100% Belgian Cycling Company

Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF) is, in its own words, the largest cycling company in Belgium. Founded in 1997, it has grown through the years to a fixed international player. In spite of this fierce growth, the headquarters and production are still in Beringen (Limburg). And here BCF distinguishes itself from its competitors. Instead of relocating the production of racing bikes to low-wage countries, CEO Jochim Aerts opts for experienced mechanics who assemble the racing bikes in a stimulating work environment.

Bicycling never so popular before

Research by FPS Economy shows that the number of bicycles in Belgian traffic has increased by 1 million in ten years, an absolute record. Of course, we are not just talking about racing bikes here, but since the first lockdown there has clearly been an increase in cycling amateurs.

Digitalization basis of optimization

In order to meet the greatly increased demand, it was important for Belgian Cycling Factory to digitize business processes where possible. This happened under the leadership of Gert Torah, IT Manager at Belgian Cycling Factory since 2018. "An example of this is our Ridley Configurator. This allows you to assemble your favorite bike online and immediately see if the chosen mount fits within your budget. An added value for both our dealers and end customers."

Replacing the telephone exchange with MS Teams

After a successful HPE StoreEasy and StoreMagic implementation to renew the data center, colleague received Joris Swaelen - Fixed point of contact for the people of Ridley Bikes - the request to replace the existing telephone systems. "Microsoft Teams had been used for a while as a convenient tool to video call, share documents and chat. So we suggested that Teams also be used as a telephony solution to make calls outside the organization."

The link between the standard telephone network and Microsoft Teams is made through a so-called 'SBC'. "An SBC is a Session Border Controller which in turn is connected to a SIP Trunk at Telenet" explains Joris for our camera.

First in Belgium

Belgian Cycling Factory was the first customer in Belgium to be accommodated in Telenet's data centre. IT Manager Gert Thora looks back with satisfaction: "The entire project went smoothly. Communication is very important to me in such projects. Especially since this was a first test project for both Telenet and VanRoey. But this triangular relationship between us, Telenet and VanRoey went very smoothly."

Further growth & digital transformation

VanRoey is looking forward to supporting Belgian Cycling Factory in its further growth and digital transformation. Thus, soon GPS trackers from Sensolus Implemented to monitor valuable rolling stock.