What do you consider to be your main area of expertise?
Having worked as both functional and technical consultant on many different projects, I'm able to understand both what the business needs and what the users want, as well as knowing if something is technically feasible. I try as much as possible to fit the business processes and requirements into PeopleSoft by configuration, but if necessary, can also quickly outline new functionality, knowing from my technical experience what is easy vs. complex to develop. The same advantage goes for technical work, as having experience of what users and the business like and need means it is easier to develop correctly from the start.

What project have you most enjoyed working on and why?
I've especially enjoyed working on the two big global projects I've done, one for Ford/Volvo, and the other for Six Continents Hotels (now InterContinental Hotels Group). I like exploring the global functionality and dealing with requirements on the one hand from global senior management, and on the other with those arising from country legislation and cultural differences. Trying to fit it all into one single system/database was a challenge - but a fun one.

What is the most frustrating thing about the PeopleSoft product?
I feel that there is limited ability for the users to dynamically access and report on information in the system. Query Manager somewhat addresses this need, but in practise is difficult and slow to use.

Also I feel that PeopleSoft is still very focused on US functionality. Just take something like the address format, with postal code on the wrong side of the city for many countries. This might seem small, as you can still run queries, reports etc with the correct format, but it’s something that can cause a lot of frustration amongst HR users. Luckily, the product is becoming better and better for every version, and this particular problem has now been addressed in version 8.8

What originally drew you to consulting or the computing field?
I decided to study Computer and Systems Science at university, having met a number of people the year before who worked in the area and seemed to really enjoy what they were doing. Our very first course was Pascal programming, and after just a few weeks I knew I'd made the right choice. I came in contact with consulting in my very first job after university, and have been a consultant ever since..

Why did you join Congruent?
I met Anton working on an Australian government-specific module at PeopleSoft in Sydney. He told me about Congruent back then, but it wasn't until I'd been back in London working for another company for a year that we talked about it again and I decided to join. I love the flexible structure, the openness, the deep knowledge-base and the sharing of findings and experiences.

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