Developing a future-proof application for DEP
Duurzaam Energie Perspectief (DEP) is a division of Alliander where sustainable heating programs and neighborhood-based approaches are developed and implemented.
DEP has developed an application called PipeLab to calculate heating networks in order to design the best solution for a region or municipality. PipeLab is a desktop application and therefore not future proof, which is why DEP wanted a partner to migrate Pipelab to the Azure Cloud and develop a new front-end. The NextPipeLab project was born and Luminis stepped on board.
A lot of variety in expertise through working with Fixed Teams
Within PipeLab, all the necessary calculation methods that give insight into the best possible heating solutions are in place, but a Cloud setup and a good front-end were still missing. This is where DEP and Luminis combined their forces to work together.
The new application, NextPipeLab, was built alongside the existing application and is now on the same level as the old desktop version. That means DEP is moving to the Azure Cloud application, which also includes additional functionality and a new front-end.
DEP uses a Fixed Team from Luminis. This team consists of experts with different specialties such as back-end, Azure Cloud, front-end and architecture, and the team works for multiple clients. This eliminates the need for DEP to hire a full-time team but allows them to make use of all the necessary strengths. It is also possible to quickly scale up and down as needed. This provides additional flexibility and capacity where needed.
What I like about the Fixed Team is that we are currently hiring 1.5 FTE from Luminis, but we get 6 different employees, all with their own expertise. I'm very pleased with the commitment to the product; for example, a lot of idea exchanging takes place on how we can create more value for the users. I really view the Luminis colleagues as my own.
Modern Cloud technology gives room for future growth
Together with Luminis, DEP not only developed the NextPipeLab application, but also a portal in which multiple applications can be run. In this way, DEP is prepared for future developments and growth trends. Through the portal, large amounts of data can be accessed and cooperation between different parties is made possible.
The result of the collaboration is an updated app with a more user-friendly interface. Access to the app has become a lot easier, which is important as multiple partners will be working with it. It is now also possible to draw and modify heating networks in NextPipeLab which wasn’t possible in the old application.
The app now runs in the Azure Cloud and uses modern technologies. This solves another problem: the number of developers who could still work with the old technology is very scarce. Now that modern technologies are being used, the app and portal can be easily developed further and are more maintainable and manageable. Luminis now takes care of the development of the entire back-end, allowing DEP to work on further development of the app and connecting new partners.
Want to know more about our services?
We are your dedicated partner. Reach out to us.