How industry wide issues are put on the roadmap 

This year, new developments in GreenCommerce are also supported by the roadmap. The roadmap offers users insight into future developments scheduled for 2024. While last year's focus was on preparing technical components, this will be continued this year through the new theme 'Digitalization'. In this update, Product owner Jeroen and Developer & Process architect Robin discuss the composition of the roadmap for this year in more detail and explain how you as a user can stay involved in the latest developments.

Robin begins: “The first year everything was still new. We were mainly concerned with finding out the needs of customers. Where are the gaps?” The current portfolio was critically examined; what is already there and what are we not doing (yet)? “We also started thinking about which target groups we want to target. There are many issues that we could take on. A clear scope is very important in this regard.” With that in mind, FreshTracker, for example, was rebuilt in the QC App. It is expected that there will be more new functionalities in the QC part that need to be integrated with the processes in GreenCommerce. By keeping development in our own hands, we can offer the best QC solution for our customers.

The following year, industry-wide issues were sought through trend analysis and field research. “We entered into discussions with customers and other companies in the sector, both large and smaller parties, to find out how they viewed these themes. We then started looking at the coherence and how we could come up with solutions for this within technology.”

Jeroen agrees: “We learned a lot from that. In a general sense we knew how our customers worked, but because of the intensive conversations we can now delve deeper into a customer's question. This ensures that we can work faster and in a more targeted manner.” Nowadays the roadmap is designed via a fixed structure. Every year we will determine again which topics will play a role. “So it is not a matter of 'first come, first served'. We must always remain open to new developments in the industry.” said Robin.

Different perspectives
Because Jeroen looks at issues from the functional angle and Robin from the technical side, topics are approached from different angles. This is important to get the topics supported within the team. They must be recognizable topics for both the customer and the person visiting the customer. Furthermore, it must of course also be technically possible.

Jeroen: “Because we are now working with a roadmap for the third year in a row, a strong foundation has been created so that we can focus more on our vision." Last year, a distinction was made between conducting research and actually developing functionalities. This is going to be followed up this year. "Sometimes research shows that the desired solution is not possible or feasible. Then we have to consciously choose not to make something. That requires adaptability, but it does ensure that the focus is on the right subjects.”

Some cases sometimes seem too large or complex, causing companies to come up with their own methods to deal with challenges. That is often an incorrect assuming, according to Robin: “These are exactly the issues we would like to hear in order to investigate whether we can do something about them in the technology or process. We would also like to hear about the challenges companies are experiencing outside our own customer base.”

Incentive for customer engagement
This approach has resulted in closer cooperation with our customers. Jeroen: “By seeking out interaction, you also do more together. We see this reflected in the great projects we set up together.” We also notice more and more external awareness of the roadmap. Because we work on industry-wide issues, the topics are immediately recognizable for the industry. “It is striking that we are also approached from outside our customer base about topics on the roadmap. That shows that we are on the right course.”

For a preview of the next period, Robin and Jeroen mention the Insights App, which falls within the new theme 'Digitalization'. Because the technical basis for many projects was laid in previous years, topics no longer completely fit within one theme. That is why 'Digitalization' has been introduced as an overarching theme for, among other things, the Apps portfolio. “The first customers will soon start using the Insights App. The roadmap contains developments that came to light as a result of last year's pilot. Developments that make the product structurally better. Without that feedback we would not have thought of it until later.” Robin notes. The combination of technical and visual developments for the Insights App immediately results in tangible improvements on the work floor. “We actively approach customers about topics that we think suit them. But we are also interested in speaking with other companies that encounter major issues. We are happy to think along.” concludes Jeroen.

Questions or more information?
Do you have questions or are you interested in exchanging experiences with us? Please contact info@greencommerce.nl or call +31 174 - 642 622.