Strategic CMS selection at VGZ.

The Challenge.

As one of the largest healthcare insurers in the Netherlands, VGZ's digital services are critical for both members and partners. Over the years, the existing Content Management System (CMS) had grown organically, but it had eventually become a barrier to innovation. The primary bottlenecks were:

• Operational Risks: As the platform grew sharply in size and complexity, knowledge of the system ended up concentrated in a handful of people. The focus shifted increasingly toward firefighting rather than building value. At the same time, the content team grew rapidly: without central governance on tone of voice and publication processes, VGZ lost its grip on what went live. Alongside a new CMS, VGZ is therefore also redesigning its content organisation and processes.
• Stagnating Innovation: The CMS has become so technically extensive that adding new functionality keeps getting harder. On top of that, the underlying software is outdated and isn't evolving alongside modern capabilities such as AI applications.
• Bundled Functionality: The current monolith contains a lot of functionality that doesn't normally belong in a CMS, such as email, forms and personalisation. VGZ wants to move these components into systems purpose-built for them. But as long as they're inside the CMS, they need to come out first.
• High Costs: Much of the CMS's current functionality goes unused, while high licensing and maintenance costs still have to be paid.

VGZ engaged Breakfast to lead the selection process and bridge the gap between business requirements and technological possibilities.