From a local print factory to the architecture behind Dynatos’ Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) platform, Bernier Fierens’ story is one of quiet determination and a continuous pursuit of improvement. Today, in his dual role as Solution Architect and Product Owner, he helps organizations rethink their document processing, not by chasing the latest buzzwords, but by adopting scalable, sustainable steps. “I always wanted to make an impact,” he reflects. “Not by replacing people, but by freeing them up to do more meaningful work, work that requires human insight rather than repetition.”
Turning curiosity into expertise
Bernier’s career didn’t begin with a clear plan. “I wasn’t heading straight for IT,” he says. “At first, I was working in a printing factory, a fast-paced, hands-on environment. That job, even though it wasn’t related to software development, planted the seed. As someone with a natural interest in computers and logic, he began teaching himself, experimenting, and eventually pursued a career in the IT field.
What makes Bernier stand out isn’t just technical skills, but also his mindset: an ability to recognize where processes could be improved and the drive to implement those improvements. When he joined Dynatos in 2015, he started as an invoicing consultant. However, even in that role, he immediately began contributing to the development of the invoicing platform, which would eventually become Routty. “My drive has always been to improve processes for individuals, teams, and entire organizations. That focus on meaningful change helped me grow from consultant to a role where I now help shape both the platform and the strategy behind it.”
I always wanted to make an impact, not by replacing people, but by freeing them up to do more meaningful work.
From concept to scalable platform
The early days of what is now a strong IDP solution were fast-paced and full of opportunity. A large public sector client presented a challenge, and instead of suggesting a quick fix, Bernier and his team saw an opportunity to build something meaningful. “That was the moment we knew we could create a platform,” Bernier explains. “One that would go beyond just invoice automation.”
Instead of designing a one-time tool, Bernier stepped back to create a framework capable of handling any financial document. This includes not only invoices but also purchase orders, delivery notes, payment reminders, and other unstructured or handwritten formats. “That’s the beauty of how we set it up. If you can define the structure and intent of the document, you can configure the logic. We’re not limited to one type; we can grow with the client’s needs.” Bernier explains. “Sometimes a customer receives a simple email with an order, no attachment, no PDF. We can process that too. In the end, it’s about the content, not the format.”
This flexibility wasn’t just a nice feature; it became a key differentiator. “I wanted to make sure that if we solved it once, we solved it in a way that could work for others too,” he says. “It’s what allows us to keep expanding the platform without rebuilding the foundation.”
One good idea, implemented well, can improve the entire chain, from document intake to customer satisfaction.
Technology with a human lens
Working across both product vision and technical design, Bernier keeps a human-first mindset at the core of every decision. “We all have off days,” he states. “People get tired, distracted, or overwhelmed. That’s not a flaw; it’s just how life works. If we can automate the repetitive parts of a job, we’re giving people space to focus on what really matters.”
For Bernier, AI and automation aren’t replacements for people; they’re tools to support them. “I don’t believe in a single, all-knowing assistant that does everything,” he explains. “What works better are multiple small agents, each specialized in one task. That’s how we build IDP: as a system of smart, targeted helpers, not one large, monolithic entity.”
But even the most advanced technology requires structure. “Context still matters. Business logic matters. Oversight matters. It’s our job to ensure these agents operate within a clear framework.”
The enduring role of OCR
Even as more documents become fully digital, Bernier is convinced OCR still has a place. “We talk a lot about e-invoicing and structured formats, but in practice, many organizations still deal with scanned PDFs, legacy layouts, or even handwritten inputs,” he says. “That’s where OCR remains essential. It’s not perfect, but it continues to improve. And it will always be part of the puzzle in making all document types accessible to automation.”
Automation isn’t about taking control away; it’s about giving people the space to focus where they really add value.
Innovation through collaboration
Ask Bernier what drives the platform’s evolution, and his answer is straightforward: feedback. “We don’t build in isolation,” he states. “Everything we add is influenced by real-world use, consultants, and customer input.” This collaborative approach isn’t just good practice; it’s the engine behind every improvement.
He recalls how some of the most valuable features were developed from client conversations, often in response to a specific need. “Sometimes it starts with one question from a single client,” he explains. “But the answer ends up being part of the product for everyone.”
That openness to dialogue goes beyond formal feedback forms. “I value sitting down with customers, just listening. How is it working for you? What’s still a pain point? That’s where the real insights are.”
If you can define the structure and intent of a document, we can build the logic. That’s why IDP has no real limit.
Empowering people, one decision at a time
At its core, Bernier’s work is about helping people do their jobs better, without adding complexity for the sake of innovation. “Empowering people means taking things off their plate that don’t need their attention,” he says. “Not every task needs a human decision. When you automate those parts, you give people back time and focus.”
But empowerment also means trusting users. “One good idea can make a world of difference,” Bernier adds. “We want our tools to give people the confidence to make those ideas happen. That’s what energizes me most, when technology enables people to think bigger, not smaller.”
It’s this belief that continues to shape both the tools he builds and the teams he works with.
