Macaw is helping FrieslandCampina boost employee productivity with low-code/no-code apps

FrieslandCampina is one of the world’s largest dairy companies, with a cooperative tradition dating back to 1871. The company processes milk from dairy farmers into a wide range of dairy products and ingredients. Together with more than 15,000 member dairy farmers, FrieslandCampina controls the entire production chain, from pasture to glass. Growth through continuous innovation is at the heart of the company.

Increasing Productivity

A key corporate goal is to maximize employee productivity and job satisfaction, which has been achieved through the development of apps. An app for recording production data and recipe parameters simplifies processes and reduces unnecessary administrative burden.

FrieslandCampina’s decision to switch to the Microsoft Power Platform required a partner capable of migrating existing applications and rapidly developing data-driven business solutions.

Macaw won the bid to implement the Power Platform as a new service within FrieslandCampina. Joost van Schoot, Product Owner and Service Manager for the Power Platform at FrieslandCampina, said: “Macaw has the expertise and quality that will enable us to get off to a quick start.”

Following a successful proof of concept, Macaw migrated five low-code/no-code apps to the Microsoft Power Platform . Macaw has now been awarded twenty new projects across various areas: audit, finance, and project management.

Joost Van Schoot explains: “I share the value of the Power Platform and the possibilities of low-code/no-code with various stakeholders. Requests follow very quickly.”

Macaw received a business requirement to ensure that the temperature remains within a specific range for a particular preparation method. The temperature ranges are recorded by an application and then managed by an app. For each business case, the results are monitored and the savings are validated.

A secure sandbox where you can build a castle

The apps are created on a self-service basis; for more complex requirements, development and management are outsourced. “We’ve created a secure sandbox where you can build a castle,” said Van Schoot.
He is currently working on adding a third, hybrid approach: “We’ll then see if there’s a citizen developer within a team who can create and manage more complex applications in consultation with them. The Power Platform has been in operation for a year now, and we’re excited to already be working on this new offering.”

Savings

By the end of the year, FrieslandCampina expects to have saved 272,000 hours. “And I’m strict,” laughs Van Schoot, “if the team says they’ve saved 10 hours, I’m responsible for half that amount.”

“I expect good results from the lab app developed by Macaw; we’re projecting a savings of 5,475 hours per year.”

Quality

Macaw collaborates with the Software Improvement Group (SIG) to ensure the quality and security of the software. To this end, Sigrid, the Software Assurance Guiding Platform, is used. FrieslandCampina’s apps were also evaluated and rated four out of five stars.
Michel van Dorp, VP of Strategic Partnerships at SIG, said: “When you receive four stars, you know the app is well-built in terms of its architecture. If there’s a security issue, it can be resolved quickly. SIG is pleased to partner with Macaw and is proud to help FrieslandCampina achieve great results."

Governance

FrieslandCampina is pleased with this move, as it is cost-effective and improves the company’s flexibility. Strong governance and continuous review contribute significantly to this success. Joost Van Schoot summarizes: “We’re excited about the transition to the Microsoft Power Platform because it allows us to meet the needs of our employees and increase our productivity.”