But without a single information database, that diversity also can make organizing all the units’ documentation a bit like herding cats.
“A few years ago, all the business divisions at Nedap came together to look at what we were doing as a company and what became clear is that we are focused on technology that matters, technology that is important
to people’s lives,” said Willemsen. “Our slogan at this moment is: Technology
that matters. We are developing technology to do things that matter, such as clean drinking water, helping make agriculture and the environment better for getting food to people. It was quite eye opening. It made us realize
our real focus. It made for a very positive work environment. And the Aton system helps us focus on things that matter.”
A complex international company like Nedap, with its 700 employees and ten market divisions, requires as transparent and agile a PDM database as possible, explained Willemsen. Each division –
Energy Systems, Healthcare, Identification Systems, Library Solutions, Light Controls, Livestock management, Pep, Retail, and Security Management –
– operates virtually as its own business with its own R&D and sales departments, when relevant, while sharing technology and resources. This business model provides enough agility to stay at the leading edge of each division’s respective field, because products can consequently be developed and launched more quickly. Furthermore, the company’s financial portfolio stays diverse enough to weather the economic trade winds.