Challenge
One mobile app to rule them all
Rather than just replacing old screens with new ones, Albert Heijn decided to merge all nine existing applications into one. Fortunately, the current ERP system still had a robust data structure and business rules that were good for the next ten years and maybe longer. What Albert Heijn needed most was a new front end and a modern, mobile user experience.
OutSystems partners Transfer Solutions and LinkIT came in-house to do development, sitting with Albert Heijn’s IT team to ensure tight alignment for the project. With eight developers and a UX designer from Soda Studio, Albert Heijn fashioned the new system using PL/SQL with Oracle database for the backend and OutSystems for the front end. In the stores, the retailer gave employees a mix of handhelds like the Zebra TC51, Android devices, and iPads, too.
Besuyen says, “Transfer Solutions did the complete installation of the platform for us and was a big help during the starting period. LinkIT partnered with us to develop the app, and next to Transfer Solutions, they operate as a critical part of our development team.”
But that’s only half of the story. To create the best possible user experience, Albert Heijn IT engaged those the new app would impact most—store employees. Product Owner of Store Apps, Maaike Besuyen, led an agile co-creation process to map out requirements with a core team of store employees.