IT Architect, Process Manager

As the Project Manager for Data Governance and Data Migration, I was responsible for introducing a Data Warehouse System for the Linehaul Quality Team at Zalando. The project's objective was to enhance data integrity, optimize data-driven decision-making processes, and ensure smooth data migration to improve transparency and efficiency in the logistics department.

• Responsible for data migration and the introduction of a new Data Warehouse system.
• Applied the knowledge gained from the Data Engineering Foundations Certificate to define ETL processes and ensure data quality.
• BI Platform Optimization: Enhanced the Business Intelligence platform to improve decision-making quality in the Linehaul logistics sector.
• Data Quality Management: Ensured data integrity through continuous quality controls and data reconciliation.
• Data Migration: Planned and executed the migration of relevant datasets to the new Data Warehouse system, including defining transformation rules and mapping specifications for smooth data transfer.
• Process Optimization: Led optimization initiatives based on data analysis to improve efficiency within the Linehaul Quality Team.
• Stakeholder Management: Coordinated across departments and stakeholders to implement requirements accurately.
• Team Leadership: Led an interdisciplinary team of data analysts, BI specialists, and logistics experts to implement improvement measures.

Methods used:

• Data Migration Framework: Developed a migration concept, including transformation rules, to transfer datasets consistently and error-free to the new system.
• Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring: Identified optimization potential and continuously monitored efficiency.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Continuously optimized processes to meet regulatory requirements.

By improving data quality, optimizing the BI platform, and successfully migrating data, the project achieved significantly higher transparency in logistical processes, thereby greatly enhancing the efficiency and decision-making capabilities of the Linehaul Quality Team.

As a Project Manager for Quality Assurance and Defect Management, I was responsible for developing and implementing a structured test management system in the areas of mobility services and vehicle leasing. The project involved optimizing test phases and processes to ensure the quality of software solutions and implementing agile methodologies for continuous improvement.

• Leadership of the Test Management Team: Directed an interdisciplinary team to execute test processes and quality assurance. Ensured efficient collaboration between developers, testers, and operational teams to consistently meet quality standards.
• Agile Test Management: Implemented agile methodologies (SCRUM, KANBAN) to optimize test processes and defect management workflows. Regular iterations enabled continuous improvement of testing strategies and quicker responses to defects.
• Organization and Execution of Test Phases: Planned and managed all test phases, from strategy to execution. This included creating test plans and testing safety-critical applications and functionalities under real-world conditions.
• Defect Management and Risk Mitigation: Monitored and managed defect handling to quickly identify and resolve issues, minimizing operational disruptions and improving the efficiency of quality assurance.
• Process Optimization and Automation: Introduced automated testing procedures to enhance test efficiency and reduce manual efforts. These measures optimized quality assurance processes and significantly improved efficiency in software development.

Methods used:

• Efficiency Gains through Agile Methods: The introduction of agile methods in test management significantly improved efficiency and flexibility in quality assurance processes, leading to faster identification and resolution of defects.
• Quality Assurance Process Optimization: Optimized testing processes and implemented automated procedures, resulting in faster and higher-quality testing, positively impacting the project's overall performance.
• Successful Team Coordination: As the leader of the test management team, ensured effective collaboration, enabling smooth test phases and delivering high-quality software.

Technologies used: Utilized SQL, Python, PHP, and REST APIs to support test automation and software integration.

As a Business Analyst, I was responsible for conducting a comprehensive analysis and optimization of manufacturing processes, particularly in single-unit production, as part of the implementation of MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and CAQ (Computer-Aided Quality) systems. The project's goal was to enhance efficiency and quality assurance in production workflows through the introduction of these systems.

• Process Analysis and Optimization: Conducted a detailed analysis of the current manufacturing processes to identify weaknesses and determine optimization potential. Based on these analyses, future processes (target state) were modeled to meet the specific needs of single-unit production.
• Requirements Analysis for MES/CAQ Systems: Developed a detailed requirements analysis to capture the specific needs for implementing MES and CAQ systems. Functional and technical requirements were defined in close collaboration with the manufacturing and IT departments.
• Process Modeling: Utilized BPMN 2.0 to model manufacturing and quality processes, ensuring a clear visualization of workflows. These models served as the foundation for the MES and CAQ systems' implementation.
• Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration: Collaborated closely with a team of manufacturing engineers, IT experts, and quality assurance specialists to ensure that the needs of all stakeholders were addressed and integrated into the system landscape.
• Interface Management: Analyzed and defined interfaces between the MES/CAQ systems and other production systems to enable seamless data exchange and smooth integration into the existing IT infrastructure.

Key outcomes:

• Optimization of Manufacturing Processes: The implementation of MES/CAQ systems significantly improved the efficiency of manufacturing processes and enhanced production quality.
• Improved Production Control: Real-time monitoring and control of production workflows through MES allowed for better adaptability and oversight in single-unit production.
• Successful Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Close collaboration with various departments ensured that all requirements were incorporated into the system implementation, optimally supporting production processes.

As a Release Manager, I took on the critical responsibility of leading operational release and change management for Volkswagen Financial Services. The primary goal was to implement changes in the bank-hosted systems in a controlled and efficient manner. A strong focus was placed on applying ITIL 3/4 methodologies to ensure the execution and management of over 90 different applications.

• Release Coordination: Planned and coordinated release schedules in collaboration with operational operations and central release management.
• Change Management: Ensured a methodical and compliant implementation of changes across the system landscape.
• ITIL Process Management: Applied ITIL-based practices for a structured and standardized approach to release management.
• Service Requests and Change Execution: Managed service requests and implemented the necessary changes for each release.

Methods and Technologies used:

• Methods: ITIL framework for service management, release management, and systematic change management.
• Tools: Atlassian JIRA and Confluence for project tracking. Azure DevOps for the CI/CD pipeline. Red Hat Ansible for automating deployment processes. HP Service Manager and ALM for test and defect management. MS Office for documentation.

Through my dedication and the application of proven methodologies, a high level of release quality and stability was achieved, significantly enhancing the operational efficiency of Volkswagen Financial Services.

As a Release and Change Manager, I significantly contributed to coordinating the release cycles of the SAP CRM system at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg from 2014 to 2017. My responsibilities included specifying system changes, conducting quality assurance measures, preparing and coordinating tests for core business processes, and continuously monitoring change requests. I ensured compliance with strict data protection regulations and supported seamless implementation of changes through effective communication and evaluations of functional concepts.

• Release Management: Planned and executed software releases and coordinated the implementation of change requests.
• Quality Control: Developed quality standards, created test specifications, and led testing operations to verify system updates.
• Compliance and Data Protection: Monitored compliance measures and ensured conformity with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• IT Security and Identity Access Management (IAM): Managed identities and access rights, implemented security measures to prevent unauthorized access, and ensured secure authentication and authorization within the system.

Methods and Technologies used:

• Methods: Experienced in requirements management and traditional project management.
• Tools: Proficient in using HP ALM for lifecycle management, SAP CRM for customer relationship management, and SQL for data analysis.

Through my contributions, the team achieved high product quality and efficient release processes, enabling Volkswagen to successfully address challenges in the automotive industry and improve customer satisfaction.

During my tenure at Volkswagen AG, I acted as a Business Analyst and Project Manager, leading the optimization of an Information Management System specifically designed to foster innovation processes in automobile manufacturing. The project aimed to enhance information flow and knowledge retention to effectively support the development of new technologies.

Responsibilities and Methods included:

• Requirements Management: Identified and defined system requirements to support innovation processes.
• Change and Configuration Management: Directed system adjustments to meet identified requirements while ensuring system compliance.
• Project and Quality Management: Conducted project planning, controlling, and monitoring quality assurance measures.

Activities included:

• Change Requests and Test Specifications: Formulated change requests and created test specifications to align system development with mandatory requirements.
• Project Planning: Coordinated workflow and scheduling while managing project resources.
• Quality Assurance: Developed QA documents, such as manuals and reports, to ensure high project outcome quality.
• Risk Management: Proactively identified and mitigated potential project risks.
• IT Security and Access Management (IAM): Implemented security policies and managed access rights to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the security of information flows.

Tools and Technologies used:

• Tools: Applied HP ALM for lifecycle management of the software development process.
• Technologies: Utilized Java/J2EE for system development and optimization.

The successful implementation of this project resulted in a noticeable increase in innovation capabilities within Volkswagen AG's automobile manufacturing division, driven by improved information management and more effective support for innovation processes.

In 2012, I led a key project at Volkswagen AG as an Agile Test Manager and System Architect. The goal was to develop and implement an innovative web-based employee feedback system. This project was executed in close collaboration with the HR department, corporate IT, and external service providers, with agile methods guiding the entire development process.

Responsibilities and Methods included:

• Agile Project Management using SCRUM: Implemented agile practices for an adaptive and iterative system development process. Responsible for designing and maintaining the project structure plan to ensure a clear definition of project objectives and deliverables.
• Backlog Management: Built and maintained the product backlog, prioritized requirements, and ensured ongoing communication with all stakeholders to reflect project goals.
• Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA) and Design (OOD): Used Enterprise Architect to model the system, providing a solid foundation for architecture and development.
• User Story Development: Created clear user stories to define requirements from the user's perspective and aligned the development team with measurable goals.

Tools used: Eclipse and Enterprise Architect for design and development. HP ALM for test management. Technologies used: Implemented using the JavaEE platform and Oracle 11g for a robust and scalable application.

By applying SCRUM methodologies and fostering close collaboration with the development team and stakeholders, a user-friendly and feature-rich employee feedback system was created. This system improved communication and enabled a detailed analysis of employee satisfaction within the organization.

Implementation of a Business Intelligence software solution in the Business Department.

Responsibilities included:

• Data analysis, specification of interfaces, and ETL processes.
• Report and dashboard creation.
• User training.

Methods used:

• Data modeling, requirements management, ERM (Entity-Relationship Modeling), SQL.

Tools used:

• MicroStrategy.

The focus of my consulting work was on the digitalization and optimization of the entire supply chain and production processes for a leading manufacturer in the wood-based materials industry. The goal was to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance production capacity.

Projects included:

• IT Project Management: Development and implementation of a monitoring system for transport cost planning, analysis, and control.
• Development and implementation of an order book management system.
• Planning the transfer of a commissioning warehouse.
• Designing a corporate-wide planning tool for rough planning.
• Consulting: Material flow/layout planning.
• Development: Data warehouse solution for logistics.
• Implementation of Radio Frequency technology integrated with SAP for the wood-based materials industry.
• Consulting: Implementation of a production data acquisition system integrated with SAP.

Responsibilities included:

• Error analysis of master and transactional data in SAP, evaluating this data and defining solutions to address identified issues.
• Analysis of existing supply chain and production processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Implementation of SAP SD/MM modules to automate and optimize ordering, delivery, and invoicing processes.
• Consulting and implementation of best practices in the Order-to-Cash process.
• Development and implementation of a customized global template for international rollout.
• Training and coaching internal teams on new processes and systems.
• Close collaboration with stakeholders and IT teams to ensure solutions met business requirements.
• Monitoring and reporting project progress to top management.

Methods and Tools used:

• SAP SD/MM
• SAP APO
• SAP Business Objects
• VISIO for process modeling
• Data analysis tools to identify optimization potential

Results and Benefits:

• Increased supply chain efficiency by 5%.
• Reduced production costs by 10%.
• Increased production capacity by 5%.