In this series, we introduce our team to you one by one. What is their function within QS solutions? Who are they as a person? Why are they a match for the organization? And what do they actually do in their spare time? This will give you as a customer, business partner or new colleague a picture of the people behind our logo!
Marcel studied computer science and, after working for KPN and the Dutch Tax Administration, went to work for a small company that made and sold software. There he worked together with Fergus Keith and Roeland van den Berg, and in 2005 they jointly made the move to QS solutions.
At QS solutions, he was able to start implementing project management software for Microsoft. And that had his interest, because he realized all too well that Microsoft could make faster and better developments with its software than his previous employer. He has since built up a wealth of knowledge in making the best use of tools such as Project Online and Power BI.
Marcel’s work actually encompasses three roles: he is a project manager, Power BI specialist and trainer. Which role he likes best? “I like all three equally! It’s precisely the variety that attracts me.” He starts the day in Teams and Outlook to go through his day, answer chats and emails and plan activities.
He schedules his own time and has a lot of independence and responsibility, providing training at client sites, consulting with client project managers, updating on the status of his projects and discussing any issues that arise. Especially the latter means that he sometimes has to adjust his schedule. That is part of the job and he is flexible enough for that.
“Work and personal life I basically keep separate.”
at the end of his workday, the switch basically goes off and there is time for relaxation. Then he watches some TV or plays a computer game. On weekends, he can regularly be found on his mountain bike in the Veluwe. “I have bruised some ribs on occasion, yes,” he says with a laugh. All the more reason to keep work and home separate and clear his head.
His tasks as project manager come easily to Marcel thanks to years of experience and routine. He effortlessly keeps control of ‘his’ projects when it comes to budgets, planning and finding solutions. This is the reason why customers are only too happy to work with him!
Marcel is also a true expert on Project Online, Microsoft’s powerful project management tool. He knows the tool inside out and knows exactly which settings and configuration work best. For every client for whom insight into projects and resource capacity is crucial, he makes sure that the tool’s set-up fits seamlessly with their wishes and working methods. In this way, he helps them gain more control and overview.
In addition, as a Power BI specialist, Marcel is regularly called in by organizations that are in danger of losing their overview due to an abundance of management information. He knows how to translate their need for insight into precisely those visual dashboards and reports that convert relevant data from all corners of the organization into meaningful information. This way, decision makers always have the data insights at hand to make the right choices.
Marcel likes the variety between his roles as project manager, consultant and trainer. What particularly attracts him is transferring knowledge so that users can work independently with the tools. For example, he regularly gives Project Online workshops for project managers and resource managers at customer sites. In these workshops he discusses the requirements and wishes and advises how these can be realized in Project Online.
“People want to want to learn how to use a particular tool, and the best part is seeing them grow in their skills.”
One challenge he regularly encounters is that customers have unrealistic expectations about what is technically possible, such as extensive links between systems. Marcel then explains, for example, that it is often more efficient to combine different data sources into one overview in Power BI.
For organizations that want to implement Project Online or Power BI, Marcel advises first to properly identify the requirements and wishes. The next step is a phased plan of action, in which the most important functionalities are implemented in the first phase.
“Involve end users early in the process so they feel ownership of the new tools. That way they embrace the change faster,”
“Involve end users early in the process so they feel ownership of the new tools. That way they embrace the change faster,” Marcel said. He also emphasizes the importance of training to familiarize teams with the new ways of working. With his years of expertise and practical approach, Marcel helps organizations make the most of tools such as Project Online and Power BI. The result? More efficient projects and better decision-making based on data.
“I would definitely recommend a job at QS solutions! There are endless development opportunities, so you can make all kinds of steps in your career within the organization.
Moreover, we have a really nice team. Everyone has their own responsibilities and works independently, but at the same time there is a lot of cooperation and we learn from each other. And, also important: we have a pragmatic approach. Of course we consult where necessary, but certainly not too often! I find it a really nice workplace. ”
Would you also like to work at QS solutions? Let us know! We have vacancies in various teams, both for IT experts and cybersecurity experts as well as enthusiastic juniors without relevant experience. We would love to tell you about the possibilities!
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