"Our Geo-ICT is niche; everything you need to know, you learn here"

It is one of Enexis' most important systems: the GEN Smallworld geographical information system. All electricity cables, gas lines, stations, installations, valves and switches are digitally fixed in it and can be made available through the system. So a super-important tool. "You do indeed have quite an impact if you work on this," says product owner and technical lead Charles. "And what makes it extra fun: it really is a niche activity. You will learn everything about this particular discipline here." 

Up-and-running

Three Geo-ICT teams are working on GEN Smallworld. "Together, we are focusing on user functionality, data quality and interfaces. My team is responsible for the latter, the interfaces. Let’s say the links that go to and from the system," Charles explains. "GEN is becoming increasingly central within Enexis. And so many ICT teams and other departments want to link their systems to it. Calculation tools, for example. Or other geo-systems. We turn all those requests from internal clients into concrete assignments for our team. In addition, of course, it is crucial that we keep the system up and running." 

Different roles

Charles has worked for Enexis since 2006, but only joined the company in 2012. "It’s like this. After studying to become a software developer, I went to work for a consultancy firm in geoinformatics. One of our clients was Enexis, and that's how I came here as a consultant. A great organisation and a nice team, I soon realised. So after a few years, I took my chances and applied. Since then, I’ve had different roles within this department. Administrator, analyst, architect and now product owner and technical lead." 

The sky’s the limit

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

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more about the world of ICT within Enexis? If so, read the stories of other colleagues. Do you have any questions about the role of product owner? Charles will be happy to tell you more about it during a digital coffee session.