Yves Mulkers

As Databricks continues to evolve towards AI, many organisations are facing a similar question: how to operationalise it in a scalable and controlled way.   In our latest interview, Matthias Vallaey, Lead of the Databricks community within De Cronos Groep, shares key takeaways from the Databricks Data & AI Days and what this evolution could mean in practice, from data foundations to governance and business impact.   What emerges is a broader shift. Not only in technology, but in how data, AI and business capabilities are brought together.   At Cronos Europa, we see this as an important step in the ongoing maturity of data and AI adoption, where clarity, governance and concrete use cases remain essential.   👉 Read the full interview to explore the opportunities and considerations: https://bit.ly/4vhHFS5   #DataAndAI #Databricks #AI #DataStrategy #DigitalTransformation

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𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗘: 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 Data is only valuable when everyone is working from the same source. SPIE’s Dataflow Integration module builds a unified system where pricing, sales, and finance rely on the same trusted numbers—reducing friction, enabling faster decisions, and boosting performance. 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: A global pharma company implemented SPIE’s SPOT architecture and achieved 100% internal data alignment while accelerating strategy simulations by 30%. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e-yRBVAH Talk to our experts to see how SPIE’s Dataflow Integration can align your teams and streamline execution: Fernando Ventureira – Gary Kieffer – Arnaud M. – Nathan Walsh – Aleksandar Ruzicic – Roz Lawson – David Diaz – Niels Skov – Israel Fuentes – Navin Singh – Eduardo Villanueva Suarez – Jérôme Mérian – Krishna Chaitanya #DataIntegration #SinglePointOfTruth #SPOT #ExecutionExcellence #BusinessAlignment #SmartDecisions #PricingStrategy #StratencePartners #DataDrivenLeadership #CrossFunctionalSuccess

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AI is reshaping the consumer experience in BeLux and beyond; here's what you need to know! 🔑 The State of The AI Connected Customer is here, and it's revelations may shock you! With insights from 16.000+ consumers worldwide, including respondents from all of Benelux, a spotlight is shined on a set of key insights to help your brand succeed. Find some of the key insights in the slides below ✨ #AskMoreOfAI #SalesforceBE #SalesforceLU

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We asked Gunter Aerts what his top technology from the TechRadar by Devoteam 2026 is, and his choice is the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁? Because Gunter knows that the key to 2026 is unifying your data strategy. Databricks Data Intelligence Platform has earned its spot in our Adopt ring by combining data engineering, analytics, and AI into a single lakehouse architecture. It’s the definitive way to move from raw data to AI-driven outcomes without the headache of managing fragmented tools. TechRadar is Devoteam's annual map of 100+ emerging technologies. Each tech is ranked by maturity, Adopt, Trial, Assess, or Hold to help organisations build a digital foundation that lasts. #Databricks #DataIntelligence #AI #DataStrategy

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You already have the data, but are you getting the full potential out of your production?   That’s where production intelligence comes in.   It’s not just about collecting data. It’s about turning it into real-time insight you can act on: • Understanding what’s happening across your entire mill • Identifying inefficiencies before they impact yield • Making faster, better-informed decisions   MillSIGHTS brings all your production data together into one connected view, so you can move from reacting to optimizing.   Discover how production intelligence works in practice: https://lnkd.in/efg7jVyy #ProductionIntelligence #MakingWoodMatter #RauteMillSIGHTS

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🚀 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞? That's the question we answered with our latest Proof of Concept during our Innovation Week at Alliander. By embedding an LLM directly into Power BI, we've created an "on-demand analyst" that provides context-aware recommendations based on the data you're looking at. Our integration, powered by Microsoft's Power Platform, transforms dashboards into an interactive tool that bridges the gap between data and decision making. #FutureOfWork #AI #PowerBI #LLM #Innovation #BusinessIntelligence #DataAnalytics #PowerPlatform #future

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The results from the Clean Fuel Contracts project I contributed to as tech lead from TNO are now public and have been shared with the Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer). In most data ecosystems today, trust lives in the channel: TLS, mutual authentication, API contracts, ... . These technologies are essential, but they only protect the connection between two parties. The payload itself is usually accepted as-is, and the moment data is forwarded, exported, or aggregated, the trust chain breaks. In the prototype, sustainability attestations, batch records and proofs of sale are issued as W3C Verifiable Credentials, signed by the responsible party against a resolvable identifier (DID). A regulator, auditor or downstream buyer can verify each claim independently against the issuer's public key, without calling back to the original system. For Clean Fuel Contracts, this concerns sustainability and traceability claims for renewable fuels, but the same concept applies in any ecosystem where data moves between parties without a direct trust relationship and where integrity and verifiability must be preserved, making these technologies highly valuable, and in many cases essential, for Digital Product Passports and broader supply chain transparency and traceability. #DigitalProductPassport #VerifiableCredentials #EuropeanBusinessWallet #Traceability #DataSharing #Sustainability

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Cognizant announced yesterday, our collaboration with Kramp to help transition from their legacy system to a modern, data driven, cost-effective ERP solution that enhances operational efficiency, boosts customer experience and drives business growth. #BeCognizant

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Over the past months I’ve been speaking with many companies and data experts across Belgium about strengthening their data management capabilities. Several organisations are currently launching or expanding initiatives around data governance, master data management, data quality and AI governance. Because of this, I’m continuously connecting with experienced professionals working in areas such as: • Data Governance • AI Governance • Master Data Management (MDM) • Data Quality • Data Stewardship / Data Ownership • Data Management / Data Strategy If you’re available, wrapping up a project soon, or simply open to hearing about new opportunities, feel free to send me a message. I’m always happy to catch up and exchange insights about the current market.

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Our webinar on European product data regulations is coming up. More and more organizations are starting to feel the impact of developments like PPWR and the Digital Product Passport. In this webinar, Guus van de Mond and Remco Smit explain: • What’s coming your way • What this means for your product data • How to approach this in practice Working with product data or PIM? Then this is definitely relevant. 👉 You can still register here: https://lnkd.in/e9NYrYkd #ProductData #PIM #Compliance #PPWR #Ecommerce

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𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐈 - 𝐀 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 – 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬   In many projects, the same tension arises: according to plan, we are "about right", while progress feels different. That difference between feeling and reality is 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘭.   𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 At Studio de Jager, we therefore opt for burndown visualizations that are clear and IBCS – International Business Communication Standards compliant, and above all 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. It is 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩, but an instrument that 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 into what is planned, what is actually being realized, where the trend is moving and when adjustments are necessary.   𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 With Zebra BI visuals in Power BI, that information is not only visually strong, but also 𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵. Thanks to comments, context, decision-making and any deviation 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥, bringing numbers and meaning together in one overview.   The examples in this post show just a few possibilities to effectively visualize a burndown chart.   The result is a visualization that makes risks visible earlier, sharpens discussions and accelerates decisionmaking. Exactly what is needed to keep projects on track, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.   Which one do you prefer?   Let’s create better reports & dashboards !   studiodejager.nl | dashboard design studio Report & dashboard design | Official Zebra BI Partner | Power BI | IBCS Certified | Data visualization | Interim business consultancy       #analytics #data #ux #Ui #powerbi #datavisualization #report #dashboard #reports #design #reporting #visualization #microsoftpowerbi #uidesign #uxdesign #businessanalytics #bi #storytelling #visuals #zebrabi #IBCS #businessintelligence #visualdesign #dashboarddesign #dashboard

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What makes a great data leader? In this short clip, Dr. Irina Steenbeek shares the 3 qualities every leader in data must master: 1️⃣ A helicopter view – seeing how governance, modeling, metadata, and quality all connect. 2️⃣ Strong communication – bridging the gap so teams actually understand each other. 3️⃣ Relentless goal orientation – because data work without business outcomes is just noise. 🎬 This is just a glimpse. In the full Executive Outlook interview, Irina breaks down: ✔ Why AI readiness starts with solid data foundations ✔ How her O.R.A.N.G.E. Framework simplifies governance ✔ The role of coaching in turning teams into lasting data cultures 👉 Watch the full video here: https://shorturl.at/4IWkc 💡 Question for you: Which of these 3 leadership qualities do you think is hardest to develop and why? #HelicopterView #Leadership #DataCulture #AIAndGovernance #GoalOrientedLeadership #DataManagement #Framework #HumanSideOfData #Practical #AI #DataLeadership #BuildingData #LeadershipInData

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Data as a catalyst for change. At one of Belgium’s largest financial institutions, our consultants helped turn data into action: ✔ Faster credit decisions through automated reporting in Tableau ✔ Stronger compliance and credit processes ✔ Smarter customer service with predictive insights and AI Jonas Willems and Olivier Renard played key roles in this transformation, streamlining credit risk reporting, improving data quality, and embedding analytics into customer operations. “Their story shows what’s possible when advisory meets execution: practical solutions, lasting impact, and room for growth”, says Stéphanie Struelens, Advisory services Leader for Financial Institutions.  Read about the transformation we did: https://lnkd.in/eCWPK-b6 Curious how data can transform your organization or how you can be part of projects like this? Let’s connect: https://lnkd.in/e-9CNsg6 

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The "55 Plus Belgium Data With Age" dataset includes personal and demographic information of Belgian citizens aged 55 and above. This data is essential for businesses, health services, and government agencies focusing on the senior population. It typically contains names, ages, addresses, phone numbers, email contacts, and sometimes lifestyle preferences. This information enables healthcare providers and insurance companies to design specialized services catering to older adults, including retirement planning, home care, and medical checkups. It also benefits marketers of age-specific products like mobility aids, travel packages for seniors, and dietary supplements. Social researchers and policymakers can use this data to analyze aging trends, regional population distributions, and public service needs. With Belgium’s aging population steadily increasing, understanding the lifestyle and needs of this age group has become crucial. The data allows businesses to communicate effectively with a demographic that still prefers traditional communication methods but is also increasingly adapting to digital services. It is vital, however, that any use of such personal data complies with GDPR and other data protection laws in Belgium. Ethical handling ensures that privacy is respected while still enabling valuable social and commercial insights. #BelgiumSeniorData #55PlusData #AgingPopulation #DataProtection #GDPRCompliance

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The Mindset of a Top 1% Business Analyst Most people think a Business Analyst just “documents requirements.” But top 1% BAs know it’s much more than that. ✅ We bridge strategy and execution ✅ We ask the right questions (not just more questions) ✅ We translate business needs into solutions that deliver value A great BA doesn’t only capture what stakeholders say… We uncover what they really mean - The Very Key 👉 That’s the difference between project failure and project success. 🔗 Question for you: What’s one quality you believe separates great BAs from good ones?

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❓ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? ❓ In the new episode of The Data Playbook, Kris Peeters talks with Jonny Daenen (Lead Data Engineer & Knowledge Lead at Dataminded) about what makes a data organization actually work—moving beyond just tools and dashboards. Jonny shares practical insights on: - The three pillars of a high-performing data-centric organization: domain-owned data products, a self-service platform, and an integrated operating model - Why governance is key to empowering teams without slowing them down - How AI and LLMs are reshaping data ownership, tooling, and value delivery This episode provides actionable advice for anyone looking to build or evolve their data organization, from data leaders to data engineers. 🎧 Listen now on: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eiPrr9W5 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ekain4gr YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ekf_dZba 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eXKWhSwf #DataStrategy #DataEngineering #DataProducts #SelfServiceBI #DataGovernance #AIinData #DataCentric #Leadership #TechPodcast

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Traditional data governance often fails. Why? Because it’s too heavy, too complex, and too far from the business. At Telenet group, we flipped the script by building governance around customer-centric data products. And it works, because we keep it simple: 1️⃣ Focus only on business-critical data products 2️⃣ Implement pragmatic policies: one-sliders, not binders 3️⃣ No new roles, just extend existing responsibilities The result? 👉 A governance framework that drives trust, without slowing the business down. #DataGovernance #DataProducts #TrustInData

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RPG environments in Belgium: market insights & real-life examples Through recent conversations with both clients and consultants, I’ve been taking a closer look at the current RPG / IBM i environments on the Belgian market. While often labeled as “legacy”, the reality on the ground is far more nuanced: long-term business-critical systems, progressive modernization, coexistence with more recent technologies, and very different contexts depending on the organization. I’m interested in exchanging perspectives with peers on a few observations I keep encountering: – The types of RPG environments still in place today in Belgium – The balance between run & maintenance versus modernization or transformation initiatives – How these environments are typically organized (in-house, via integrators, or managed services) I’m also curious to hear which types of organizations or sectors you see actively working with RPG / IBM i today, either directly or through partners. The intent here is purely to sharpen my market reading and stay closely aligned with the realities on the ground. Thanks for sharing your perspectives 🙏 (Comments or DMs both welcome) #afinIT #IBMi #IBMiinBelgium #IBM AfinIT Marc Pelsser Ludovic Gasc Rebecca Mpungu

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Last Friday, we had a Data Café session on data modeling, led by Gregory Lambrechts. This time colleagues from all units joined, showing how relevant this topic is across disciplines. During the session, we explored what ER modeling is, what a data model actually represents, and why it plays such a crucial role in building stable and maintainable data solutions over time. We also touched on concepts like normalization and the importance of moving from clear thinking to well-structured models before jumping into implementation. A very insightful session with clear takeaways. Is data modeling a challenge within your organisation, or an area you’re looking to strengthen? We help organisations build clear and structured data models that create a solid foundation for analytics and decision-making. Curious to know more? Feel free to reach out, we’re happy to think along! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebUDRrV9 #DataModeling #DataCafé #KnowledgeSharing #DataEngineering #DataArchitecture #Analytics #DataDriven 

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