40 years of smart technology with a warm heart

From Belgian pioneer to global player in supply chain planning

Double interview with Marjolein Piessens and Jelle Vermeiren. Translated from Knack (in Dutch).

Innovation with a human touch 

Working with customers such as Procter & Gamble, Shell, and Johnson & Johnson requires advanced software and flexible solutions. At OMP, the team developed its own Unison Planning™ platform, including a significant evolution: UnisonIQ. This AI orchestration layer combines always-on agents, advanced AI engines, and Unison Companion, a generative AI assistant to support proactive and autonomous decision-making in complex supply chains. "With us, you are really working with cutting-edge technology," says Jelle. “You will get the opportunity to build solutions using cloud technology, AI, and the latest innovations in supply chain planning.” That is why we are always looking for driven Supply Chain Consultants, Cloud Consultants, and Software Developers who want to contribute to these innovative solutions.

But technology never happens without humanity. Marjolein describes how recruitment is completed personally from day one: “We deliberately operate internally, with our own recruiters who have a feel for our DNA. For external agencies, it is simply more challenging.” New colleagues get an onboarding process and a coach. “We are a coaching-oriented organization,” Marjolein emphasizes. “People can always come to us, including on personal matters.”

That human approach is deeply rooted in OMP. Every two years, the CEO literally sits down at the table with employees from all of its offices. “Everyone is free to suggest topics for discussion, nothing is taboo,” says Marjolein. “We listen to what is really going on and translate this into concrete actions that we share with our people through all of our internal communication channels. The high engagement figures and the fact that more than 15 percent of new people are brought in to the company through their own employees show that it is not just a matter of words.” “That shows that our people are our real ambassadors,” adds Jelle.

“More than 15 percent of new people are brought in to the company through their own employees show that it is not just a matter of words. That shows that our people are our real ambassador".

A culture of learning, connection and impact

Diversity is not just a buzzword at OMP, but a strategic force: around 1,500 employees from over 67 nationalities work together, spread across Europe, the USA, Latin America, India, and China. Jelle notes that different life and work experiences lead to better insights: “Diverse backgrounds bring new perspectives, and that translates into stronger ideas and decisions.”

Respect and connection are core values. Marjolein clarifies: “We don't have a pecking order. What matters is cooperation, honesty, and mutual respect. We encourage people to be themselves, regardless of their background.” From potlucks and team building to sports sessions, padel tournaments, and our own OMP band: this is how colleagues find and celebrate each other. At the same time, personal contact remains important: “Connection is crucial for us. We have chosen a hybrid way of working, so that everyone can organize their private lives, and we can still come together to exchange ideas and inspire each other.”

In addition to this warm corporate culture, OMP strongly believes in continuous development. More than 50 people within the talent management and learning development teams are involved in providing internal and external training on a daily basis. “We expect everyone to take time every year to further develop their knowledge and talents,” says Marjolein. The organization offers growth path guidance in leadership and technical expertise. “Whether you want to become a team leader or immerse yourself further in planning technology: you will be given the space to shape your career, both technically and as a person.”

“Connection is crucial for us. We have chosen a hybrid way of working, so that everyone can organize their private lives, and we can still come together to exchange ideas and inspire each other.”

The impact of what you do here goes beyond profit. OMP is working on smart technology and a warm heart for people and their collaborations. This combination is reflected in what Jelle describes as our ‘smart with heart DNA’: “We work together, with passion and pride. It's not just about software, but about being real partners for our customers, innovating together, creating together, and doing what we promise.”

Working on tomorrow, today