Digital transformation is not just about software. Above all, it is about people, processes, and creating support for change. This is what partners 2 innovate and Menthor discovered during their collaboration at a building materials manufacturer, where technology and practical experience reinforce each other to elevate maintenance processes to the next level.
What started as a traditional ERP project evolved into a broader transformation in which structure, change management, and asset management became central. Thanks to the complementary expertise of both companies, the customer not only receives the right tools but also the guidance needed to use them successfully.
Two Areas of Expertise, One Goal
partners 2 innovate supports companies in their digital transformation by standardizing processes and translating them into high-performing software systems. From their base at Thor Park, they guide organizations throughout Europe in optimizing their business operations.
Menthor, founded by Geert Nies in 2013, focuses on asset management. The company helps organizations gain better insight into their installations, maintenance processes, and investments, enabling them to use resources more efficiently and improve performance.
Building on this expertise, Menthor launched Linio.io in 2023. With this new platform, the company aims to help smaller businesses digitalize and professionalize their maintenance activities. The first version of the solution is ready and will soon be presented to the wider public.
A Collaboration Born from a Specific Customer Need
The collaboration between the two companies began at a building materials manufacturer. Kris Ulburghs of partners 2 innovate had implemented an ERP system there to support the company’s core business processes, from procurement to sales.
Once these processes had been streamlined, a new challenge emerged. Maintenance activities were still being managed largely through Excel spreadsheets and informal arrangements. There was a lack of structure, clear responsibilities, and a standardized way of working.
“At that point, it became clear that technology alone was not enough,” Kris explains. “There was a need for a partner who could bridge the gap between the system and daily operations.”
This is where Menthor came into the picture. The company not only helped develop maintenance processes but also ensured the necessary translation to the shop floor. After all, even the best software delivers little value if employees are not fully engaged in the journey.
The Bridge Between Software and the Shop Floor
What makes this collaboration unique is the strong complementarity between the two parties. partners 2 innovate brings extensive expertise in software, ERP systems, and digital processes. Menthor complements this with hands-on experience in maintenance and asset management. This combination proved crucial in securing employee buy-in for the transformation.
“Geert speaks the language of the mechanics, while we speak the language of software,” says Kris. “For the customer, that made a huge difference.” Menthor deliberately works with improvement teams in which employees are actively involved in developing new ways of working. This approach not only results in better processes but also creates a stronger sense of ownership among the people who use them every day.
De kracht van het Thor Park-ecosysteem
For both companies, Thor Park plays an important role in creating and strengthening collaborations. The Get-2-Know-You sessions help companies get to know each other better and identify opportunities more quickly. By regularly sharing experiences, new ideas and connections emerge that might otherwise never have come about.
“Often, it is only during a conversation that you realize how well certain areas of expertise complement one another,” both gentlemen explain. In addition, both companies value the presence of a strong network of innovative businesses. partners 2 innovate regularly collaborates with other Thor Park companies, while Menthor continuously gains access to new knowledge, insights, and potential customers through the ecosystem.
Ready for the Next Growth Phase
This collaboration does not end with a single project. Both companies are already looking ahead to new opportunities.
Menthor is currently involved in projects within the Haan Industrial Group, where customers are supported through an integrated, worry-free approach to asset management. Linio.io is also entering an important growth phase, during which the solution will be further tested and expanded.
At partners 2 innovate, the ambition is focused on continued international growth. The company aims to expand to approximately 150 employees spread across Europe. At the same time, they continue to invest in new solutions, including product developments, sales portals, and visitor registration applications.
What connects both companies is the conviction that successful digitalization goes beyond technology alone. “When the right software is combined with the right guidance, real change happens. And that is exactly where we make a difference together.”
By combining their expertise, partners 2 innovate and Menthor demonstrate how digital transformation can become not only more efficient but also more human-centered. It is a collaboration that is already proving its value today while laying the foundation for future innovation within the industrial sector.
