What we do
iO creates meaningful impact on your brand & business
We help business with their brand, marketing campaigns, creation & content productions, digital platforms and much more.
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Van Hoecke
Van Hoecke is a true family business that focuses on cooperation above all. That is why they are committed to achieving sustainable personal growth together with employees, clients, suppliers, and partners. In this way, the company wants to create veritable well-being for all its stakeholders.
We built an innovative e-commerce platform for Van Hoecke, granting users direct access to the Van Hoecke product range, pricing, and product configurators. Today, everyone benefits from a fully automated process of ordering innovative furniture fittings, from selection to ordering, production and delivery.
Challenge
To realise a 100% digital order intake, innovative and user-friendly.
Solution
A sleek, versatile B2B e-commerce platform with the best of B2C.
About Van Hoecke
As a distributor of functional furniture fittings, Van Hoecke is a household name, both in its home base of Sint-Niklaas and far beyond. Van Hoecke has a distinct B2B approach and mainly supplies kitchen manufacturers – resulting in 16,000 unique products every week, 9000 active clients per year and an annual turnover of 112 million euros.
Transformation in B2B e-commerce
How Van Hoecke set out to achieve 100% digital order intake in B2B
How do you transform a predominantly manual order process into 100% digital order intake? Van Hoecke, a manufacturer of functional furniture fittings, approached iO with this question. In this video, you will discover how our experts developed a new B2B e-commerce approach — and continue to support the company year after year.
Craftsmanship in the digital age
Expertise and craftsmanship are key at Van Hoecke. A great asset, but a significant challenge, nonetheless. Especially when top-notch quality and a no-nonsense approach are combined with manual order systems and high expectations in terms of customisation and logistics. Van Hoecke’s experts think and act as partners for each client and proactively deploy their expertise.
To keep this up – as opposed to 'simply' filling orders – Van Hoecke decided to actively pursue a 100% digital order intake, assisted by iO as its technology partner. Together, we decided to develop an online platform that reflects Van Hoecke’s position as market leader. A platform that seamlessly integrates experience and tools, e-commerce, and content.
Innovative e-commerce as the customer’s desire
However, research comes first and foremost. Together with Van Hoecke, our experts embarked on a strategic journey. By relying on research into both the customer journey and the needs of the target group, they determined the best way to extend Van Hoecke's offline quality to the digital realm.
Van Hoecke's experts' mission was to become full-fledged partners in customers' lives, which is why customer processes were also in need of a thorough digitisation. For this reason, the team toured Van Hoecke’s clients during this phase, carrying several mock-ups and always posing the same, vital questions. What do you need as a customer? What works efficiently for you? What feels logical and what doesn't?
The result: an innovative e-commerce platform and digital ecosystem, unburdening users and sellers alike.
The sounding symphony of Symfony 6 and Drupal 10
For the new website, we picked Drupal 10 as our trusted CMS with plenty of functionalities for a case like this, such as dynamic menus, multilanguage set-up and media options. The API platform works by grace of Symfony 6, as a sparring partner for Drupal 10 for shopping baskets, products, customers, communication with external services and much, much more.
Using VueJS, we took care of the interactive dimension of the platform, think customer dashboard, shopping basket plug-ins and the delivery time calendar during check-out. With RabbitMQ, we ensure the shopping baskets are kept neatly in sync with Van Hoecke's system and we use Mercure to send socket-related messages to the front-end. This way, we notify users if something needs to be changed in their baskets, without the need for a page refresh. For example, if a product in a basket is no longer compatible with a drawer the user has just modified.
Finally, we rely on Redis for data caching and ElasticSearch for search using custom configuration and queries.
B2B e-commerce, powered by the best of B2C
Today, Van Hoecke’s clients benefit from a fully automated process, from selection to ordering, production and delivery. Through the e-commerce platform, they have direct access to the Van Hoecke product range, pricing, and product configurators.
Customers can use personalised configurators to order individual products and customised products, straight in their browser environments. With a few clicks, visitors can work out self-selected products down to the smallest details, via dimensions and materials, real-time and in 3D – even complete with a 360 degrees view. A dynamic price indicator adds value. With every adjustment, the visitor sees the effect of his or her actions on the price in real time.
It is striking how many tried and tested B2C components are part of this result. The Van Hoecke platform provides support for multiple shopping baskets (projects), a quotation wizard, reference management, favourites, (sub)user management and an extensive real-time customer dashboard.
"Today, we still maintain a sustainable cooperation with iO. They provide permanent added value through their expertise in digital transformation, from strategy to implementation. They continuously build new features and guarantee the service and maintenance that a platform like ours needs. They think with us, manage to work their way into our very core business and even share the burdens of the challenges we face ourselves."
Dries Tindemans, Project lead & Experience-architect Van Hoecke NV
100% digital order intake and more
What did the effective iO-Van Hoecke partnership provide customers with? Not only did we manage to (jointly) realise the requested 100% digital order intake, but we also provided personalisation options in a versatile e-commerce platform and online catalogue. We built various tools and configurators to guide customers efficiently through the funnel, as well as a real-time dashboard to track orders and deliveries.
Van Hoecke employees were also freed from mundane tasks, such as order entries, and can now use their extensive knowledge and expertise to further raise the level of customer service.
An all-in-one CMP for thoughtful compliance
For any European business today, a CMP (Consent Management Platform) is essential. But how do you tackle that when you have more than 20 online e-commerce platforms to reach different target groups? We helped Van Hoecke select, implement, and optimise the right solution - CookieHub.
Want to hear the story of this case - or anything about B2B & B2C e-commerce - directly from us?
In that case, go to the source by clicking the button!
The collaboration in figures
10.000
product-filled shopping carts per month
What we did
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AI & E-commerce: 8 tips for navigating the changing SEO landscape
There is unrest in the SEO landscape, and it's no surprise given the rapid changes taking place. With the advent of AI, the future of SEO suddenly seems uncertain. The number one search engine is vigorously testing AI applications, reducing the need to click through to websites. This has serious implications for everyone whose traffic is partially dependent on Google, including e-commerce.Read more
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Dossier: Personalisation
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Dossier: Brands & society
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Dossier: SEO strategy
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Dossier: E-commerce
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Dossier: Challenger Stories
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Dossier: Infinite Opportunities
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Dossier: Cookieless future
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Dossier: Video marketing
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Dossier: Marketplaces
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Dossier: Google Analytics 4
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Dossier: Public Brands
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Dossier: B2B - Turning B2B challenges into solutions
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Dossier: Marketing automation
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Dossier: Successful marketing budgets and plans
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Dossier: Ready to pop on social media?
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Dossier: Holiday marketing: how to score as a brand with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas
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Dossier: Get a taste of AI – Discover the endless possibilities of AI
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Dossier: Discover the power of branded podcasts
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24 insights for 2024
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Dossier: successful innovation
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Dossier: Maximize your marketing efforts with HubSpot
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Dossier: Drupal. Why big brands rely on Drupal CMS.
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Dossier: Composable, the key to flexible business architecture
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Dossier: The Opportunity Report
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Video
Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs website, more accessible than ever before
How do we make our content accessible, so that every Belgian can find the information they need quickly and easily? The question came from the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs and the answer? That came from iO. The result: a website that focuses on accessibility and presents the most important information in a crystal clear way.Read more
Video
Are you fed up with boring marketing too?
Our attention spans are shorter, we skip commercials, and we click from video to video all the time. When consumers are bombarded with an avalanche of content every day, how can your brand stand out? Ruth Nys explains how to do creative content marketing without falling into the same old boring marketing tactics trap. Expert:Ruth Nys, Strategy Director ContentRead more
Video
Digitising a business: the most common mistakes and how to avoid them
How is it that only 30% of the companies are successful in adopting digital transformation? In large part because it affects every aspect of a business: people, processes, infrastructure, and customers. We walk you through the most common mistakes we see in digital transformation projects so you don’t have to make them yourself. Expert:Tom van Mierlo, Digital StrategistRead more
Video
Transforming technology into a catalyst for innovation
How fast can you launch new products and services, scale up or scale down sales channels, or provide a better customer experience? The technical complexity of a business often determines its innovation speed. We look at how to transform the 5 key blockers in technology into accelerators for your business. Expert:Raymond Muilwijk, Center of Excellence Lead TechnologyRead more
Video
How to measure the value of innovations faster and more clearly
In 2024, you will be less likely to make long-term investments. ROI has become a more important factor in innovation compared to recent years. We share ways that will help you validate innovations faster and gain management’s support. Expert: Uilke Duinstra - Service Line Director Strategy at iORead more&w=1920&q=75)
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Steven Van Belleghem: The cost of poor 'Customer Experience' is frequently underestimated.
Companies are unaware of the enormous the cost of bad customer experiences. Out-of-pocket costs such as customer service are being pushed up, at a time when it’s becoming more difficult and expensive to find new customers.And this is happening while the brand credibility is declining and there is erosion in terms of new business development. In the video below, Steven Van Belleghem calls for more investment in customer focus, as a driver for a successful 2025.Read more
Video
Do you take social media seriously?
Social media as a marketing tool is often overlooked, despite their potential, they are frequently underutilised. Nevertheless, a strong social strategy and a brand-oriented focus are the keys to success on social media platforms.Read more
Video
AI - The future is not what it used to be
Do you remember when ... the invention of the computer caused a seismic shift in the job market? People unwilling to work with computers were quickly replaced by people who were; and today everyone carries a laptop. Today the same thing is happening with AI. In this webinar, Rodger Werkhoven will share his passion for Artificial Intelligence and introduce you to OpenAI as a love brand.Read more
Video
The Canon of Flanders: from Van Eyck’s brothers' Ghent Altarpiece to Rock Werchter.
From Van Eyck’s brothers' Ghent Altarpiece to Rock Werchter: the Canon of Flanders is finally here. The much-discussed list resulted in a bulky book of more than 300 pages and includes an overview of the Flemish language, culture, and history from the end of the last ice age to today. But there is also an online version: www.canonvanvlaanderen.be . iO developed this on behalf of the Commission Canon of Flanders, which received a mandate from the Flemish Government, Department of Education & Training.Read more
Video
Primagaz & iO: a shared journey of growth and success
Discover the fruitful collaboration between Primagaz and iO in this 'Walk and Talk' video. In this video, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the collaborative dynamics between Primagaz and iO. We discuss how we dealt with challenges, how we exploited opportunities and what strategies we developed. We'll take you through our shared journey of growth and success, where trust and a commitment to excellence are central. This Walk and Talk is more than just a conversation - it is a celebration of a collaboration that has stood the test of time. It is a story of mutual growth, of learning and evolving, and of creating value for both organizations.Read more
Video
Building brands; yes you can!
Social media extends way beyond performance and direct conversion. It's about building brands, building relationships with the target group and strategically distributing content on relevant platforms. Success requires belief in the power of social media and investment in knowledge building and daring to experiment.Read more
Video
Who decides if your content has value?
It is sometimes difficult to estimate which content is valuable and which is not because of the influence of subjectivity and different opinions in your marketing team. Fortunately, that responsibility lies entirely with the consumer. All you have to do is create a lot of content that is in line with your organisation’s values.Read more
Video
Who sees which content? The algorithm decides.
Less is more? Not when it comes to social media content. You need a lot of contact moments to get on the radar and stay there. Then the algorithm decides who sees which content.Read more
Video
Banish content burnout
Sometimes content marketers suffer from a content burnout: they don't know what to post or how to come up with creative content. The drip model offers a solution: take a look at the 'low-hanging fruit' within your organisation, sector and above all: your target group environment. With social posts that you write from the perspective of your target group, you always deliver engaging content.Read more
Video
Is Facebook passé? No way!
Many young people are on Snapchat and TikTok today. In spite of that, Facebook, with 70% active users, remains the largest social network in Flanders. Do you want to reach your audience? Then consider using Reels. Facebook can also deliver strong results for B2B marketing, especially in combination with LinkedIn.Read more
Video
Does your brand have to be on TikTok?
TikTok offers unprecedented potential for organic reach, but also brings challenges: privacy issues, diverse content and users; and a powerful algorithm. Post multiple times a day and focus on native content instead of your own campaign materials.Read more
Video
Which formats work on social media?
Since TikTok boosted vertical videos, they have dominated all platforms. Using reels strengthens the bond with your video first users and gives you more organic reach and improves your marketing results.Read moreVideo
Conversation management: truth, courage and action
Conversation management is a shift from webcare to webdare. Where in the past, brands mainly responded to negative experiences and complaints on their own channels, now you join conversations with your consumers on your own and other channels. This increases your visibility and positions you in the market.Read more
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Social media marketing: tried and tested by Dewaele
Content strategist Sam talks to Vanessa Loose, marketing manager at Dewaele. For Belgium's largest independent estate agent, social media are incredibly important. With a healthy mix of trends and evergreen topics, they always stay on the radar as a life partner in living and business through social media.Read more
Video
Challenger Stories: Willicroft makes ‘cheese’ from beans and pulses
Research shows that not many people have a positive perception of plant-based cheese. Brad Vanstone wants to change that with his brand Willicroft on Amsterdam's Spiegelgracht.Read more
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Challenger Stories: BayaBaya guarantees sustainability without compromise
With BayaBaya, founders Dirk Taselaar and Leon Daggenvoorde aim to take the plastic bottle out of the bathroom. Founded in 2021, the brand sells powdered concentrate for body wash with natural, vegan ingredients. Combine that concentrate with tap water and pour it into the aluminium refill bottle, and you've done your part, too.Read more
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Challenger Stories: Hands Off wants to make plant-based chocolate the norm
Hands Off was founded in 2013 to turn the chocolate industry upside down. For example, founder Kitty Smeeten achieved a 42% CO2 reduction by replacing cow's milk with hazelnut praline.Read more
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Video: Leaving no one behind digitally (David De Block)
In his talk at the 2023 BAM Marketing Congress, David De Block (Public Services Director at iO) talks about e-inclusion — or what it means to leave no one behind digitally.Read more
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Challenger Stories: Brandt & Levie turns the meat industry on its head
For Brandt & Levie, responsible production is not an afterthought, but the core business. The Amsterdam sausage maker produces animal-friendly meat according to its own recipe — exclusively from well-kept pigs. An impactful story about sustainability in an industry that sometimes struggles to find it.Read more
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Challenger Stories: Natuurhuisje protects local biodiversity
Natuurhuisje is not just a booking platform for holiday homes, it's a full-fledged climate company. Nature is at the heart of everything they do, and it's — in their own words — their responsibility to protect it. The booking platform is merely a means to that end. That's why Natuurhuisje donates part of its revenue back to local projects to improve biodiversity.Read more
Case
How to use social networks to modernise your digital communication?
Modernizing Automotive Digital Communications: Unleashing the Potential of Social Networks. Read the story here.Look at this client story
Case
How do you convert festival- goers into active members of your community?
From Festival Wristbands to Online Accounts: Converting Festival-Goers with Effective Paid Media. Read the story here.Look at this client story
Case
How do you transform two telecom giants into one powerful brand?
Entopic/iO rewrote all content to a new tone of voice for the launch of the Odido brand and managed content migration from 2 websites to the new website. Want to know more? Find out in this case.Look at this client story
Case
How do you bring years of delicious creativity to life?
With creative always-on and ad hoc campaigns, our experts help Manna Sauzen grow into a leading Belgian brand.Look at this client story
Case
How do you make port jobs more appealing?
For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we brought a brand-new job platform to the market with a creative, multimedia campaign. Read more.Look at this client story
Case
How to guarantee swift intervention for water and gas leaks through a centralized business app?
Discover how we customised a business app that semi-automatically schedules the most efficient solution and produces quick reporting.Look at this client story
Case
How do you craft a captivating podcast journey for young train travelers?
Embark on a thrilling train adventure across the Netherlands with ‘Het Spoor Bijster’, a fuction podcast by the NS and iO.Look at this client story
Case
How do you launch a completely new brand for a global leader in marine recreation?
Read how we worked with Brunswick to create a full branding and international go-to-market strategy to launch their latest brand Navan.Look at this client story
Case
How does a smart vehicle configurator help for higher order value?
iO developed a website and UX-driven configurator for and with Suzuki Belgium. Read all about it in this case.Look at this client story
Case
How to future-proof and secure a European dealer intranet?
Discover how the JLR Gateway, built in Drupal, acts as a central hub for dealer communication, processes, and collaboration.Look at this client story
Case
How can a network manager ensure we navigate the energy transition successfully?
Discover how awareness, behaviour change, and hyper-local personalization lead to cost efficiency and relevance at the right moment.Look at this client story
Case
How to present a unified brand story for multiple companies within the same group?
How do you tell a clear online story that pulls traffic towards your website if you represent multiple businesses? Read the case and find out.Look at this client story
Case
Freedom, self-reliance, and user-friendliness
Discover how the online presence of Firda was revamped with a new Drupal platform. With seamless integrations, simplified forms and an improved design.Look at this client story
Case
How we blend technology and marketing for online pharmacy Farmaline
How does iO keep its long-term relationship with Farmaline fresh as a daisy? By mixing trust with a profitable synergy of tech and marketing services.Look at this client story
Case
How a virtual museum highlights Flemish heritage
How do you develop a virtual experience platform that takes your customer experience to the next level?Look at this client story
Case
How do you make customers salivate for your brand again?
Find out how we helped cheese brand CAMBOZOLA reactivate its existing customers and attract younger generations. Read the case.Look at this client story
Case
How has fresh branding contributed to a stronger position in the market?
For Prowise, an interactive display and educational software expert, iO designed a new WordPress website complemented by a new brand voice and copy.Look at this client story
Case
Finding and offering the right location to turn a special event into a favourite memory
Discover how iO made the websites and the personal admin portal of High Profile Locaties more manageable, findable and scalable. Read the case study.Look at this client story
Case
Repositioning a meat brand in full transition
Discover how iO helped Imperial transform into a future-proof food brandLook at this client story
Case
How to deliver a consistent brand experience across 35 countries
How do you develop a digital and internationally deployable retailer concept that takes your customer experience to the next level?Look at this client story
Case
How to catch the attention of students who swipe away every ad?
Discover how Avans University of Applied Sciences and iO attracted over 20,000 new student choosers with creative, data-driven campaigns. Learn strategies that hold Gen Z's attention and create strong brand connections. Get inspired and discover how to entice your target audience.Look at this client story
Case
A creative blend of skills
Discover what iO does for airport & travelers: from branding to creative campaigns and content creation.Look at this client story
Case
Transforming the passenger experience through innovation & service design
New technology, internet-of-things and proof-of-concepts. Find out how iO is introducing innovation at Brussels Airport.Look at this client story
Case
Clear communication & vision for stakeholders
Communication, internal & external, is important for Brussels Airport. Read here how iO supports the airport in this.Look at this client story
Case
How we put Brussels Airport on the map with influencer marketing
iO takes Brussels Airport to new heights with influencer marketing. Read how we did it.Look at this client story
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Digital agency Intracto is becoming iO
Intracto is joining end-to-end agency iO, with in-depth expertise in marketing, technology, strategy, and content.Read morePage
Verhoog je merkbekendheid met je eigen Instagram-stickers
Instagram-stories zijn immens populair, onder andere dankzij de grote hoeveelheid creatieve 'stickers' die gebruikers op hun stories kunnen plakken. Maar wist je dat je ook je eigen stickers kan ontwerpen en voor iedereen beschikbaar maken?Read morePage
Google Consent Mode: Everything you need to know
Discover Google Consent Mode: the solution for advertisers to measure conversions while fully respecting users' privacy preferences. Learn more in our in-depth blog post.Read morePage
MQL & SQL: wat is het, en hoe kan het mijn marketing versterken?
Welke leads zijn interessant om op te volgen, en welke kunnen doorgestuurd worden naar het salesteam? Ontdek hier het verschil tussen 'MQL' en 'SQL'.Read morePage
10 handige tips voor lancering van je nieuwe website
Een nieuwe website opzetten vraagt aandacht en energie, maar onze 10 handige tips vormen een goede voorbereiding voor een hopelijk vlotte lancering.Read morePage
8 lessen om succesvol een team te leiden
Leiding geven zonder de baas te spelen is niet altijd eenvoudig. Zeker niet als je plots teamlead wordt van je eigen collega's. Het overkwam Joeri twee jaar geleden. In die twee jaar leerde hij 8 lessen die van zijn aanpak een succes maakten.Read morePage
Hoe pak je CSR succesvol aan?
Corporate social responsibility of CSR, het wordt de komende jaren alleen maar belangrijker. Want wereldwijd neemt de aandacht voor sociale onderwerpen toe. Het klimaat. Duurzaamheid. Gelijke behandeling van mensen. Je kunt er als bedrijf of merk niet omheen. Dat pikt je sociaal bewuste klant niet meer. Maar hoe pak je het op de juiste manier aan?Read morePage
Zo plan je makkelijk en gratis Instagram-posts in
Sinds kort plan je zonder problemen je Instagram-posts organisch in met behulp van de Facebook Creator Studio. In deze blogpost leer je hoe dat werkt, zodat je je hele social-contentplan tot op de seconde kan voorbereiden en inplannen.Read morePage
HubSpot
Marketing, sales en customer support perfect op elkaar afstemmen en in synergie met mekaar laten samenwerken een complexe uitdaging? Niet met de tools van HubSpot, dat op vlak van marketing automation zijn gelijke niet kent.Read morePage
Adagio wordt Intracto
Een jaar na de overname van Adagio door Intracto nemen we afscheid van het merk Adagio. Op deze manier bevestigt Intracto zijn ambitie om zich te positioneren als een sterk merk in de markt, waar klanten kunnen vertrouwen op end-to-end oplossingen.Read morePage
HubSpot: wat is het en hoe kan het jouw bedrijf helpen?
Als HubSpot Elite Partner kiezen we voor marketing automation vaak voor HubSpot, daarnaast werkt het perfect bij inbound marketing. Ontdek hier waarom.Read morePage
Google Tag Manager: wat is het en wat kan het?
Wil je weten wat Google Tag Manager is en hoe deze tool juist werkt? Ontdek hier of dit iets is voor jouw bedrijf samen met de voor- en nadelen.Read morePage
Google BERT en de toekomst van SEO
In mijn vorige blogpost over de geschiedenis van SEO gaf ik al aan dat Google regelmatig updates uitvoert. De laatste belangrijke was de update naar Google BERT. Maar in tegenstelling tot de vorige updates is Google BERT meer dan alleen een update aan de zoekmachine zelf. Binnen de wereld van Natural Language Processing vormt het BERT-model een mijlpaal.Read morePage
Blijvende groei van Secret Santa Organizer
Ons uit de hand gelopen hobbyproject Secret Santa Organizer kreeg in 2020 meer dan 11 miljoen gebruikers uit de hele wereld over de vloer. Sinds de lancering in 2011 neemt het aantal gebruikers jaarlijks enorm toe, en dat zonder promotie.Read morePage
Hype of trend? Een blik op 2020
Welke hypes en trends zitten eraan te komen in 2020? Waarop moet je als bedrijf inzitten en wat moet je vooral links laten liggen? Mathias legt het uit in zijn hype cycle.Read morePage
Analytics gebruiken om de customer journey te monitoren
Wat zijn de pijn- en succespunten in jouw customer journey? Analyseer je touchpoints met Google Analytics & HubSpot en optimaliseer je customer experience!Read morePage
Adagio continues under the name Intracto
Just over a year after Intracto's acquisition of Adagio, we say goodbye to the Adagio brand. This way, we confirm our ambition to be a strong brand in the market, where customers can be helped end-to-end and platform-independent to boot.Read morePage
A JIT compiler for PHP
PHP code is not compiled directly into machine language, with a just-in-time (JIT) compiler you can overcome the inefficiency of interpreting opcodes.Read morePage
Using Let's Encrypt certificates on AWS CloudFront
This is more or less a how-to on installing and renewing an SSL (or better, TLS) certificate, on Amazon Web Services (AWS) CloudFront (Dutch blogpost about Amazon AWS services).Read more
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Foreach, je favoriete technische team, wordt iO
De Antwerpse softwareontwikkelaars van Foreach voegen zich bij full-service agency iO.Read morePage
Centralized Logging Using the ELK Stack
When your microservices's instance are volatile, centralized logging is a must!Read morePage
Automating SVG Sprites with Gulp
How we used Gulp to automate SVG spritesRead morePage
A Better Way of Zabbix Alerting Using Slack
Get only the alerts you need in Slack.Read morePage
Building a Modular Monolith With Spring Boot and Across
Keep your architecture under control with a module based approach.Read more
Time for a self-service solution for your organisation?
Do you also want to work on innovative, digital platforms that put your target group in control of its own journey? Contact iO – our specialists can’t wait to hear your story.