OVAM accelerates digitalization with Low-Code: fast, efficient, and cost-saving

OVAM, the Public Waste Agency of Flanders, is responsible for waste and soil policy in Flanders. In 2023, OVAM partnered with ACA Group and adopted Low-Code technology to accelerate their processes. This is not the first time we have successfully completed projects together. For example, we previously collaborated on the asbestos inventory application, which is now used across Flanders. In 2023, three new projects were completed, laying the foundation for the organization’s further digitalization.

Challenge: Some outdated IT systems and inefficient processes were limiting OVAM's operations, particularly the enforcement team's case management system and the manual process for litter control.
Solution: OVAM chose OutSystems Low-Code for faster, more flexible application development that better meets the needs of their employees.
Result: The use of Low-Code has led to automated processes, increased efficiency, and costs kept within budget. Employees can now work faster and easier with the new systems.

The customer: OVAM

OVAM logo

OVAM is the Public Waste Agency of Flanders, responsible for managing waste and soil policy in the region. Their mission is to sustainably manage waste streams, protect soil quality, and promote a circular economy. Digitalization plays a crucial role in making their processes and services more efficient.

The challenge: outdated IT systems hindered OVAM

OVAM was operating with several legacy IT systems that no longer met current demands. One of the biggest challenges was their enforcement team's case management system, which had been in use for 25 years and couldn't support modern reporting requirements and integrations. Additionally, litter control was largely manual, leading to errors and a heavy administrative burden.

We were stuck in a system that was slowing us down rather than helping us move forward. The need for a modern, efficient solution was clear.
— Lieven Ferny, Handhaver at OVAM

The solution: rapid digitalization with OutSystems Low-Code

OVAM opted for OutSystems Low-Code technology to quickly develop applications that optimize their processes. ACA Group supported them with three key projects: a new case management system, a mobile app for litter control, and a tool for calculating asbestos reports.

Project 1: New case management system for the enforcement team

OVAM case management system for enforcement team

OVAM replaced a legacy system with a modern solution for more efficient case management.

The old system struggled to meet current reporting and integration needs.

Solution: A web-based platform for digital case processing, complete with integrations for GIS maps and APIs.
Result: More efficient case management and faster data processing. The system was live within three months.

The new system is a huge leap forward. We can now manage all data in one place, including maps and documents.
— Lieven Ferny, Handhaver at OVAM

Project 2: Mobile app for litter control

OVAM mobile app for litter control

Enforcers manually recorded litter findings, which caused errors and delays.

Data had to be manually entered into Excel and Word, which was time-consuming.

Solution: A mobile app for direct data input, geolocation, and SharePoint integration, with offline functionality.
Result: Five minutes of time saved per finding, significantly boosting field efficiency.

Before, registration was entirely manual. Now, the app saves us an average of five minutes per finding, which is an enormous amount of work saved over the course of a year.
— Robie Peeters, Handhaver at OVAM

With the new mobile app, we can focus on field work instead of administrative tasks.
— Selene Bens, Handhaver at OVAM

Project 3: Asbestos Report Calculation Tool

OVAM needed a faster, more accurate way to allow citizens to calculate asbestos removal cost estimates based on their asbestos reports.

Traditional development methods were too time-consuming.

Solution: A Low-Code tool developed in only five days to provide citizens with a cost estimate in seconds, along with a back-office for the Asbestos Team to manage master data and pricing.
Result: An efficient estimation tool and greater transparency for citizens with a shorter development time than traditional methods.

This application was developed in barely five days. That would certainly have taken three to four times as long in Java.
— Raf Vermeulen, Project led / analyst at OVAM

How did we accelerate OVAM’s digital transformation?

At ACA Group, we worked with OVAM in an agile process to quickly respond to their needs. Thanks to Low-Code technology, we rapidly developed applications that perfectly aligned with their work processes.

Automation and user-friendly interfaces have enabled employees to work faster and helped reduce costs. The applications are scalable and can be easily extended to other teams.

Efficiency: Automated processes reduce manual work.
User-friendliness: Intuitive interfaces allow for fast work.
Scalability: Systems can grow with the organization.
Cost savings: Rapid development kept projects within budget.

Further digitalization with Low-Code

OVAM continues to invest in Low-Code technology for the further optimization of its processes.

The collaboration with ACA Group was a great success. Their team was pleasant, professional, and flexible. Moreover, they strictly adhered to the agreed-upon budgets and schedules.
— Raf Vermeulen, Project led / analyst at OVAM

Together with OVAM and my team, we achieved fast and high-quality results. Today, the enforcement team has efficient end-to-end digital processes thanks to applications custom-built to their needs. Furthermore, developing them in Low-Code with OutSystems makes them future-proof and quickly adaptable to new requirements.
— Gregory Van Dorpe, Low Code Competence Center Lead at ACA Group

Gregory Van Dorpe - Low Code Competence Center Lead

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