PFM’s commitment to accessibility: A conversation with CEO Bart Schmitz
Accessibility isn’t just a buzzword at PFM—it’s a cause that’s becoming central to the way we approach public spaces. From the very beginning, PFM has aimed to create smarter, more efficient environments, but recently, we’ve taken a step further. We launched new initiatives focused on making spaces more inclusive for everyone. To give us a deeper look into why this matters and what’s next, we sat down with CEO Bart Schmitz. He shared his thoughts on the journey so far, why it’s so important to bring our clients along, and how small changes can make a big difference.
Bart Schmitz
10 jan. 2025
The need for accessibility in public spaces
“Accessibility is an area that’s becoming more and more urgent, not only in terms of compliance but because it’s the right thing to do,” Bart explains. “Public spaces should be accessible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations. And that’s exactly why this initiative started.” PFM’s new accessibility initiatives aim to provide better access for individuals with physical and visual impairments, starting with how public spaces are designed and how people navigate them.
How data helps us improve spaces
One of the cornerstones of PFM’s accessibility efforts is using data to understand how people move through spaces. “We’ve always collected data on how many people visit a space, what times they come, and even things like demographics—how many are men, women, or children,” Bart says. “But we’re taking it further. We’re working on software that will track specific groups, like people in wheelchairs or those with guide dogs, helping us offer even more relevant advice to our clients about how to improve their spaces for everyone.”
Collaborating with eZwayZ for visually impaired navigation
In addition to data collection, PFM is also focusing on solutions to help those with visual impairments navigate spaces. Bart shares how they’re working with eZwayZ, an indoor navigation app that helps visually impaired people move around spaces using audio and vibration cues. “We’re partnering with Bartiméus, the organization behind eZwayZ, to make places like museums easier for people with visual impairments to explore,” he says. “It’s a great example of how technology can play a huge role in creating more inclusive environments.”
A fund to support accessibility projects
“Beyond technology, we also wanted to find a way to directly contribute to accessibility initiatives,” Bart explains. "The first project was sponsoring a guide dog puppy, in collaboration with KNGF Geleidehonden, which is now in training to assist someone who is visually disabled. Moving forward, a portion of every PFM data point sold will go into a fund that supports more accessibility projects, with the company also contributing directly. “Little steps for us to make a big impact,” Bart adds.
Working with clients to make a difference
PFM also wants to bring its clients into the conversation. “As part of our commitment, we’re encouraging our clients to join us in this mission,” says Bart. “For example, if they’re asking for additional benefits about our products, we’re offering the option to donate part of it to our accessibility fund instead. It’s a win-win: they’re supporting a meaningful cause, while also benefiting from the financial advantages that come with contributing to a charitable initiative. After all, we remain a commercial organisation, and so are our clients, however: it’s a great way for everyone to get involved and make a real impact.”
Looking ahead
As PFM continues to move forward with these initiatives, Bart is clear about one thing: “This is just the beginning. We’re committed to growing our funds and initiatives regarding accessibility into the future. On top we will also remain active in our sponsoring of third party initiatives serving comparable goals. Our goal is to inspire others to think about accessibility, and to create a world where everyone can enjoy the same experiences without barriers.”
The need for accessibility in public spaces
“Accessibility is an area that’s becoming more and more urgent, not only in terms of compliance but because it’s the right thing to do,” Bart explains. “Public spaces should be accessible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations. And that’s exactly why this initiative started.” PFM’s new accessibility initiatives aim to provide better access for individuals with physical and visual impairments, starting with how public spaces are designed and how people navigate them.
How data helps us improve spaces
One of the cornerstones of PFM’s accessibility efforts is using data to understand how people move through spaces. “We’ve always collected data on how many people visit a space, what times they come, and even things like demographics—how many are men, women, or children,” Bart says. “But we’re taking it further. We’re working on software that will track specific groups, like people in wheelchairs or those with guide dogs, helping us offer even more relevant advice to our clients about how to improve their spaces for everyone.”
Collaborating with eZwayZ for visually impaired navigation
In addition to data collection, PFM is also focusing on solutions to help those with visual impairments navigate spaces. Bart shares how they’re working with eZwayZ, an indoor navigation app that helps visually impaired people move around spaces using audio and vibration cues. “We’re partnering with Bartiméus, the organization behind eZwayZ, to make places like museums easier for people with visual impairments to explore,” he says. “It’s a great example of how technology can play a huge role in creating more inclusive environments.”
A fund to support accessibility projects
“Beyond technology, we also wanted to find a way to directly contribute to accessibility initiatives,” Bart explains. "The first project was sponsoring a guide dog puppy, in collaboration with KNGF Geleidehonden, which is now in training to assist someone who is visually disabled. Moving forward, a portion of every PFM data point sold will go into a fund that supports more accessibility projects, with the company also contributing directly. “Little steps for us to make a big impact,” Bart adds.
Working with clients to make a difference
PFM also wants to bring its clients into the conversation. “As part of our commitment, we’re encouraging our clients to join us in this mission,” says Bart. “For example, if they’re asking for additional benefits about our products, we’re offering the option to donate part of it to our accessibility fund instead. It’s a win-win: they’re supporting a meaningful cause, while also benefiting from the financial advantages that come with contributing to a charitable initiative. After all, we remain a commercial organisation, and so are our clients, however: it’s a great way for everyone to get involved and make a real impact.”
Looking ahead
As PFM continues to move forward with these initiatives, Bart is clear about one thing: “This is just the beginning. We’re committed to growing our funds and initiatives regarding accessibility into the future. On top we will also remain active in our sponsoring of third party initiatives serving comparable goals. Our goal is to inspire others to think about accessibility, and to create a world where everyone can enjoy the same experiences without barriers.”
The need for accessibility in public spaces
“Accessibility is an area that’s becoming more and more urgent, not only in terms of compliance but because it’s the right thing to do,” Bart explains. “Public spaces should be accessible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations. And that’s exactly why this initiative started.” PFM’s new accessibility initiatives aim to provide better access for individuals with physical and visual impairments, starting with how public spaces are designed and how people navigate them.
How data helps us improve spaces
One of the cornerstones of PFM’s accessibility efforts is using data to understand how people move through spaces. “We’ve always collected data on how many people visit a space, what times they come, and even things like demographics—how many are men, women, or children,” Bart says. “But we’re taking it further. We’re working on software that will track specific groups, like people in wheelchairs or those with guide dogs, helping us offer even more relevant advice to our clients about how to improve their spaces for everyone.”
Collaborating with eZwayZ for visually impaired navigation
In addition to data collection, PFM is also focusing on solutions to help those with visual impairments navigate spaces. Bart shares how they’re working with eZwayZ, an indoor navigation app that helps visually impaired people move around spaces using audio and vibration cues. “We’re partnering with Bartiméus, the organization behind eZwayZ, to make places like museums easier for people with visual impairments to explore,” he says. “It’s a great example of how technology can play a huge role in creating more inclusive environments.”
A fund to support accessibility projects
“Beyond technology, we also wanted to find a way to directly contribute to accessibility initiatives,” Bart explains. "The first project was sponsoring a guide dog puppy, in collaboration with KNGF Geleidehonden, which is now in training to assist someone who is visually disabled. Moving forward, a portion of every PFM data point sold will go into a fund that supports more accessibility projects, with the company also contributing directly. “Little steps for us to make a big impact,” Bart adds.
Working with clients to make a difference
PFM also wants to bring its clients into the conversation. “As part of our commitment, we’re encouraging our clients to join us in this mission,” says Bart. “For example, if they’re asking for additional benefits about our products, we’re offering the option to donate part of it to our accessibility fund instead. It’s a win-win: they’re supporting a meaningful cause, while also benefiting from the financial advantages that come with contributing to a charitable initiative. After all, we remain a commercial organisation, and so are our clients, however: it’s a great way for everyone to get involved and make a real impact.”
Looking ahead
As PFM continues to move forward with these initiatives, Bart is clear about one thing: “This is just the beginning. We’re committed to growing our funds and initiatives regarding accessibility into the future. On top we will also remain active in our sponsoring of third party initiatives serving comparable goals. Our goal is to inspire others to think about accessibility, and to create a world where everyone can enjoy the same experiences without barriers.”
