Ten years of TheValueChain: an amazing crescendo (with lots of fun)
TheValueChain: the name pretty much gives away the company’s mission. The SAP specialists create value through smart end-to-end solutions with maximum ROI. "In the coming years, we aim to become the leading SAP partner for the Benelux," say managing partners Ivan Leysen and Dieter Oversteyns. But first, let’s look back at a successful decade.
TheValueChain: the name pretty much gives away the company’s mission. The SAP specialists create value through smart end-to-end solutions with maximum ROI. "In the coming years, we aim to become the leading SAP partner for the Benelux," say managing partners Ivan Leysen and Dieter Oversteyns. But first, let’s look back at a successful decade.
In 2011, TheValueChain was launched. Tell us, have your expectations been met?
Dieter: “Even exceeded (laughs)! Our business plan for the first three years lasted exactly one year. After that, we had to adjust due to the strong growth.”
Ivan: “Yes, we started off very well. After that, we kept raising the bar. We have no intention of stopping any time soon.”
A lot happens in 10 years. Which moments are crucial in the story of your company?
Dieter: “The acquisitions of Oasis, Caetena, and Tetrade were real quantum leaps. Especially the fact that we completed those integrations well gives a great feeling. Most of the customers and consultants from those days are still on board. That speaks volumes.”
Ivan: “A lot of milestones have passed. We launched the first full SAP S/4HANA in Belgium, we were the first to implement SAP Business ByDesign, the first EMEA partner for Cloud Essentials ...”
Dieter: “Don't forget the fun! I remember a memorable ski trip with the whole team for our fifth anniversary.”
Ivan: “Oh yes, after that weekend we had no secrets from each other (laughs). TheValueChain is also: work hard, play hard. But in that order.”
What gives you the most satisfaction as an entrepreneur?
Ivan: “That you feel that you can count on a lot of people when you face challenges. People who work for us are proud of their job. At those moments you really feel that.”
Dieter: “Absolutely. Rolling out strategies and making a success of it also gives a lot of satisfaction. Or perfectly rounding off projects and investments. I am proud of that.”
In 2011, TheValueChain was launched. Tell us, have your expectations been met?
Dieter: “Even exceeded (laughs)! Our business plan for the first three years lasted exactly one year. After that, we had to adjust due to the strong growth.”
Ivan: “Yes, we started off very well. After that, we kept raising the bar. We have no intention of stopping any time soon.”
A lot happens in 10 years. Which moments are crucial in the story of your company?
Dieter: “The acquisitions of Oasis, Caetena, and Tetrade were real quantum leaps. Especially the fact that we completed those integrations well gives a great feeling. Most of the customers and consultants from those days are still on board. That speaks volumes.”
Ivan: “A lot of milestones have passed. We launched the first full SAP S/4HANA in Belgium, we were the first to implement SAP Business ByDesign, the first EMEA partner for Cloud Essentials ...”
Dieter: “Don't forget the fun! I remember a memorable ski trip with the whole team for our fifth anniversary.”
Ivan: “Oh yes, after that weekend we had no secrets from each other (laughs). TheValueChain is also: work hard, play hard. But in that order.”
What gives you the most satisfaction as an entrepreneur?
Ivan: “That you feel that you can count on a lot of people when you face challenges. People who work for us are proud of their job. At those moments you really feel that.”
Dieter: “Absolutely. Rolling out strategies and making a success of it also gives a lot of satisfaction. Or perfectly rounding off projects and investments. I am proud of that.”
What lessons have you learned in those 10 years?
Dieter: “That you must keep learning and evolving. Entrepreneurship is about adapting yourself non-stop.”
Ivan: “It’s also crucial to provide soundboards and to dare to challenge people. This helps gain insights that you’d never discover on your own. And hard work, of course. You must be willing to go the extra mile.”
Dieter: “You have to be ambitious. But you also must keep your feet on the ground. It’s a constant search for balance.”
One last question: what’s your take on what’s next for the following decade?
Ivan: “We want to become the preferred partner for SAP in the entire Benelux. It’s that simple.”
Dieter: “Today, we’re mainly located in Belgium, with projects in Luxembourg and the Netherlands. We are focusing on growth to support and strengthen our story in the three regions. Just wait, within a few years we will be top-of-mind with prospects across the Benelux.”
Ivan: “With one important note: growth is a means, not an end. We will remain who we are. The proximity to our people is precisely what makes us strong. We are not going to change that.”
What lessons have you learned in those 10 years?
Dieter: “That you must keep learning and evolving. Entrepreneurship is about adapting yourself non-stop.”
Ivan: “It’s also crucial to provide soundboards and to dare to challenge people. This helps gain insights that you’d never discover on your own. And hard work, of course. You must be willing to go the extra mile.”
Dieter: “You have to be ambitious. But you also must keep your feet on the ground. It’s a constant search for balance.”
One last question: what’s your take on what’s next for the following decade?
Ivan: “We want to become the preferred partner for SAP in the entire Benelux. It’s that simple.”
Dieter: “Today, we’re mainly located in Belgium, with projects in Luxembourg and the Netherlands. We are focusing on growth to support and strengthen our story in the three regions. Just wait, within a few years we will be top-of-mind with prospects across the Benelux.”
Ivan: “With one important note: growth is a means, not an end. We will remain who we are. The proximity to our people is precisely what makes us strong. We are not going to change that.”
TheValueChainproudly presents the HyperChain Team
The HyperChain Team: a dedicated squad of experienced process optimisation consultants, 100% focused on hyperautomation.
Follow us and discover how to tackle the challenges in your industry, how technology can accelerate your business, and how you can increase the value of your SAP investment. TheValueChain. Accelerate. Adapt. Act.
TheValueChainproudly presents the HyperChain Team
The HyperChain Team: a dedicated squad of experienced process optimisation consultants, 100% focused on hyperautomation.