For five years, Jan Willem Heuver has ensured that Heisterkamp’s IT systems run reliably and securely in the Netherlands and abroad in his role as system engineer. Working behind the scenes, he focuses daily on updates, security and innovation. In this interview, Jan Willem talks about his role, his motivation and the importance of forward thinking in IT.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do at Heisterkamp?
“My name is Jan Willem Heuver and I live in Almelo. I have been working at Heisterkamp for five years as a system engineer. In this role, I am responsible for managing and maintaining all IT systems and networks within Heisterkamp, both in the Netherlands and abroad.”
What does your role involve and what do you enjoy most about it?
“A large part of my work is keeping systems up to date. This includes carrying out updates, making sure everything is well secured and renewing or expanding systems when needed. IT is indispensable nowadays. When systems fail, it immediately has major consequences for the business. What I enjoy most is that I can constantly work with new technologies. At Heisterkamp we do not stick to ‘this works now so it is fine’. We actively look at new software and hardware and continue to innovate. That way of working really appeals to me.”
Can you share an example of projects you are proud of?
“Recently, we implemented a completely new server environment. New servers and configurations were set up to deliver better security as well as better performance. We also relocated the server environment between locations. It required a huge amount of work but the best part is that no one noticed anything. That is exactly what makes such a project successful.”
"The best part is when everything keeps running smoothly and no one notices how much work actually goes into it."- System Engineer
What motivates you in your work and what lesson have you learned from it?
“My motivation mainly comes from making sure everything keeps running so the business can operate without issues. IT forms the backbone of many processes and when everything works properly, colleagues can do their jobs without worry. An important lesson I have learned is to always think ahead carefully before making changes. What could be the consequences? Who might be affected? In my role, you cannot afford mistakes that cause systems to go down, so accuracy is essential.”
How would you describe yourself and who would you like to swap roles with for a day?
“I would describe myself as collegial, social and precise. If I could swap roles with someone within the company for a day, I would choose a driver. I am curious to see what their workday looks like and what challenges they face, especially in combination with the systems in the trucks. I also enjoy driving, so it would be a nice change of pace.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and what does your home situation look like?
“In my free time, I enjoy nature photography. Being outdoors, spending time in nature and clearing my head is what I enjoy most about it. Editing is part of the process, but the real pleasure for me lies in taking the photos and being outside. I also spend a lot of time with my family. I live with my wife and we have two children, a boy and a girl, aged 10 and 12. It is a fun and busy age, which means I have plenty to do at home alongside my work.”
Jan Willem’s workday soundtrack
🎧 Beautiful Day – U2
🎧 Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger – Daft Punk
🎧 Under Pressure – Queen
What advice would you give to a new colleague starting in your role?
“Take the time to really get to know the IT landscape. Within Heisterkamp it is quite complex because many systems are interconnected. Take notes, make things visual for yourself and ask focused questions. It takes time before you truly have a clear overview, but that is crucial to being able to do your job well.”
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