Modernize legacy software
Deciding whether to replace legacy software is not an easy choice to make. The underlying technology is often outdated, but the application is usually functionally very complete. Solid functionality that you have worked on for years. It's a shame to just throw it out all at once.
This is why we created the Upcycler. The Upcycler is a tool to convert existing (outdated) applications to a low-code model. It allows you to easily reuse the important and sound elements of your existing software. This enables you to quickly create a solid foundation and jumpstart your project.
Depending on the technology, the Upcycler can save up to 50% of development time!

Easily replace outdated business software
Depending on the technology and the available metadata, the extracted model already contains the tables, columns, references and screen types. In many cases, there is even more information available. This can include what the menus look like, translations of screens, and in some cases existing code that can be ported over.
The Upcycler can also identify which parts of the existing software are no longer used and automatically remove them. This is especially useful when the application has become unnecessarily complex over the years. Finally, it automatically performs the data conversion to your new application.
By using the Upcycer, you instantly create a low-code foundation for your new solution. This means you don't have to rethink everything and you save a lot of time. Want to know what it looks like in practice? Watch the video in which our Upcycle expert shows you the process step by step!
Save up to 50% of development time
Fully automated data conversion
Instantly create a new low-code foundation
The Upcycle process in three steps:
Step 1: Metadata
Extracting model & data
The first step is to extract as much meta-information and data as possible from the old application. Doing this at the start of the upcycle project will save you a huge amount of time later. A specialized utility extracts the meta-information and data from your current application and converts it into a file that the Upcycler can read.
Step 2: Conversion
Importing & Upcycling Meta Information
The meta information file is then imported into the Thinkwise Upcycler. Next, the Upcycler transforms the meta information from the legacy system to a new low-code model in the Thinkwise Platform. Finally, the Upcycler creates a Project and Version in the development environment where it stores the meta information.
Step 3: Deploy & import data
Implementing applications & importing data
First, the database is deployed, then the Service Tier is installed, and finally the Universal GUI is installed. The Universal GUI is the latest Thinkwise user interface. It provides a state-of-the-art user experience on mobile, desktop and web.
During this final step, the Upcycler transfers the compressed data to the deployed database.
What our customers say about the Upcycler:
“They modernized our existing business software during the procurement phase. We got a new version of our existing application in a very short time, but completely modernized with a new database and instantly available for Windows, web, tablets and smartphone.”

"Thinkwise demonstrated during the procurement phase that our business processes posed no problem for them. During the intake, they understood how our business processes worked in under 2 hours. This gave us confidence for the rest of the ERP project."

"When you fill a data model in Thinkwise, the user interface is almost ready to use straight away. This means users can have a look and give their feedback. That's a valuable addition compared to just drafting a requirements document."

Want to know more about...?
What technologies can you modernize with the Upcycler?
The Upcycler can be used on over 50 technologies. Some examples include RPG, Cobol, Oracle, Uniface, and more. Have a look at our legacy technology overview for more information. The Upycler is not only for outdated technologies, it can also be used for modern technologies such as Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics or even other low-code platforms such as Bettyblocks. This is particularly interesting when the applications in these modern technologies have become too complex, and you need a development platform that can handle their size and complexity.
If you can perform your own Upcycles as a Thinkwise customer or partner?
The Upcycler is an integrated part of the Thinkwise Platform, so that clients and/or partners of Thinkwise can also perform their own Upcycles. You can use predefined Upcyclers or modify an existing one. This is particularly interesting if you want to Upcycle multiple applications. Needless to say, we offer full support and training for the optimal use of the Upcycler.