Dura Vermeer powers more sustainable logistics with low-code

Challenge

Why Dura Vermeer needed an innovative approach to sustainable logistics

Dura Vermeer is one of the top construction companies in the Netherlands with a turnover of €1.9 billion and over 3,000 employees. It is a key player in both residential and non-residential construction and works on many infrastructure projects.

The company has an ambitious goal: to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030 with the goal of achieving virtually zero CO₂ emissions (Net Zero) by 2050. This requires driving smarter and more sustainable practices across all its operations.

The company previously used complex spreadsheets to calculate logistics volumes and sustainability levels, and relied on the expertise of a highly-skilled team member. This often required days or even weeks to thoroughly assess the environmental impact of a project.

Dura Vermeer needed a simple, scalable, and efficient way to analyze data and quickly deliver CO₂ emissions insights.

Solution

How OutSystems transformed Dura Vermeer’s logistics and sustainability model

To achieve its sustainability goals, Dura Vermeer used the OutSystems platform to create the Bouwlogistiek Calculatie Model (BLCM), an application that tracks and predicts CO₂ emissions linked to construction logistics. The OutSystems low-code platform gave Dura Vermeer the agility they needed to build and deploy BLCM quickly, and the platform’s modular approach to development made it easy to iterate and adjust the application easily.

Having previously worked with OutSystems, the development of BLCM aligned seamlessly with Dura Vermeer’s "Re-use, before buy, before make" principle, aimed at maximizing the value of existing software investments.

With support from HSO, an OutSystems partner, the company developed the BLCM in just six months. The result is a powerful and flexible logistics model that provides project teams with quick, accurate data on emissions and logistics impacts, without requiring technical expertise.

Results

Transforming logistics insights to drive competitive advantage

Since adopting the BLCM, Dura Vermeer has significantly improved its logistics analysis and decision-making. Reports that previously took days to generate are now completed in hours, speeding up the project planning process.

The BLCM also empowers Dura Vermeer to include detailed insights in its competitive strategies. During tenders, the company can now showcase the environmental and cost impacts of projects, enhancing Dura Vermeer’s reputation as a sustainability leader.

The company can also propose energy-efficient, CO₂-friendly construction and transportation alternatives. For example, it can now avoid situations where multiple trucks pass sensitive areas like schools or hospitals. This level of detail has had a positive impact on several recent tenders.

Built on the OutSystems platform, the BLCM includes safeguards for sensitive logistics data. The low-code framework makes it easy to add new features, such as equipment budget tracking and machine productivity analysis.

The system’s user-friendly interface has also been warmly received by Dura Vermeer’s staff. Over 20 employees currently use the model, with more being trained regularly.