What Software Engineers Can Learn From Volkswagen

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel to build a scalable, fully customizable product.

In 2012, Volkswagen redefined the automotive industry by introducing a modular, scalable manufacturing system. This groundbreaking approach marked a paradigm shift in the way cars were designed and manufactured. If you look under the hood, luxury SUVs like the Audi Q8, Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg all share common components, from engine to chassis. This modular approach allows the car company to enhance development speed while maintaining high engineering standards.

Navan’s software engineers took a page out of Volkswagen’s book. In the same way that Volkswagen can manufacture a wide range of car models across various brands at scale, Navan engineers have developed a system to deliver a variety of expense solutions across different markets.

Instead of reinventing the wheel each time a new card issuer or currency is introduced, we modularized key components and design elements. This approach allows us to expand efficiently across countries and currencies — while allowing for distinct customization and reducing tech debt.

Let’s dive into the benefits of this approach.

1. Time Savings

• At Volkswagen: The car manufacturer once told Car magazine that its system cuts the time it takes to build a car by 30%.
• At Navan: Developing a platform with reusable components has led to faster development cycles, easier maintenance, and significantly reduced time to market.

2. Flexibility

• At Volkswagen: The modular architecture allows for the flexibility to adapt to different SUV models and brands and to accommodate various sizes and specifications.
• At Navan: At Navan, we can offer similar experiences to our customers across business sizes and regions — without compromising quality.

3. Cost Efficiency

• At Volkswagen: By sharing components, Volkswagen can reduce production costs, since the same parts can be used across multiple models and manufactured at the same plant.
• At Navan: Building on existing frameworks and reusing code in software development reduces costs and accelerates the development process.

4. Resource Optimization

• At Volkswagen: By optimizing the use of common components, Volkswagen can efficiently use resources in manufacturing.
• At Navan: Navan engineers can better utilize resources by optimizing code, using cloud resources judiciously, and minimizing redundant processes.

5. Scalability

• At Volkswagen: Volkswagen’s modular architecture enables the brand to efficiently share components and technologies across different vehicle models, reducing development costs and increasing production flexibility to meet diverse market demands.
• At Navan: Similarly, Navan’s software engineers employ a modular design, allowing for efficient reuse of components, easier maintenance, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing requirements. This practice facilitates scalability in production, development, and innovation.

The end goal of both companies is the same: to drive efficiency and deliver the best possible experience to customers.

See what roles are available to join Navan today.