Company in the spotlight: valueXstream. Six years old, stable and successful.
What distinguishes valueXstream?
Viktor De Swert: We provide independent expert advice on logistics and supply chain and assist companies with improvement processes. This enables them to act quickly. They do not need to hire a supply chain director themselves. Through us, they engage the right expert for their challenge.
In concrete terms, this involves, for example, the efficient (re)organisation of a warehouse, setting up a B2B web portal, the automation of sales processes, or guidance in selecting a software package such as ERP, CRM, PIM, or WMS.
Most of our customers are manufacturing companies, in the most diverse sectors, from food to pharmaceuticals. We mainly focus on larger SMEs, but we also work for multinationals.
Supply chain is not only about the physical flows of goods, but also about data flows. We help customers in the service sector with the management of data and documents related to opportunities, leads and current orders, among other things.
Is your business strongly influenced by trends?
Viktor De Swert: Definitely. The market is constantly changing. Globalization and digitization are driving innovation forward. More and more companies are struggling with supply chain issues. A wait-and-see attitude is not an option, because disruptive newcomers are changing the game.
The field becomes more complex, and the possibilities are endless. Just-in-time delivery, for example, can save companies money, but the processes must be seamlessly geared to it. We can help them with that.
How did coronavirus affect the business?
Viktor De Swert: The pandemic had a major impact on companies’ supply chains. Many companies wanted to accelerate digitization. New customers contacted us because, for example, e-commerce and omnichannel sales had suddenly become essential to them, or because they were offering their services or products to the market in a different way.
At the same time, the virus created uncertainty. That is why others put their investments on hold. Meanwhile, we see that business is picking up everywhere.
What distinguishes valueXstream?
Viktor De Swert: We provide independent expert advice on logistics and supply chain and assist companies with improvement processes. This enables them to act quickly. They do not need to hire a supply chain director themselves. Through us, they engage the right expert for their challenge.
In concrete terms, this involves, for example, the efficient (re)organisation of a warehouse, setting up a B2B web portal, the automation of sales processes, or guidance in selecting a software package such as ERP, CRM, PIM, or WMS.
Most of our customers are manufacturing companies, in the most diverse sectors, from food to pharmaceuticals. We mainly focus on larger SMEs, but we also work for multinationals.
Supply chain is not only about the physical flows of goods, but also about data flows. We help customers in the service sector with the management of data and documents related to opportunities, leads and current orders, among other things.
Is your business strongly influenced by trends?
Viktor De Swert: Definitely. The market is constantly changing. Globalization and digitization are driving innovation forward. More and more companies are struggling with supply chain issues. A wait-and-see attitude is not an option, because disruptive newcomers are changing the game.
The field becomes more complex, and the possibilities are endless. Just-in-time delivery, for example, can save companies money, but the processes must be seamlessly geared to it. We can help them with that.
How did coronavirus affect the business?
Viktor De Swert: The pandemic had a major impact on companies’ supply chains. Many companies wanted to accelerate digitization. New customers contacted us because, for example, e-commerce and omnichannel sales had suddenly become essential to them, or because they were offering their services or products to the market in a different way.
At the same time, the virus created uncertainty. That is why others put their investments on hold. Meanwhile, we see that business is picking up everywhere.
Where is valueXstream today?
Viktor De Swert: The company is now six years old and, in that time, has grown into a stable and successful business. Our consultants are experts in their field. Our focus on quality keeps customers coming back. It is our goal to build long-term relationships with our customers, as their supply chain demands and needs evolve at the pace of rapid changes in the market.
What are the plans for the future?
Viktor De Swert: Word-of-mouth has given us a sizeable customer base. Our story is solid, and we want to share it with more people. It is my job as business development manager to further spread our story and find new opportunities. Our foundation is rock solid, and our consultants are top experts in their field: we can build on that.
Neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands or Germany are ahead in terms of supply chain optimization. They are more willing to be supported by consultants. It feels like the Belgian market is now ready for that too.
You are part of the Gumption Group. What is the benefit for your customers?
Gumption supports us in several areas such as payroll, facilities and hr. This allows our consultants to focus 100% on what they are good at: thinking analytically about process optimization.
Our services are often complementary to those of the other Gumption companies. We work together regularly, with success. This does not mean that we necessarily recommend a Gumption partner for issues outside our expertise. Our advice to customers is always 100% independent. We insist on that. But if a sister company has the best solution for our customer, our partnership is an advantage. Thanks to our ecosystem, we can quickly establish the right contacts with partners and put them in touch with the right people.
Visit valueXstream at https://valuexstream.eu/
Where is valueXstream today?
Viktor De Swert: The company is now six years old and, in that time, has grown into a stable and successful business. Our consultants are experts in their field. Our focus on quality keeps customers coming back. It is our goal to build long-term relationships with our customers, as their supply chain demands and needs evolve at the pace of rapid changes in the market.
What are the plans for the future?
Viktor De Swert: Word-of-mouth has given us a sizeable customer base. Our story is solid, and we want to share it with more people. It is my job as business development manager to further spread our story and find new opportunities. Our foundation is rock solid, and our consultants are top experts in their field: we can build on that.
Neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands or Germany are ahead in terms of supply chain optimization. They are more willing to be supported by consultants. It feels like the Belgian market is now ready for that too.
You are part of the Gumption Group. What is the benefit for your customers?
Gumption supports us in several areas such as payroll, facilities and hr. This allows our consultants to focus 100% on what they are good at: thinking analytically about process optimization.
Our services are often complementary to those of the other Gumption companies. We work together regularly, with success. This does not mean that we necessarily recommend a Gumption partner for issues outside our expertise. Our advice to customers is always 100% independent. We insist on that. But if a sister company has the best solution for our customer, our partnership is an advantage. Thanks to our ecosystem, we can quickly establish the right contacts with partners and put them in touch with the right people.
Visit valueXstream at https://valuexstream.eu/