ARN integrates sustainable supply chain with Mendix and SAP

ARN’s mission is to ensure that both now and in the future, the statutory targets for vehicle and battery recycling are met responsibly and at acceptable costs. By promoting this circular economy, valuable raw materials are recovered and reused to the maximum extent. This ambition comes with complex processes that require a future-proof solution.

As a non-profit organisation, ARN strives to comply with European standards and make car dismantling and recycling as sustainable as possible. It does so on behalf of leading organisations in the automotive industry, such as BOVAG, RAI Vereniging, and Stiba, which together form the board of ARN’s parent organisation, Stichting Auto Recycling.

The powerful combination of Mendix low-code and SAP ERP

ARN previously used Microsoft Navision 2017. However, this solution could no longer be upgraded and no longer met ARN’s requirements. Since ARN operates multiple highly specific business processes, it required a solution bespoke to its unique situation. This includes processes such as paying fees to dismantling companies and coordinating recycling streams with negative value. To meet these needs and optimally support its company-specific processes, ARN chose Mendix.

Aiden developed two applications in Mendix low-code and implemented SAP Business ByDesign. The SAP ERP solution supports ARN’s financial processes, including administration, procurement processes, and master data management.

The Mendix application, called ARN Operations, supports ARN’s operational processes and forms the core of the solution. This app enriches master data from SAP, such as purchase forecasts, and feeds it back into SAP for invoicing and other financial processes. The second application, the myARN portal, connects all partners (dismantlers, intermediaries, shredders, etc.) with ARN via a portal.

ARN operates a process in which dismantling companies function as partners. When a wreck is registered for dismantling and delivered to a certified shredding company, the dismantling company receives a compensation fee. The recycling of less profitable materials, such as coolant, tires, or LPG tanks, is handled centrally. This contributes to a more sustainable supply chain. The entire process is supported by this custom-built Mendix application.

Ready for a sustainable future

Paul Dietz, General Director at ARN, says: “ARN chose to partner with Aiden because of their expertise and knowledge in both Mendix low-code and SAP ERP. We are very satisfied with the collaboration and with the process that was built in Mendix to support our unique business processes. Aiden successfully translated our business case into concrete solutions that make things easier for us as an organisation and promote high-quality and responsible car recycling.”

Bart Terwisse, Director of Portfolio Management at Aiden, adds: “We are pleased that we were able to translate ARN’s requirements into a Mendix low-code solution. Combined with SAP ERP, it provides a comprehensive solution for ARN, facilitating its mission to foster a sustainable supply chain. Throughout the project, there was a thoughtful and professional approach, with ARN and Aiden working together as partners towards a successful implementation.”

Looking ahead, ARN envisions a supply chain where valuable raw materials are recovered and reused at acceptable costs. In the future, new raw materials will not always be necessary. In this way, ARN contributes to a circular economy. With the Mendix and SAP applications developed by Aiden, ARN is ready for the future. A future in which recycling and innovation go hand in hand.