A project that shaped 2024...
We started the new year in good health and spirits and with just as much motivation as our goal was big: to get our new time and performance recording system up and running! It was a project that challenged us all - from the first design proposals on paper to the placement of the final icon. Our development department joined forces to tinker and test, discuss and try things out and ultimately overcame every hurdle. With a precision landing at the end of the year, we were finally able to celebrate the successful completion and send it out to the first pilot customers.
But that wasn't all...
...what our IT team got up and running. And this is certainly due in no small part to the fact that we were once again actively reinforced this year: Our new employee quickly got stuck in and settled in straight away by implementing the first projects with us.
With an expanded team, we were able to further optimise our software with a number of interesting functions: Assignments can now be planned up to 60 weeks in advance - a relief for anyone who wants to maintain a long-term overview. From the expansion of the filter functions to the creation of group totals, we have really made progress in terms of feature expansion and usability.
We were particularly impressed by the new calendar integration, which allows schedules to be transferred directly to the personal calendar - a small feature that makes a big difference in everyday life.
Our mobile app has also progressed at the same pace: photos and documents can now be shared directly from the gallery and scans can be saved and uploaded as PDFs. Another small highlight was the introduction of the vCard, which allows our users to share their contact details directly via the app.
And the marketing...
While the IT team was tinkering and testing, the marketing and sales team ensured that our progress did not go unseen.
We were particularly pleased with the expansion of the virtual tours created the year before to familiarise users with our software. They are now not only available for testing, but also as a training course that allows new users to familiarise themselves with Vanillaplan. And perhaps it also has a tip or two for experienced planners.
We are also very happy about the attention we have received in the world of trade journals this year. We were very pleased with an interview in the international timber trade journal HOB, an article in the Allgemeine Bauzeitung and two publications on our application plans specifically for production in two renowned trade journals.
And there was no shortage of shared experiences either...
Our year consisted not only of projects, figures and deadlines, but was also characterised by our joint activities.
Our trip to the construction site was definitely an exciting experience. For two days, part of the marketing team was able to swap the office for the field and experience the work on site at first hand.
This year, we replaced our office trip with a very special event: our 5-year anniversary! In the late summer sunshine, we made ourselves comfortable in our courtyard, toasted with our customers after a short programme and celebrated what we have achieved together over the last few years.
With our cosy fondue evening in the office and our Christmas dinner, we finally brought the year to a close - reviewing the challenges, small and large successes, hurdles and the many small moments in between.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025.