Material cost optimisation and process automation

Description

Van der Loo Yachts sought to reduce material costs and improve efficiency in production planning by replacing manual Excel-based material lists and planning methods, which were error-prone, lacked transparency and limited control over part usage and procurement forecasting. A scalable digital solution was required to standardise planning and reduce waste across material supply processes.

General Information

Business Need: Van der Loo Yachts sought to reduce material costs and improve efficiency in production planning by replacing manual Excel-based material lists and planning methods, which were error-prone, lacked transparency and limited control over part usage and procurement forecasting. A scalable digital solution was required to standardise planning and reduce waste across material supply processes.

Solution: Ciphix developed a Mendix-based material optimisation application that automates the creation, management and planning of material lists across yacht build projects. The tool centralises product and part data, applies business rules to forecast material needs, and provides production planners with real-time insight into material usage, cost implications and inventory levels. The solution replaces fragmented spreadsheets with a structured and configurable workflow that improves accuracy and visibility.

Results: The material optimisation platform significantly reduced errors associated with manual calculations, provided clearer insight into material needs and costs, and enabled planners to make better decisions on procurement and usage, resulting in lower material waste and improved cost control. With real-time reporting and improved transparency, Van der Loo Yachts reduced administrative time and enhanced planning reliability across production projects.