scattered data create frequent headaches. Many contractors have sensitive information spread across various systems and moving this information into a secure PLM environment requires careful planning to maintain proper classification and access controls.

Companies that do that successfully typically begin with a thorough data inventory to identify all repositories that hold potential VS-NfD information. They then create a migration strategy with clear classification guidelines, ensuring that data receives appropriate security tags as it is moved to the new system.

2. Cross-border collaboration
Cross-border collaboration adds another layer of complexity. Defense projects often involve teams from multiple countries working under different security frameworks. A design classified as VS-NfD in Germany might connect with components governed by different classification schemes elsewhere.

Effective approaches include creating clear information exchange processes built on formal partner agreements. These typically establish security-equivalency mappings between classification systems and implement secure sharing portals.

3. Cultural resistance
Human factors can undermine even the best technical security measures. Engineers used to freely sharing information may view new security protocols as roadblocks to getting work done.

Companies that navigate this challenge successfully invest in practical training. They highlight the business value of compliance—securing contracts and avoiding penalties—while designing security procedures that minimize disruption to daily work.

About CLEVR and How We Can Help

CLEVR specializes in implementing secure solutions enhanced with low code capabilities for regulated industries. We understand the unique challenges faced by aerospace and defense contractors that need to manage VS-NfD-classified information across complex supply chains.

Our team brings together deep knowledge of Siemens Teamcenter PLM with advanced low code development expertise. We help organizations build secure foundations for managing classified product data alongside intuitive applications that make compliance straightforward.

Get in touch to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Research Methodology

This analysis draws on information from German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) publications, NATO security mechanisms, and established best practices for handling classified information in defense environments. We included insights from security specialists working in aerospace and defense and examined real-world implementation challenges.

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IFS Cloud is a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform designed to manage essential business functions—from finance and inventory to manufacturing and supply chain operations. While it offers a strong foundation, making direct changes to it often does more harm than good. Manual customization risks breaking future upgrades and ends up increasing your IT team's backlog of requested features.

Fortunately, keeping pace with growth and adopting new technologies doesn’t require replacing your ERP or taking unnecessary risks. By extending your IFS system with Mendix low code development, you can quickly add a flexible layer on top, enhancing functionality without disrupting the stability of your core systems.

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The Innovation Bottleneck: Why ERP Alone Can't Keep Up

ERP systems are great for standardized processes like accounting, inventory management, and order processing, but this standardization makes rapid change difficult.

Customization problems

Organizations running IFS often find themselves weighing the benefits of new functionality against the risks and costs of customization. Customize your ERP directly, and you can face several practical problems:

• Direct code modifications often break during system upgrades.
• Each customization requires specialized developers who charge premium rates.
• The more you customize, the harder future changes become.
• Testing and quality assurance consume significant resources.

IT backlogs delay critical business capabilities

Your business constantly evolves, and technological requirements only get more complex. For instance, sales teams request mobile apps for field representatives, operations departments need enhanced reporting dashboards, and finance requires specialized approval workflows. Every request joins an ever-growing queue that your IT department must try to address even while maintaining existing systems.

When organizations lack effective ways to handle these needs, departments often create independent solutions, such as stand-alone spreadsheets, isolated databases, or unauthorized shadow systems. Such fragmentation creates inconsistent data, wastes time, duplicates efforts, and increases error rates throughout your organization.

What Is Mendix and How Does It Work Alongside IFS?

Mendix is a low code development platform—a visual environment where you build applications by dragging and dropping elements instead of writing thousands of lines of code. The platform transforms complex programming into visual design, making application development more accessible to a wider audience across your organization.

Let’s see how it would work in a real-word example. Creating a customer portal with Mendix would typically involve:

• Visually designing screens by dragging elements like tables and buttons.
• Connecting these screens to your data using point-and-click tools.
• Adding logic with visual flowcharts instead of complex programming.
• Testing and deploying with built-in tools that handle technical details automatically.

With IFS, Mendix works as an extension layer that connects through secure APIs (application programming interfaces—essentially code that lets systems share information). This allows your extensions to leverage IFS Cloud's Industrial AI features, bringing advanced analytics and intelligent automation into your business workflows. 

The result? Create modular, composable applications that can be quickly adapted as needs change.

For example, you can maintain customer master data in IFS but use a Mendix application where sales representatives update contact information and view order history on their tablets. The information stays synchronized automatically, without duplicate data entry.

Use Cases: How Organizations Extend IFS With Mendix

Companies in manufacturing, retail, energy, and financial industries use Mendix to enhance their IFS systems in various ways without disrupting core stability.

1. Self-service portals

Many businesses need to give external partners access to ERP data. Mendix excels at creating intuitive portals for vendors, customers, and field personnel.

With Mendix portals connected to IFS, organizations can provide real-time access to relevant data while maintaining security controls. Suppliers can view purchase order statuses and delivery schedules, customers can track their orders and access invoicing information, and field personnel can access work assignments and update job progress—all without requiring direct ERP system access or consuming internal resources for routine inquiries.

2. Mobile workforce solutions

Field service management works better when mobile apps connect technicians with your ERP. Mendix applications let field teams access work orders, update job statuses, and record time—even offline.

A technician on a service call might find themselves frantically switching between three different apps just to complete one job. They check the work order in one system, update status in another, and hunt for customer details in a third. It's frustrating and wastes precious time. Mendix changes this by creating unified mobile interfaces that bring together data from your IFS system and other sources. Now technicians can handle everything from a single, easy-to-use app.

3. Process automation and workflow

IFS offers standard workflows, but companies often require custom approval sequences or specialized notifications. Mendix can handle these unique workflows while keeping transactions in the ERP.

What happens when your finance team needs a three-step approval for purchases over $10,000, or when customer service requires automatic escalation after 48 hours? These specialized requirements don't fit neatly into standard ERP boxes. Mendix bridges these gaps by creating custom workflow applications that handle your unique processes while keeping all the transaction data safely in IFS.

4. Legacy application replacement

Many IFS customers have older applications alongside their ERP. These aging systems often create problems due to outdated technology and high maintenance costs. Mendix applications can replace these systems while connecting smoothly with IFS. This digital transformation strategy focuses on step-by-step modernization rather than replacing everything at once.

Integration and Governance: IT Still in Control

For IT leaders worried about system sprawl and security risks, Mendix offers governance features that maintain central control while enabling broader development capabilities.

Security and access control

Mendix applications integrate with your existing security infrastructure through multiple layers of protection. For instance, single sign-on seamlessly connects with your identity providers, while row-level security and role-based permissions ensure that users access only the appropriate data. Additionally, comprehensive audit logging tracks all system activity for compliance and security monitoring purposes.

Deployment management

IT maintains control through a structured deployment pipeline with dedicated environments for development, testing, and production use. The platform offers one-click deployment between environments and provides full version control with rollback capabilities, eliminating the need for complex manual processes.

Enabling citizen development safely

Mendix's visual development tools enable business analysts to build applications within guardrails established by IT, utilizing pre-approved components, standardized templates, and secure integrations. Automated quality and security checks prevent common mistakes throughout the development process. 

Why CLEVR? Your Partner in IFS + Mendix Excellence

At CLEVR, we bring specialized expertise in connecting Mendix with ERP systems, such as IFS. With nearly 300 professionals across 18 countries serving over 500 clients, we understand both the technical details and business considerations in these integrations.

What really sets us apart is the fact that we work closely with business and IT teams to identify opportunities for enhancing their IFS environment. Our experts design Mendix applications that connect securely with your IFS ERP while meeting your specific business requirements. Using agile methodologies, we build, test, and refine applications with regular feedback to ensure they deliver exactly what you need.

Extend, don't rebuild

The best enterprise systems today use a single platform that combines specialized tools working together, rather than one system that does everything poorly. The IFS and Mendix combination gives you:

• Speed: Build customer portals, mobile apps, and workflows in weeks instead of months.
• Right Fit: Create exactly what your business needs without compromising.
• Safety: Protect your core ERP investment and upgrade path.
• Flexibility: Adapt quickly as your business evolves without expensive rework. 

Creating a "best of both worlds" scenario, your trusted IFS system handles core business transactions while Mendix provides the agility to address changing market needs quickly. You can build an interactive user experience that puts the right information at your staff's fingertips. And governance topics like security, compliance, and system management remain straightforward with clear processes and responsibilities.

Mendix and IFS can work together for your company. Contact CLEVR for a personalized demo of our integration capabilities.

Research Methodology

This article combines insights from customer case studies with technical information from IFS and Mendix platform documentation. All implementation details reflect actual capabilities verified through practical application in enterprise environments.

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