In the world of software development, there are developers and then there is Adrian. As Head of Customer Projects at ivoflow, the 28-year-old is responsible for ensuring that customers can use the software successfully. Complex algorithms, huge spreadsheets, or demanding code – Adrian doesn't shy away from any problem. As one of the first employees at ivoflow, he knows the product like the back of his hand and is passionate about the start-up's vision. We asked him about his area of responsibility in software development.
Hi, Adrian! You're obviously at home in software development! What does your professional career look like/what did you do before ivoflow?
In 2013, I started my apprenticeship as an IT specialist in the field of application development at a software company. From the 2nd year of my apprenticeship, I gained insights into the customer business as a software developer and was on site at customer start-ups. After my final exam in 2016, I took on project responsibility for the first time and was the lead software developer for customer projects. I worked in the logistics industry until 2021 and gained further experience in project management and software development during this time. In March 2021, the opportunity to join ivoflow eventually arose.
You joined ivoflow quickly after the company was founded. What attracted you to what ivoflow had to offer?
It has always been exciting for me to work in a start-up: a young, dynamic team, flat hierarchies, a fast-paced environment, and the opportunity to grow together with the company. Through my pursuit of knowledge and experience, ivoflow offers the perfect environment.
What exactly are your tasks in software development?
My main tasks include technical project management, involvement in software development to plan and implement customer requests, data management and preparing proof of concept environments .
What has been your professional highlight during your time at ivoflow/which project have you enjoyed the most?
My highlight so far was the commissioning of the first customer with a live SAP connection. The first successful data download from the customer's SAP system, which led to our tool being fed with real data. Seeing the first customers use the tool with their own data in the way we intended. The associated feedback and joy have been my biggest highlight so far.
Which project was challenging and why?
I believe that every customer project brings its own challenges. Every customer has their own data structure and special features. Some more, some less. In my opinion, however, the biggest challenge was the constantly growing data structure of our customers. At the beginning, our software was not yet able to cope with the enormous amount of data and had to be constantly adapted to it.
Is there an exciting project you are currently working on?
One of the most exciting projects I am currently working on is the go-live of one of our major customers with over 1,000 users. It's exciting in the sense that the requirements are extreme. On the one hand, it is very complex from a purely technical point of view due to the system diversity and data volumes, and of course also in terms of the security aspects. On the other hand, we are planning a comprehensive roll-out in the company with our own marketing campaign.
"Seeing the first customers use the tool with their own data in the way we intended. The associated feedback and joy have been my biggest highlight so far." What do you like best about your work?
What I like best is the unique cooperation within the individual team areas. Thanks to our dynamic team and the great communication, we are very well coordinated and have a unique working atmosphere, which I have never experienced before in any other company.
Describe ivoflow with 3 emojis.
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What is your favorite slogan for work?
One fire at a time - as we often serve many customer projects at the same time, it is all the more important to concentrate on each task in a targeted manner and one after the other.
Speaking of savings: Where do you find it difficult to save money?
Traveling - I love exploring new places and spending time in warm weather, especially when the weather changes in Germany
What can you spend hours doing outside of work?
SIM racing - we have now even had the pleasure of participating twice as a company in a SIM racing event and driving the digital Porsche GT3 around the Nürburgring. At home, I have built myself a racing simulator and enjoy spending time chasing best times.
