Digital transformation with low-code is not just a trend — it is a strategic imperative for companies pursuing growth and agility. Roadcard, a Brazilian fintech specializing in logistics payments, proved it by doubling its client base and setting a new operational standard in just four months.

If you lead IT and face challenges with legacy systems, demand backlogs, and pressure for fast delivery, this case study offers a practical, replicable roadmap for your own transformation journey.

The Challenge: When Legacy Systems Limit Growth

Founded in 2011, Roadcard has always stood out in the Brazilian logistics market for its innovative payment solutions for drivers. However, more than a decade of operation brought the technical challenges common to growing organizations:

Key Issues Identified

A system built in Java, JavaScript, Angular, and Delphi. Complex maintenance and limited room for expansion.

A large share of engineering time was devoted to keeping systems running, reducing the capacity to invest in new features.

Mature technologies that required modernization to keep pace with the financial sector. An opportunity to strengthen security and regulatory compliance.

External integrations demanded significant effort. The lack of standardization across systems slowed the delivery of new solutions.

“If we had stayed with the traditional model, we would never have been able to meet market demands at the speed required.” — Sidinei Akira, CTO, Roadcard

The Solution: Low-Code as a Modernization Strategy

Roadcard’s digital transformation began with a careful evaluation of technology alternatives, grounded in frameworks such as the Gartner Magic Quadrant for development platforms.

Why Low-Code Was the Strategic Choice

The partnership with TrueChange and the adoption of the Mendix platform delivered immediate results:

Features delivered in weeks instead of months. Intuitive visual development, with a learning curve up to 75% shorter.

A proof of concept completed in record time, with results that exceeded expectations. Visual workflows brought greater clarity and collaboration across teams.

“Visual development makes the entire process far more intuitive. The learning curve is significantly shorter compared with traditional languages.” — Tiago Arioli, Development Manager, Roadcard

Execution: From Concept to Production in 4 Months

Pilot Project: Pamcard Corporate

The challenge was to evolve the existing banking solution — ensuring continuity for more than 130 active clients — while building a centralized system for managing logistics payments.

Solutions Delivered

Financial compliance assured. More than 40 modular microservices. Authentication via AWS Cognito with granular access control.

The industry’s first native Pix integration. Modern, standardized REST APIs. Instant QR codes replacing manual transfer processes.

An intuitive, personalized user experience. Dynamic management of profiles and permissions. A centralized dashboard with real-time metrics.

Roadcard became a pioneer by natively integrating Pix into its ecosystem, accelerating payments and simplifying logistics operations.

Results: Measurable ROI from Digital Transformation

Success Metrics

Operational Benefits

Lower maintenance effort and more time for innovation. Development productivity 25% higher.

An architecture ready for future growth. Reusable components and structured governance.

Governance and Sustaining the Transformation

Roadcard and TrueChange established a governance model that ensures ongoing quality and scalability.

A design system built after each project, reducing rework.

Auditable documentation, security applied to APIs, and well-defined code review processes.

“We encapsulated components into a reusable design system. That saves significant time and prevents rework.” — Eduardo Firmino, Tech Lead, TrueChange

Cultural Transformation: Overcoming Resistance

Cultural change was essential to the success of the low-code journey.

Active Leadership

Sidinei Akira led the transformation, driving team engagement and the adoption of new practices.

Structured Enablement

Intensive training for internal teams. Hybrid squads made up of professionals from both Roadcard and TrueChange.

A Mendix-First Approach

Clear criteria for project selection and strategic prioritization of deliveries.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Expansion and Innovation

Next Milestones on the Journey

  • Complete rebuild of the Pamcard Core system.
  • Evolution of the architecture to cloud-native.
  • Expansion of the hybrid team with dedicated Mendix specialists.

Strategic Lessons for IT Leaders

For Technical Managers

  • Use recognized frameworks (such as the Gartner Magic Quadrant).
  • Run proofs of concept before major investments.
  • Establish governance from day one.
  • Build hybrid, collaborative teams.

For IT Directors

  • Align technology with business strategy.
  • Lead the cultural change.
  • Choose partners with proven expertise.
  • Define clear criteria for technology prioritization.

Conclusion: Strategic Partnership, Real Results

The Roadcard case shows that low-code modernization, executed in a structured and collaborative way, can deliver remarkable results in a short time — in both technical performance and business growth.

Key Success Factors

  • Strategic partnership with TrueChange.
  • Visionary technical leadership.
  • Focus on results and clear metrics.
  • Solid, sustainable governance.
  • A hybrid approach balancing innovation and stability.