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From paper chaos to digital efficiency
The idea for OutSmart was born from the daily frustrations we personally experienced with paper work orders. Mechanics struggled to log hours and materials, customers had issues with unclear invoices, and our back office faced challenges keeping the planning on track. So we decided to do things differently. We developed the solution: an app that solves this problem once and for all. Mechanics now have instant access to all the information they need on their tablets or phones, can easily record their hours, and take photos of completed work. Our back office benefits from a user-friendly planning tool and can track mechanics' progress in real time.
After our success in the Netherlands, it was time to pursue our broader ambitions: expanding abroad! It seemed like a logical step, but we quickly learned that reality is more complex than expected. Spain, Portugal, and Germany became our focus countries, each with its own set of challenges.
In Spain, we encountered a culture that valued face-to-face interactions far more than online solutions. Long lunches and personal conversations were more important than fast digital transactions. Portugal, on the other hand, embraced our app quickly, especially thanks to successful integrations with local accounting software.
Germany was a completely different story. The country lagged behind the Netherlands in terms of digitalization. While digital work orders were already common in the Netherlands, they were practically unknown in Germany. It took a while before the potential of our app was recognized, but eventually, opportunities started to emerge there too.
Aside from cultural differences and how quickly countries adopt digital solutions, we discovered that language also plays a major role. We learned that a good translation is about more than just converting words; it’s about understanding context! A poor translation can sometimes lead to awkward situations, like confusing a "business relationship" with a "romantic relationship" in German. We laugh about those moments now, but they were valuable lessons that made us stronger.
Despite the challenges, we at OutSmart are looking to the future with confidence. We've learned a lot from our mistakes and are adapting our strategies per country. Thanks to our acquisition by Visma, we now have access to the knowledge and expertise of an international company.
We're now seeing great potential in the Scandinavian market, where the infrastructure and openness to new technology are very promising. We’re ready for the next step and determined to keep conquering the world with our (Out)Smart app!
Steven also shares a few key tips for companies looking to expand abroad:
With these tips, companies can successfully do business internationally!
Curious about the full story? Listen to Steven's interview on BNR.
Want to learn more about OutSmart? Get in touch with us.