How Zwanenberg Replaced Excel-Driven Processes with a Scalable Low-Code Platform
As the organisation continued to grow, so did the complexity of its processes. From transport planning and risk management to budgeting and product data management, many critical workflows relied on spreadsheets and legacy systems that could no longer support the company’s ambitions. To improve efficiency, strengthen compliance, and build a more scalable digital foundation, Zwanenberg partnered with CAPE to modernise key business processes.
The challenge: growth had outpaced existing tools
Zwanenberg successfully combines nearly 100 years of industry experience with a commitment to continuous innovation.
However, the organisation’s expanding product portfolio, international operations, and increasing compliance requirements placed growing pressure on existing business processes.
Many critical activities continued to rely on Excel spreadsheets and ageing software solutions that had evolved over time rather than being designed for the organisation’s future needs.
While these systems had served the business well for years, they created limitations around visibility, consistency, auditability, and efficiency.
The company wanted to provide employees with better tools, simplify compliance activities, and create a more agile environment capable of adapting to changing market and regulatory requirements.
About this project
Company: Zwanenberg Food Group
Industry: Food manufacturing
Technology: Mendix low-code platform
Solutions delivered: Mastertool, Transport Tool, Risk Management App, Budget Tool
Transport planning reduction: 1.5 hours to 10 minutes
Risk assessment reduction: 20 minutes to 2 minutes per ingredient
Approach: Think Big, Act Small, Move Fast
Why Zwanenberg chose low-code
Rather than simply replacing existing software, Zwanenberg wanted applications that reflected how the business actually operates.
The goal was to create workflow-driven solutions where processes, user experience, and business logic worked together seamlessly.
“What I really wanted was a workflow-driven platform where the user interface and logic follow the business processes, not just the database structure. Low-code delivered exactly that.”
Eilko Bronsema, IT Manager, Zwanenberg
Starting small to create long-term impact
The partnership began with a detailed review of Zwanenberg’s application landscape.
Following CAPE’s ‘Think Big, Act Small, Move Fast’ approach, the teams identified opportunities to modernise processes while prioritising solutions capable of delivering measurable business value quickly.
Rather than attempting a large-scale transformation project from day one, the first step was a targeted pilot focused on transport planning.
The success of this pilot established a blueprint for future development and demonstrated the value of low-code across the organisation.
At the same time, Zwanenberg invested in internal capability by training its own Mendix developer through the CAPE Academy, ensuring the organisation could independently evolve and expand applications in the future.
The solution: building a modern application ecosystem
The initial pilot evolved into a broader digital transformation programme, resulting in four specialised applications that support critical business processes across the organisation.
Transport Tool
The Transport Tool replaced a combination of spreadsheets and an ageing Visual Basic solution that supported internal transport planning.
Built in only six weeks, the application introduced standard route templates, improved visibility, and simplified planning workflows.
Every transport movement now receives a unique assignment number, improving traceability while ERP integration simplifies invoicing and cost allocation.
Risk Management App
Zwanenberg’s raw material risk assessments previously relied heavily on spreadsheets, making the process time-consuming and difficult to scale.
The new Risk Management App centralises information, introduces a clean data structure, and streamlines the assessment of complex ingredients and formulations.
The application also significantly simplifies audit preparation by ensuring data is centrally available and consistently maintained.
Mastertool
To improve data governance across multiple production locations, CAPE developed the Mastertool.
The solution centralises product master data, supports standardised processes across sites, and reduces dependency on uncontrolled spreadsheets.
As a result, product information is more reliable, accessible, and consistent throughout the business.
Budget Tool
Financial planning and budgeting had historically been managed through Excel-based processes.
The Budget Tool introduced a single workflow-driven environment that enables teams to collaborate within one structured process.
The application improves consistency, increases transparency, and supports more informed decision-making across the organisation.
“CAPE was a great partner because they clearly understood both our needs and our vision. Translating quality requirements into IT solutions can be challenging, but with CAPE it was straightforward.”
Robert Jan Zwanenburg, QHSE Manager, Zwanenberg
Delivering measurable business outcomes
The impact of the new applications was visible almost immediately.
90% faster transport planning
Planning activities that previously required approximately 90 minutes can now be completed in as little as 10 minutes, dramatically reducing manual effort while increasing consistency.
93% faster ingredient risk assessments
Risk evaluations that previously took around 20 minutes per ingredient can now be completed in approximately two minutes, improving both productivity and audit readiness.
Improved compliance and audit preparedness
Centralised data management and standardised workflows make regulatory compliance easier to manage while reducing reliance on manually maintained spreadsheets.
Better decision-making across the organisation
With information available through dedicated business applications rather than disconnected spreadsheets, employees can make decisions faster and with greater confidence.
From buying software to building capability
The success of the programme encouraged teams across the organisation to identify additional opportunities for innovation, supporting a broader shift from buying standard solutions towards building applications tailored to business needs.
Creating a foundation for continuous improvement
The project delivered much more than four applications.
It established a scalable development approach, strengthened internal capabilities, and created a modern application landscape designed for ongoing evolution.
With additional enhancements already planned, including future phases for the Budget Tool and continued platform expansion, Zwanenberg is well positioned to adapt to changing business requirements while maintaining operational excellence.
Enabling smarter food manufacturing
For Zwanenberg, digital transformation is not about replacing spreadsheets for the sake of technology.
It is about giving employees better tools, improving compliance, reducing administrative effort, and creating the flexibility needed to respond quickly in a competitive global market.
By combining low-code technology with a practical, business-focused approach, Zwanenberg has created a digital foundation that supports both current operations and future growth.
Looking to modernise business-critical processes?
Whether you’re managing planning, compliance, master data, finance, or operational workflows, CAPE helps organisations replace legacy tools with scalable digital solutions that deliver measurable business value.
Ready to explore what’s possible? Get in touch with our team to discuss your challenges.
