The GEN Smallworld geographical information system is one of Enexis' most important systems. All electricity cables, gas lines, stations, installations, valves and switches are digitally linked to it and can be made available through the system. So it’s a super-important tool. "You have quite an impact if you work on this," says product owner and technical lead Charles. "I also really enjoy the fact that it’s a niche activity. You learn everything about this particular discipline here." 

Up-and-running

Three Geo-ICT teams are working on GEN Smallworld. "We focus on user functionality, data quality and interfaces. My team is responsible for the interfaces. They’re the links that go to and from the system," Charles explains. "GEN is becoming increasingly central within Enexis. Many ICT teams and other departments want to link their systems to it. This could include things like calculation tools or other geo-systems. We convert the requests from internal clients into concrete assignments for our team. Obviously, it’s also crucial that we keep the system up and running."

''I’VE HAD DIFFERENT ROLES WITHIN THE GEO-ICT DEPARTMENT. ADMINISTRATOR, ANALYST, ARCHITECT, AND NOW PRODUCT OWNER AND TECHNICAL LEAD. YOU CAN REALLY SPREAD YOUR WINGS HERE.''

CHARLES - PRODUCT OWNER AND TECHNICAL LEAD

 

Different roles

Charles has worked with Enexis since 2006 but only officially joined the company in 2012. "After studying to become a software developer, I started working for a consultancy firm in geoinformatics. Enexis was one of our clients and that's how I ended up here as a consultant. I soon realised that it’s a great organisation with a nice team. So after a few years, I took my chances and applied. Since then, I’ve had different roles within this department, including administrator, analyst, architect and now product owner and technical lead."

The sky's the limit

"I learnt everything about GEN Smallworld from colleagues on the job. My training and programming skills were a major plus and I was able to gradually take on more work. Enexis' ICT landscape continues to evolve, bringing with it a lot of work and innovations. You can really spread your wings here and delve deeper into what you are good at or want to learn more about. My personal ambition? To be good at what I do. I want to improve more before taking further steps. And when I do, it will probably be within Enexis. That's the beauty of it. If you’re ambitious, the sky’s the limit here."

''YOU HAVE QUITE AN IMPACT IF YOU WORK ON ENEXIS' GEOPGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM. IT'S A SUPER-IMPORTANT TOOL AND A NICHE ACTIVITY. YOU'LL LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR DISCIPLINE HERE.''

Charles, Product Owner and Technical Lead

 

Want to know more?

If you’d like to know more about the world of IT within Enexis, why not read the stories of some of our other colleagues? Do you have any questions about the role of a product owner? Charles will be happy to chat with you about it during a digital coffee-chat. If you’re curious about the various possibilities within Enexis, please look here at the current job openings.