Transforming KPD’s ERP for the Future: A Journey Through Digital Transformation
Cactus partners with KPD, a top ERP software provider for the construction industry, to manage large-scale digital transformations with agility. Together, we streamline operations and boost productivity for construction companies.
01. INTRO
Cloud-Based ERP Transformation in the Construction Sector
KPD, the leading software provider of ERP solutions for the construction industry in Belgium, embarked on a bold journey to future-proof its software. With a decades-old platform used by a loyal customer base, migrating from a locally managed ERP system to a cloud-based solution required deep technical expertise and careful strategic planning. This is where Cactus entered the picture—helping KPD translate years of software development into modern, cloud-native technologies while maintaining the user-friendly, intuitive interface that KPD’s clients have come to expect.
02. CHALLENGE
Balancing Evolution and Continuity in a Complex Environment
KPD’s ERP platform, built on six core modules (Preconstruction, People, Project, Logistics, Finance, and Real Estate) had been a trusted solution in the construction industry for decades. However, as the system’s technical architecture reached its limits, an upgrade was essential to enhance functionality while ensuring a seamless user experience.
Moreover, KPD needed to ensure that the current platform continued to evolve with new features while the shift to a cloud-based solution took place. Balancing these expectations, with limited technical resources, required a partner capable of managing large-scale digital transformation with agility.
03. SOLUTION
Co-Creating Future-Proof Software Through Hybrid Teams
To address these challenges, KPD partnered with Cactus to start a transformative digital project. Using Cactus’s LEAP methodology, we conducted a thorough analysis of KPD’s business needs and its customers’ expectations. By collaborating closely with KPD’s internal teams, we ensured a deep understanding of the ERP system’s existing architecture and functionality. Our hybrid team model—where Cactus experts worked alongside KPD’s in-house team—provided the necessary agility and external technical perspective without increasing KPD’s overhead.
Cactus first approached the project as a Digital Transformation initiative, redesigning the technical architecture to prepare for the cloud migration. In the next phase, we moved into Software Product Development, refactoring two ERP modules both functionally and technically to meet the needs of modern users while keeping KPD’s existing customer base in mind.
Hybrid teams were the key to success, allowing KPD to benefit from fresh technical insights while keeping a tight grip on their product’s evolution. This collaboration also enabled KPD to maintain ongoing service to existing customers by running parallel projects—improving the current software while preparing the cloud-based upgrade.
Meet the team behind our collaborative achievements:
04. RESULT
Gradual Introduction of Refactored Modules
Two ERP modules have now been successfully refactored and are in the early stages of deployment, being gradually introduced to select KPD customers who are most interested in these upgrades. This phased approach allows KPD to gather real-world user feedback before moving to full-scale production, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
By leveraging a hybrid team model, KPD has been able to continuously improve its platform while working towards long-term cloud migration. Cactus continues to support KPD through our Engage an Expert service line, with several of our team members now serving as fixed members of KPD’s hybrid SaaS Team. This ongoing collaboration ensures that KPD will remain agile and future-proof, with the capacity to integrate new features and improvements over time.
CONCLUSION
The Power of Hybrid Teams in Digital Transformation
At Cactus, we’re proud to support KPD in transforming its ERP platform for the future. Through our collaboration, KPD now has a clear roadmap for moving to cloud-native solutions while maintaining their current service standards. The hybrid team model has allowed KPD to combine its internal expertise with the fresh perspectives and technical capabilities of Cactus, ensuring a smooth, effective, and sustainable transformation. This partnership showcases the power of combining digital transformation, product development, and the strength of hybrid teams.
