From rapidly deploying video tools in response to a global crisis to creating truly inclusive meeting spaces, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has redefined what hybrid collaboration can look like. Powered by a comprehensive suite of Neat video devices and built on Zoom, CBS’s journey shows how thoughtful technology deployment can go far beyond efficiency – it can foster equity, accessibility, and innovation across an entire organization.

The data behind the transformation

The national statistics office of the Netherlands, CBS, plays a foundational role in Dutch society. It gathers, analyzes, and publishes data that informs public policy, media reporting, academic research, and international collaborations. With a team of 2,600 internal employees and over 2,000 external researchers accessing their data platforms, the need for seamless, secure, and inclusive communication was clear.

But as COVID-19 shifted the world’s working habits, CBS faced a challenge: how could they maintain their mission-critical operations – and collaboration – without relying on outdated, inflexible video conferencing setups?

Erwin Knapen, a senior engineer in CBS’s (physical) IT workspace team, was tasked with answering that question.

Rapid response with lasting impact

When Erwin first joined CBS, prior to 2020, the organization had just 13 video conferencing  rooms. As remote and hybrid work became the norm, that number ballooned to 125.

What was meant to be a gradual project turned into a sprint. Within months! We needed to completely rethink how people collaborated.

Erwin Knapen, Senior Engineer (physical) IT workspace team, CBS

CBS’s previous system required meeting rooms to be hard-linked in pairs, limiting flexibility and reducing the number of usable meeting spaces. “Twelve rooms meant only six meetings,” between office buildings Erwin recalls. “We needed a system that let us scale and adapt instantly.”

The answer came at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2019 in Amsterdam, where CBS explored the Zoom booth – and discovered an intriguing setup directly across from it: Neat.

From discovery to deployment in days

At the time, Neat was new to the scene, but its promise of native Zoom integration, elegant design, and intuitive functionality caught CBS’s attention. “We were impressed,” says Erwin, “and we acted fast.”

On a Monday, CBS requested a proposal from Neat. By Wednesday, the contract was signed, and the rollout of 120 meeting rooms began. “Because of Covid the buildings were empty, we could go full speed ahead,” Erwin recalls.

Partnering with a third party for logistics, CBS received fully prepped trolleys equipped with Neat Bar devices and Neat Pad touch displays. Installation was seamless.

[With Neat] everything you need is in the box—brackets, cables, different mounting options. It’s impossible to get it wrong.

Erwin Knapen, Senior Engineer (physical) IT workspace team, CBS

Creating a unified, flexible ecosystem

CBS now uses nearly the full Neat product suite to power its Zoom-based collaboration:

• Neat Bar and Neat Bar Pro: The backbone of CBS’s room systems. These powerful, compact devices deliver crystal-clear video and spatial audio, perfect for rooms of varying sizes. Paired with touchscreen TVs, they provide intuitive control without needing a standalone controller.
• Neat Frame: Used at individual workstations and in home offices, Neat Frame brings a dedicated, portrait-oriented video screen that separates meetings from desktop clutter, allowing users to maintain eye contact and stay engaged.
• Neat Pad: Used as both a controller and a room scheduler, Neat Pad reduced CBS’s meeting room no-show rate from 40% to 20%, optimizing room utilization and enabling on-the-spot booking.
• Neat Pulse: CBS subscribes to Neat Pulse Pro to monitor, update, and manage all devices across their environment – integrating environmental metrics that play into broader facility and wellness strategies.
• Neat Center: This game-changing companion device uses a secondary camera and microphones to ensure everyone is visible and heard – even in large rooms with dynamic conversations.

Making meetings truly inclusive

One of the most compelling parts of CBS’s story is how it’s using Neat technology to support colleagues with hearing impairments. CBS is deploying Neat Center, to tackle a challenge few other tools could solve.

We had a demo unit of Neat Center early on, and a group with hearing disabilities came forward and exclaimed that it was changing the game for them—enabling them to lip-read more easily, see facial expressions and queues close-up.

Erwin Knapen, Senior Engineer (physical) IT workspace team, CBS

That insight sparked change. In meetings, speakers often face the in-room audience, turning their backs to remote participants. Lipreading can help people who are hearing impaired to cope better with their hearing loss.

Neat Center changed that. With its additional camera and microphone array, it ensures a clear, front-facing view of participants, regardless of room layout. “We immediately saw how much it helped,” says Erwin. “So we ordered 14 more.”

Neat Center is now a key feature in CBS’s larger or uniquely shaped rooms – especially those with U-shaped seating. Some are even mounted from ceilings, inspired by examples on Neat’s website. The initiative is part of a CBS working group which supports employees with hearing impairments.

User experience as a cornerstone

At CBS, ensuring technology works seamlessly for every employee regardless of level of technical expertise was key. That’s why Neat’s intuitive, touch-based interfaces and plug-and-play simplicity were critical. “There’s virtually no learning curve—even updates are seamless” shared Erwin.

When it comes to updating and maintaining devices, Erwin shared that the staff he originally assigned to work on Neat devices, have had to be reassigned.

“They [CBS staff assigned to work on Neat devices] simply weren’t getting any maintainance calls. There was virtually nothing for them to do, because the devices just work.”

Erwin Knapen, Senior Engineer (physical) IT workspace team, CBS

On the rare occasion further support is needed, Erwin praised the Neat Customer Support experience. “You’re not stuck in a call center when you need help. The support feels personal – like you’re just one step away from the person who can fix it. That’s rare.”

Creating a healthier, smarter workplace

Beyond collaboration, Neat has helped CBS use environmental data to support workplace health. Through Neat Sense, CBS can monitor:

• Air quality and CO₂ levels.
• Humidity.
• Volatile Organic Compounds – organic chemicals and odors.
• Room occupancy.
• Ambient noise levels and temperature.
• Lighting conditions.

This data was especially vital during the pandemic, helping CBS manage room density and ventilation. “It reassured people coming back to the office,” “It helped us deliver on our responsibility for safety.”

Neat Sense insights can be monitored directly through Neat Pulse, a cloud-based management platform that enables IT and facilities teams to remotely oversee, update, and optimize all Neat devices and environmental conditions in one intuitive dashboard. Today, information from Neat Sense (via the Neat Pulse API) informs broader facility decisions – like adjusting air filters or planning energy-efficient office layouts.

We’re building the office of the future, and data is key.

Erwin Knapen, Senior Engineer (physical) IT workspace team, CBS

Lifecycle management with long-term vision

Now, five years into their journey with Neat, CBS is beginning to switch from Neat Bar to Neat Bar Gen 2 or Neat Bar Pro.

The value of Neat Bar has proven itself, so we’re excited to upgrade to Neat Bar Pro.”

Erwin Knapen, Senior Engineer (physical) IT workspace team, CBS

Neat Bar Pro delivers exceptional audio and video quality for medium to large meeting rooms, combining dual-screen support, wide-angle cameras, and powerful speaker system for a truly immersive experience.

One final vote of confidence? Erwin personally uses a Neat Frame at home. “It’s just so convenient,” he says. “It separates meetings from everything else on my screen. I love it.”

Neat Frame features a 15.6-inch Full HD portrait touchscreen, an 8x digital zoom camera with 113° field of view, and a directional speaker system for clear, immersive audio. With built-in microphones, noise suppression, and native support for Zoom, it delivers an intuitive, clutter-free video experience ideal for home offices and focus spaces.

Advice to other organizations

When asked what he’d say to a company considering Neat, Erwin doesn’t hesitate. “You’re not just buying a piece of hardware. You’re buying a complete solution – one that’s designed around how people actually meet.”

He highlights Neat’s thoughtful approach, from packaging to platform integration.

[With Neat] everything’s considered. Everything’s simple. And when you need help, it’s there.

Erwin Knapen, Senior Engineer (physical) IT workspace team, CBS

For an organization obsessed with data and quality, that simplicity means everything.

Building a future where everyone is valued

The story of CBS is not just about technology—it’s about transformation. It’s a story of moving fast when it mattered most, of making bold choices, and of placing people at the heart of those decisions. From rethinking how meetings work to ensuring every employee, regardless of ability or digital comfort, can connect and contribute, CBS has created something remarkable.

For Erwin and his team, success wasn’t just measured in devices deployed, but in moments made more accessible, more human, and more productive. Now, as CBS continues to evolve, embracing the next generation of devices and smarter workspaces, it remains guided by the same commitment: to build spaces where every voice can be heard and every face can be seen.

Discover Neat’s smarter, simpler video devices or book a demo and experience them for yourself.