Dec_2018_uk

Blue
Banana
the foundation
for
the future
Blue Banana? That’s a term that gets you
thinking, right? It’s the name of a large
and far-reaching project at aartsenfruit.
We’re going to replace the existing
computer system with a new system.
And to make sure this process stays on
course, aartsenfruit has appointed project
manager Hans den Reijer.
Many years’ experience
Hans has over 20 years’ experience with change projects in the field of
computer systems. He’s gained this experience on both the client and
supplier sides of the equation. This makes him an all-rounder and gives
him insight into processes which he then applies in live scenarios.
After working for years as an entrepreneur and later as a project leader,
Hans is now interim project manager.
Foundation for the future
‘I’m responsible for the change process at aartsenfruit,’ says Hans.
‘This should create more possibilities for staff and business partners.
With Blue Banana we’re laying the foundation for the future.
Technology is developing at dizzying speed and with a good foundation
here, aartsenfruit can profile itself as a progressive company in technical
terms too.’
Change project
‘We’re selecting a different computer system. But what’s more important,
to my mind, is that we’ve started a change process. The change in this
case is a big one. So it’s important for me to talk to colleagues about
the results they want to achieve and not so much about how to do this.
In this way we hugely increase the chance of success.’
Made-to-measure
Blue Banana is about ‘not doing what others are doing’. Steering our
own course. This fits perfectly with the individual qualities of aartsenfruit.
For years we’ve been thinking about changing the system. In early
2018 there was a plan to begin using a standard software package.
This was actually the reason why Hans was recruited, but he
quickly concluded that a standard package isn’t right for aartsenfruit.
So we decided to work with Thinkwise, a developer of made-to-measure
software solutions.
Optimum preparation
A project group has been set up to ensure an optimum result and is
now making sure that the software developer gets good insight and the
right input. ‘Before Thinkwise started its work, I selected a project team
of six people at aartsenfruit to get a better idea of what we want and to
decide on the right input for Thinkwise. It’s good that we took this time
for optimum project preparation.’
Subproject and evaluation
It’s crucial that the development partner is a good match for aartsenfruit.
This is why Thinkwise is starting with a subproject: FreshFuel. In this
subproject they’re working on the process from buying to commission
settlement. ‘This gives Thinkwise the opportunity to show that they’re the
right partner,’ explains Hans. ‘After delivery of this subproject in February
2019 it will be evaluated and then we’ll decide whether Blue Banana will
go ahead. If it does, then the following projects will be FreshTrade for
sales and logistics and FreshAccount for Finance.’
Making things transparent
Everything needs to go live by the start of 2020, but first of all the
spotlight is on FreshFuel. Aartsenfruit wants to make things
transparent. And so FreshFuel also involves creation of an online
portal where shipping agents can view the status of their shipment,
quality inspections, sales and invoice overviews on a 24/7 basis.
nonstop
fresh/ 23