I graduated from Delft University of Technology in 1983 with a
degree in Mechanical Engineering - Measurement and Control
Technology & Cybernetic Ergonomics. During my first job, at
TNO, I noticed that automation in the process industry had advanced
so far that control room situations were 99% boredom and 1%
panic.
The interplay of systems, people and procedures often has a
significant impact on safety and performance - whether in a
production company, a traffic regulation system or a tunnel. So my
endless fascination for this topic was sparked; since then, I have
been able to acquire knowledge and experience with which systems
and operational organisations can be designed and tested.
After TNO, I worked for the NS engineering office. There, as
project component leader for VPT process management, I worked on a
very large automation project and, as a strategic advisor, on the
renovation of rail safety (BB21).
In 1997 I joined what was then called NS Traffic Management to
supervise this type of large development. In practice, I often had
a bridging function as a process manager - with a bridgehead in
technology and a bridgehead in the world of the organisations that
were to use the systems operationally (system users/operators,
maintenance personnel, situation-responders and fire
departments).
Over the course of time, I came to the conclusion that I could
fill this role best as an independent advisor. And that is what
happened in January 2000.
Working for the high-speed rail line "Zuid" was exceptionally
educational and unique. There, I was responsible for the
operational embedding of the entire project: from the moment of
contracting up to supporting the infrastructure provider in the
detail of the specifications. Then I oversaw the operational
testing with all the parties involved, including Infrabel and
finally I managed the transport system's robustness through the
pilot operation.
Only now do I realise how special it was to have been able to
work on all of this over the course of 10 years. The euphoria and
the frustrations, ministers coming and going, deadlines met or
otherwise, the alarming newspaper headlines, the milestones
celebrated, the very hard work, pioneering in this large DBFM
contract and the great solidarity in the project team.
Outside my work I have always painted, mainly abstract
landscapes. From 1990-1992 I worked part-time and could paint
intensively in my studio. I also held exhibitions then. That period
taught me that I am truly a people person and not suited to the
loneliness of the artist's life. |