Stronger through collaboration: JAM-IT and MIC put technology to work for safety

In this article we take a look at the remarkable collaboration between JAM-IT and the Multi Intelligence Center (MIC), where technology and innovation go hand in hand with the world of safety. We discuss the importance of MIC, the decision to join forces with JAM-IT and to work in Mendix. We also take a closer look at the Beslishulp tool, whose development is currently in full swing.

Curious about Mendix's perspective on our collaboration with MIC? Read their Customer Story here!

Within the Multi Intelligence Center (MIC), Robbert plays a crucial role in digital technology and innovation. As the person responsible for these areas, he acts as the link between the JAM-IT team and the users' requirements. He uses his expertise to come up with smart solutions that make the work more efficient. While JAM-IT focuses mainly on visualising the data, Robbert makes sure the data needed is available on the back end.

Armando, Lead Developer, plays an essential role in this project. Because the application depends heavily on data visualisation, it uses Mendix and its standard components. However, given the complexity of the data and the specific requirements for visualisation, it quickly goes beyond the limits of the standard components. That is where I come in.

By adding interpretation at different levels, the facts are read and translated into tasks and recommendations, which are then generated. That results in well-considered decisions based on the facts, so staff on site can make better-founded decisions. The application offers remote support to the operational commander, making it possible to build a picture from a central location. Suraya of MIC produced a design for this. Armando, as visualisation expert, delivers the actual visualisation in the spirit of that design in a clear, well-organised way, so all the information is immediately understandable to users.

The importance of data-driven decision-making

By combining and analysing real-time information, emergency workers can make better-informed decisions, such as identifying risks in fires in specific structures or situations. That fits closely with MIC's mission to deliver the right information at the right moment to the right people, and it highlights the importance of the technological innovations JAM-IT and MIC bring together. See also the article by Mendix in which they examine our collaboration with MIC.

Mendix: the choice for a professional, flexible application

The Multi Intelligence Center (MIC) deliberately chose to use Mendix as its application platform. Previously they depended on a programmer to implement new requirements and changes, which sometimes led to delays. MIC was looking for a solution where standard widgets were already available, so they could easily make adjustments when needed. That brought them to Mendix.

By choosing Mendix they gained the ability to handle the development process in a structured way. It gives them the flexibility to implement exceptions and adjustments efficiently, without being entirely dependent on individual programmers. That has been an important step in professionalising their way of working. MIC sees Mendix as the ideal choice for achieving their goals and is confident that the platform allows them to be ready for the future. That decision reflects their pursuit of a solid, future-proof application platform.

Continuous fine-tuning: constantly aligning with needs and feedback

In the meetings between JAM-IT and MIC, MIC's needs and functionality are evaluated continuously. The aim is to fine-tune the application further and adapt it to practical requirements, so that end users have everything at their disposal to carry out their tasks effectively and efficiently. This application, with its direct impact on emergency workers on the street, demands the utmost accuracy and reliability. The feedback received helps optimise the app to meet those high expectations.

An important step for JAM-IT

Our collaboration illustrates not only our commitment to supporting public bodies, but also our dedication to delivering innovative solutions with a wider impact. Beslishulp therefore represents an important step for JAM-IT, because with this app we get to contribute to improving decision-making processes and information provision within the public sector. Everything has to work flawlessly and the information has to be crystal clear. The team takes the responsibility of this app extremely seriously, given how much is at stake. The aim is to deliver an application that performs optimally and enables users to carry out their tasks successfully, with the highest possible precision and reliability. The collaboration between MIC and JAM-IT has not been without challenges. At the outset we were dealing with two different worlds that had to come into contact with each other. It took understanding, communication and bridging differences to get on the same page. But over time both parties opened up to each other's perspectives and managed to explore each other's worlds.

Thanks to the synergy that has been created, we can develop powerful, innovative solutions that connect the front end and the back end seamlessly.

BNL Public Sector Connect

We recently gave a presentation about the Beslishulp app at the BNL Public Sector Connect event. At the Mendix head office in Rotterdam, Armando Jacobus gave an inspiring presentation on behalf of JAM-IT about our collaboration with Veiligheidsregio Rotterdam-Rijnmond. The Beslishulp application took centre stage, an innovative tool that came out of this remarkable collaboration.

During the presentation we used visual demonstrations to make clear how the application supports data-driven decision-making. The tool provides emergency workers at the heart of operations with crucial information during emergencies. To involve the audience more, we presented interactive cases that gave an insight into the experiences of the app's actual users.

Fun fact: in 2024 the Beslishulp app was nominated for the Computable Awards in the 'Digital Innovation' category, a nomination we are proud of!

The collaboration between JAM-IT and MIC goes further still. Alongside developing Beslishulp, we have also taken on the responsibility of creating a portal for the safety region. Together we keep building innovative solutions, keeping both the technical aspects and the wider social impact in mind.