'We again have a future-proof software package in place'

Pioneering and leading the way with technology. That has been Akker Metaal's passion for fifty years. "We build everything. From specialized semi-finished products to unique steel constructions. Together with the client, we always come up with creative solutions. But also to the very best end results, based on the strength of steel. Every order is customized. That is what makes this profession so special," says director/owner Arno van den Akker. "The combination of steel construction and sheet metal working under one roof allows us to use all the advantages of steel, but also to be maximally flexible. We have all services in-house, from design to production and assembly. Advanced machinery, which automates as many processes as possible, guarantees efficient production and fast delivery."

Automation of production

"Automation is incredibly important in our industry," Van den Akker emphasizes. "We are in a competitive market in which labor costs must be kept as low as possible. Automation helps with this. Not for nothing have we invested in modern machinery, in which, for example, the sawing and drilling of steel beams is fully automated. Also very special is our robotized welding-off processing center (BLM), with which various steel profiles are welded off fully automatically." Special BLM software translates the welding lines from the Tekla 3D model directly into the correct welding robot instructions, he says. "This eliminates errors caused by communication noise and ensures permanently high weld quality. The welded structural beams that go to construction always fit."

Getting a grip on operations

While Akker Metaal invariably elaborates its designs in Tekla Structures, it uses Matrix Software software for its operations. "In 2005, we compared several software packages from various software suppliers," Van den Akker explains. "Based on feeling at the time, we chose MatrixMetaal, which allowed us to manage the complete process of quotation calculation, quotation management, time registration, material procurement, invoicing and post calculation. Two years ago we switched to MatrixProject CRM/ERP/MRP, which offers even more possibilities." For Akker Metaal, this switch was quite exciting, he says. "Because how will the mutation go? Will all the data built up over the past few years remain available? Fortunately, this all went very well."

Sharper quoting

"We felt that software developments at MatrixSoftware had been at a standstill for a while. There were very few developments," says Van den Akker. "MatrixProject has positively surprised us in that sense and, on the contrary, develops continuously. Both in terms of functionalities and possibilities, so that we again have a future-proof software package in house. MatrixProject functions for us as an ERP package, in which relationship management, document management, project management, order management and time registration come together efficiently. We can extract an enormous amount of information from the software. What has been calculated at project level in terms of materials and hours? And is this consistent with actual practice? Based on this, we can quote even more sharply."

Working Group

To keep the software up-to-date also towards the future, Akker Metaal regularly shares its experiences and wishes with Matrix Software. "Soon we will also take part in a working group, which aims to further improve the work preparation in MatrixProject," says Van den Akker. "And also in other areas we are always looking for optimizations, from which we both benefit."

About Akker Metal 

Akker Metaal was founded in 1973. Started in an old smithy in Schaijk, the family business has gone through a considerable development. Since 2006 she is located in a new and modern building at the Ketelmeer in Oss, which was already four years later considerably expanded. Thanks to a new 1,500 m2 hall, the total production space is about 5,000 m2. In combination with several new and innovative machines and 20 skilled own employees, Akker Metaal can serve any customer demand.