We are talking to Harm van Giersbergen, Data & Analytics Advisor at Enable U.
In short: I help organizations turn their data into meaningful insights by shaping that data into a form they can work with. It is essentially a logistical process, in which I ensure that everything runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. That involves all kinds of questions, such as: ‘What data is needed?’ ‘Where is the data stored and in what format?’ ‘What is the quality of the data?’ and ‘What do people exactly mean when they talk about it?’ Whenever something causes friction in the process, I look for a solution. Sometimes it is something straightforward, like a standard Data Sharing Agreement, and sometimes it requires a completely new way of working.
I obviously know a lot about the technology, but technology is ultimately just a means to properly organize what you could call the “data delivery process.” For example: if you need large datasets for a report, like parking data for an entire city, how do you use that data efficiently without making the report huge and slow? Or when you want to combine different types of datasets to generate insights, those sources may have been structured or collected differently. Without adjustments, you end up comparing apples to oranges. So how do you solve that? Another example is setting up security correctly in reporting: what is the most practical approach, and what standards should you follow?
In all cases, it starts with properly understanding what insights people actually want, and what they really mean by it. That is how I make sure our customers get answers from their data that they can genuinely act on. An important part My goal is to make data tangible and understandable.
I joined Scamander, now part of Enable U, at the beginning of 2024. The strong focus on data management was the main reason I decided to apply. In previous roles, I worked at companies where the focus was purely on technology, while generating insights from data often stalled at the process level. To be successful, you really need to involve the people you work with and for.
The very first conversation I had at Scamander immediately felt right. There was a strong connection, and I was given every opportunity to pursue what I truly wanted: to further develop myself as a Data Consultant and specialist in the data production process.
I studied ICT and Business at the University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, what used to be called Business Information Management. I focused on using ICT systems to support and manage business processes. During my third-year internship, I was introduced to Business Intelligence. At the time, it was still a relatively new development within the company where I interned. The newly established BI department struggled to access the data they needed. My advice was straightforward: involve the Business Intelligence team in the design and setup of business applications and other IT systems. That way, you ensure data is properly available to support and steer the organization.
After graduating, I started working as a consultant at an ICT provider that delivered and implemented SAP solutions for customers. Later, I moved to an IT services provider where data and Business Intelligence were part of the portfolio. One of my assignments was for a provincial government, where data had to be collected from many different sources. The technology itself wasn’t really the problem, the logistical aspect was the real challenge, partly because they had to comply with extensive laws and regulations. That in itself makes organizations cautious about working with data. But the biggest issue I encountered was that people rarely looked beyond the exact question being asked. As a result, they often failed to get to the core of the problem. I wanted to help change that, to focus more on the data management side of things. Fortunately, that is when Scamander / Enable U came along.
Working with people and helping them move forward. Technology is great, but as I mentioned earlier, it is a means to an end. You can build an amazing report or dashboard, but if nobody looks at it or uses it, it has no real value. I prefer to focus on what truly adds value: making work easier for customers and giving them the feeling that they are able to achieve more.
I follow LinkedIn, various YouTube channels, and I find the Power BI community really useful. It is a great place to stay up to date on new guidelines and features. Microsoft MVPs also regularly share exciting new developments there. On the Data Management side, I am a Certified Data Management Professional and a certified Scrum Master, certifications that also require continuous learning and maintenance.
As a highly passionate and committed organization. We have our customers’ best interests at heart. When a customer comes to us, they can be sure that we will do everything we can to make it a success for them. And we aim for a sustainable solution, not just a quick fix.
I was a scout leader for about 12 and a half years. Every week, and sometimes during weekends and camp weeks as well, we gave kids a great time while also teaching them teamwork, collaboration, and sometimes even basic life skills like cooking. I absolutely loved doing that. I more or less grew up with the Scouts myself. I joined as a youth member at the Scouting group in Boxtel when I was around 10 years old.
About six months ago, my girlfriend and I moved to Vlissingen. We have been very busy renovating our new home, everything from closing ceilings and rewiring electricity to renovating the bathroom. And the results are definitely worth it! Since moving to Vlissingen, I have also taken up CrossFit, which is great for keeping fit and working my muscles alongside my mostly sedentary job. And I regularly go out with my girlfriend Sophie , for example to the beach, sometimes together with our godchild.
Above all: keep enjoying your work and trust your instincts. If a customers asks for something you do not support as a professional, do not be afraid to hit the brakes. In the end, that is in the customer’s best interest too. And make sure to pass on the passion we have to our customers as well, that is where they truly benefit.
