Process requests faster and easier with the Power Platform

From custom software to a low-code platform

The project started with the ambitious goal of phasing out the custom environment partially. For this, they wanted to migrate part of the functionality to a low-code environment. The aim was, among other things, to implement changes more quickly. A challenge not to be underestimated, given the specific requirements and complexity of the energy market.

LogoVertiCer faced various challenges, including choosing the right low-code platform and training the internal team. Jeroen Hanskamp talks about it: 'There are many companies in the market that help you implement low-code. However, we specifically wanted a company that would teach us how to do it, so that we could then build and maintain ourselves.' Axelio, formerly Mprise, turned out to be the perfect match, with a smooth collaboration and consultants who integrated as an extension of the internal team. And even then, it is not easy. 'It's called low-code, and Axelio certainly helps, but it really takes time to learn all the quirks of the platform to do your thing,' says Jeroen.

Co-Development leads to internal expertise

The collaboration resulted in building internal talent at VertiCer, with three employees who can now independently build and maintain in the Power Platform. 'These are also the people who shape our processes based on new laws and regulations or improvement initiatives from our merger in January 2023. Because we are now able to go from planning to execution and maintenance ourselves, we can also support our other processes with the Power Platform much faster.' This not only yields cost efficiency but also enables VertiCer to respond much more flexibly to changes in the market or laws and regulations.

The integration with the custom backend allows VertiCer to manage their entire process chain, from registration to approval and international trading of energy guarantees. A successful collaboration with Axelio ensured that the data migration went smoothly, thanks to the use of Power Apps Dataflows.

Axelio & VertiCer, an honest collaboration with a future

VertiCer appreciates the honesty and proactive attitude of Axelio. The collaboration goes beyond a standard supplier-client relationship, with Axelio acting as a reliable partner in realizing VertiCer's target architecture on the Power Platform. 'They warn us about new Waves that impact our apps. So we know in time what we need to check to ensure the continuity of the VertiCer apps. That gives us the confidence that we have a good partner in Axelio who guides us in realizing our target architecture in the Power Apps part.'

'And if there is really something, they are there for us. Fortunately, that hardly ever happens. By the way, also a thumbs up for Microsoft, because when we got stuck or encountered a bug, we brought someone from Microsoft in. As soon as they receive the report, they also keep you as a customer constantly updated on the progress. I found that very positive.'

Also starting with Power Pages?

'Use Power Pages mainly for your "Customer Facing App" to retrieve and share information in a fairly standard way. If your portal has a very strategic function in your company, I would go for a custom solution. Then you can really customize everything to your taste and necessity.'

'For companies that want to provide a standard "my environment", from which you have a clear overview as a user and that can collaborate with everything from the Power Platform via the underlying Dataverse, you have an easy solution that can mainly help streamline processes at the front end of your organization. Instead of general Q&As, you can provide specifically relevant information for your customer, and they can also initiate and follow up on matters there.' So, if you want to serve your customers with a portal where they can track orders or enter and follow tasks, discuss your application with us. We would love to think with you about the possibilities.