Data-driven decision-making is a key priority at Vanderlande. The company develops innovative logistics solutions for airports, warehouses and parcel handling operations worldwide. To make the most of its data, Vanderlande has been investing in a strong data foundation for many years. In doing so, the organization works closely with Pipple. What started as support in developing the data platform has grown into a long-term partnership built on expertise, flexibility and ownership.
Building a Data Platform Together
When Abhijit Roy Choudhury joined Vanderlande in 2021 as Lead Analyst for the Data Platform team, Pipple was already part of the team. Together with Vanderlande’s internal colleagues, several Pipple consultants contributed to the further development of the platform. Today, Abhijit serves as Chief Product Owner of the Data Platform and is responsible for its strategy, roadmap and alignment with various business domains. In this role, he continues to work closely with Pipple. “My experience with Pipple has always been extremely positive,” he says. “The combination of technical expertise, experience and commitment truly makes the difference. Communication is straightforward and efficient. Whenever we need support, they are quick to think along with us and take action.”
Increasing Both Capacity and Speed
We saw opportunities to further optimize our way of working and improve delivery speed.
Pipple supports, among other things, Vanderlande’s Data Transport team. This team is responsible for ensuring that data is exchanged securely and reliably between different applications. As the demand for new data flows increased, new challenges emerged.
“The amount of work grew faster than the available capacity,” Abhijit explains. “At the same time, we saw opportunities to further optimize our way of working and improve delivery speed.”
Because it was unclear whether the additional demand would be temporary or structural, Vanderlande chose to bring in external expertise. Pipple not only helped increase capacity but also contributed knowledge and experience to improve processes. “Tasks that previously took several days can now be completed much faster. That has significantly improved our lead times.”
Taking Ownership from Analysis to Delivery
According to Abhijit, one of the most remarkable aspects of the collaboration is the high level of autonomy demonstrated by Pipple’s consultants. “When a Pipple consultant is assigned a task, we know it will be taken care of from start to finish. They require very little guidance and take full responsibility for the outcome.”
He points to a project involving a warehouse management system project that required the development of new data transport solutions. A Pipple consultant handled the entire process, from analysis and alignment with architects to development and implementation. “That gives us confidence. You don’t have to constantly check whether things are progressing. If challenges arise, the people from Pipple know exactly when to involve others. We greatly value that independence.”
Flexibility That Supports the Organization
In addition to technical expertise, Vanderlande values Pipple’s flexibility. When a temporary vacancy arose for a Product Owner, a Pipple consultant stepped into the role until a permanent replacement could be found. The same happened with the Scrum Master position. One of Pipple’s consultants now combines his development responsibilities with the role of Scrum Master, matching both his personal ambitions and the team’s needs. “That willingness to step in and take responsibility is incredibly valuable,” says Abhijit. “Pipple doesn’t just focus on the assignment itself; they also look at what the team needs to be successful.”
A Partner That Brings Ownership
They don’t feel like an external supplier, but rather an extension of our own team.
Vanderlande looks back on a successful collaboration in which capacity, speed and quality go hand in hand. “What I value most is the combination of expertise and autonomy,” Abhijit concludes. “The people from Pipple take ownership, deliver high-quality work and ensure that things get done. Because of that, they don’t feel like an external supplier, but rather an extension of our own team.”
