About VDL TBP
VDL TBP Electronics, part of the VDL Group, is a leading Dutch manufacturer of high-quality printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assemblies.
From its base in Dirksland, the company serves customers in sectors including semiconductors & analytics, vision, security & aerospace, science & health, and energy & industry. Reliability, product quality and continuity are essential to VDL TBP – and so is a stable IT infrastructure.
The situation
When Glenn Jacobs took up his post as IT manager at VDL TBP, he found a fragmented and unpredictable database landscape. Over the years, countless data sources had emerged, spread across various systems. Performance issues were dealt with on an ad hoc basis, and there was no structured management. Things had to change. Availability and future-proofing.
Glenn knew who to call on: SQLBrander.nl – and in particular a trusted expert, Gé, with whom he had previously worked successfully at a former employer.
The approach: research first, then design
Instead of starting to build straight away, SQLBrander.nl began, as always, with a thorough analysis. In the autumn of 2021, a preliminary study was carried out into the existing infrastructure, followed by a well-thought-out cluster design focused on scalability, high availability and future-proofing.
This approach was embraced by VDL TBP. With clear documentation, technical justification and a solid business case presented to management, the green light was quickly given.
This approach was embraced by VDL TBP. Thanks to clear documentation, technical justification and a solid business case presented to management, the go-ahead was quickly given.
~ Glenn Jacobs, VDL TBP
The solution: a single, centralised, scalable database environment
Following approval, the environment was set up in accordance with the design and taken over by SQLBrander.nl. The result: a stable, centralised database environment that grows alongside the organisation. New databases can be easily added without the need for additional investment in infrastructure or licences.
SQLBrander.nl proactively monitors the environment, intervenes where necessary and provides tailored advice when new requirements or expansions arise.
Expertise in the background – always there
What characterises this partnership is the peace of mind it provides. “You don’t need to see SQLBrander.nl constantly to know they’re working. Their work is evident in the stability of our systems.” This ‘virtual presence’ makes SQLBrander.nl a reliable force in the background.
They respond quickly to incidents, without any fuss beforehand. That works well – and strengthens mutual trust. “They aren’t an external party, but an extension of our department.”
Short lines of communication, personal contact
At SQLBrander.nl, the lines of communication are short. Whether it’s an urgent issue or a planned expansion, action is taken quickly. Fix the problem first,
then discuss the details. VDL TBP greatly appreciates this approach.
“Those short lines of communication and the ability to switch gears immediately really make all the difference. We work with other suppliers, but this collaboration truly feels like a partnership.”
The future: growing on a proven foundation
Building on the success of the current environment, VDL TBP looks to the future with confidence. New projects are already in the pipeline, with SQLBrander.nl as a permanent partner for technical design and management.
Because the foundation is already in place, drawing up new business cases is simpler – and expansion becomes not a costly experiment, but a predictable step forward. “We don’t have to start from scratch. The model works. That makes convincing others and scaling up a lot easier.”
Conclusion: trust, stability and collaboration
The collaboration between VDL TBP and SQLBrander.nl demonstrates what is possible when technology and trust go hand in hand. By not
just delivering, but also genuinely contributing ideas, SQLBrander.nl has become an integral part of VDL TBP’s IT chain.
“Trust has to be earned – and SQLBrander.nl does just that. Day in, day out.”
