"Keeping lots of balls in the air." Our Chief Software Architect Michael Bürkle.
My name is Michael Bürkle and I'm originally from Stuttgart. I am 41 years young and have been working at S&P since 2013. How did my journey at S&P begin? I started as a project manager 10 years ago, during which time I managed exciting projects and gained valuable experience. But for me, progress also means always breaking new ground. Based on my many years of experience in the field of software development and architecture, I decided to shift my area of responsibility. Today, as Chief Software Architect, I am responsible for the area of software development at S&P and am allowed to help develop it.
Tinkering with the "perfect" (software) solution every day.
For me personally, there is no such thing as a "typical" working day. But if I had to name something as typical, it would be breakfast with my family in the morning. Once I get to the office, I get an overview of the emails and Slack messages I've received and plan the things I want to tackle or do during the day. Throughout the day, it's mainly about supporting our project teams with larger tasks, reviewing current developments and conducting job interviews and personnel interviews.
I also coordinate strategic matters with my colleague Markus, our Chief Technology Officer, in order to further develop our SuPCIS-L8 software. At least those are "MY plans".😉 Because anyone who knows the project business knows that the reality is often very different. Requests from customers in the team or other spontaneous tasks that need to be completed often completely restructure the day. Which brings us back to the topic, a "typical" working day is rather "atypical" in a way, which is what makes the whole thing so exciting. So it never gets boring.
There are always new challenges that need to be overcome and the logistics sector can be described in exactly the same way. From a distance, logistics is always the same: Parcels go into the warehouse and eventually come out again. However, the beauty of this industry usually remains invisible to outsiders. People interact with machines, the software solutions become "tangible and real" and create logistical processes that are fascinating. If you think about what logistics software actually has to achieve in reality, it is simply incredible what is behind it all. At the end of the day, the logistics software solution not only has to work, it also has to work quickly, efficiently and cleanly. I've been with S&P for 10 years now, but that feeling when our software solution goes live still gets the adrenaline flowing through my veins. And brings a smile to my face after successful completion.
S&Pas an employer
WhatI particularly appreciate about S&P as an employer is the family atmosphere and the great working atmosphere. Flat hierarchies - these are not just words, but a philosophy we live by. I think it's great that it's the people who work for and at S&P that count. Everyone is passionate about what they do. Cohesion and teamwork are very important.
I am particularly motivated by the fact that even after so many years of professional experience, I am still learning something new. Together with our demanding customers, we don't stand still, but are constantly evolving. In doing so, we sometimes take different paths - without losing our own corporate culture and DNA. I am sure it will remain exciting in the future. I am happy to be part of this team!
My tasks and areas of responsibility are varied. In my role as Chief Software Architect, it involves juggling many balls at the same time. Of course, this requires organizational talent. At the same time, you also need to be able to work under pressure, have stamina and empathy. However, it is no less important to listen, to be willing to familiarize yourself with (new) technologies and to think outside the box from time to time. In day-to-day business, short-term and rapid context changes are required, which in many cases are accompanied by decisions that need to be justified in a comprehensible manner. In my view, the qualities of a Chief Software Architect are rounded off by a quick grasp and the ability to assess the situation in the best possible way, to communicate things openly and to take colleagues along with you.
#Letstalkaboutyourhobby - Michael paragliding
I spend most of my free time with my wife and my three wonderful children. This is probably my greatest passion and helps me to switch off from time to time. It gives me fresh energy for my job and allows me to concentrate fully on the individual projects. I also enjoy doing sports, such as paragliding.
I started this hobby together with my brother and I have to say: I learned to live and love paragliding from the very beginning. When flying, I always experience unforgettable moments and at the same time have the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. Experiencing the feeling of boundless freedom is incredibly liberating and impressive at the same time. For a moment, you kind of escape your everyday life and forget everything around you. To land safely, I need stamina and confidence in myself - just like in my job. I have to admit that my hobby often gets far too little attention. But when I do manage to make time for it, I realize afterwards what I've been missing.
