Software hits the right spot for Enzo
What do a snare drum and a high hat have to do with software that improves KLM’s flight operations? At first sight very little, except for the fact that software engineer Enzo was a drummer at the conservatory and left to find his real passion. Funnily enough that turned out to be another creative profession. Developing software.
'I indeed started in a quite a different chair that what I am now seated in’, Enzo recollects. After school I went to the conservatory to study drumming, but I did not find my peace here. I then made the switch to Art and technique with film as my speciality. An important period in my life and it got me interested in programming. The subjects that occupied me were interesting, but I really enjoyed programming.
Software hits the right spot for Enzo
What do a snare drum and a high hat have to do with software that improves KLM’s flight operations? At first sight very little, except for the fact that software engineer Enzo was a drummer at the conservatory and left to find his real passion. Funnily enough that turned out to be another creative profession. Developing software.
'I indeed started in a quite a different chair that what I am now seated in’, Enzo recollects. After school I went to the conservatory to study drumming, but I did not find my peace here. I then made the switch to Art and technique with film as my speciality. An important period in my life and it got me interested in programming. The subjects that occupied me were interesting, but I really enjoyed programming.
Corporate impact
'The funny thing is that within the huge KLM I have always experienced the atmosphere of a start-up. This primarily being caused by a smart and young group of people. Despite the fact that we always start with a small team, it never feels like we are only a small bleep on the radar. We are working in a tool that optimizes schedules for the whole flight operation. Because of our software we can make improvements to the new schedules but also during the day of operation. For example; by implemented fuel conservative measures. But also, on the day of operation, with predictable delays – we can prevent frustration and costs being made. The atmosphere of a small tightknit group, but with the impact within a corporate business.'
'The network of KLM is big. There are multiple factors that influence the daily flight operations. Weather delays at an outstation, every changing bookings. Or a pandemic. It that sense, we will never be ready with the tool. There are constant requests for alternations and improvements. Our operation research consultants translate these requests to features and solutions with are possible within the tool. It’s then up to us to write a code. Perhaps not a huge challenge, but the art is to make sure that the code is stable and sustainable. That is where the challenge lies.'
'The network of KLM is big. There are multiple factors that influence the daily flight operations. Weather delays at an outstation, every changing bookings. Or a pandemic. It that sense, we will never be ready with the tool. There are constant requests for alternations and improvements. Our operation research consultants translate these requests to features and solutions with are possible within the tool. It’s then up to us to write a code. Perhaps not a huge challenge, but the art is to make sure that the code is stable and sustainable. That is where the challenge lies.'
Wild about airplanes
Enzo made 2 switches before he realized: I want to develop software. Enzo: 'At the time I started a small company and was able to taste the atmosphere of a small start-up. In hindsight, I had romanticized the image of a start-up. Pioneering is exciting, but with the lack of users it’s difficult to launch good ideas. Carefully I started orientating large companies and placed KLM as employer on spot nr 1. I had no idea what the technological background of KLM was, but I love planes. For it is important that I work on a project of which the product is interesting.'
'In 2019 I was invited for a job interview. During the interview I learnt about the software that KLM develops in order to improve its daily operations. The dynamics, airplanes and grandeur of Schiphol; the content of the job was also amazing. It really is cutting edge. KLM is the first airline to work with it and I wanted to be part of their development team.’
Wild about airplanes
Enzo made 2 switches before he realized: I want to develop software. Enzo: 'At the time I started a small company and was able to taste the atmosphere of a small start-up. In hindsight, I had romanticized the image of a start-up. Pioneering is exciting, but with the lack of users it’s difficult to launch good ideas. Carefully I started orientating large companies and placed KLM as employer on spot nr 1. I had no idea what the technological background of KLM was, but I love planes. For it is important that I work on a project of which the product is interesting.'
'In 2019 I was invited for a job interview. During the interview I learnt about the software that KLM develops in order to improve its daily operations. The dynamics, airplanes and grandeur of Schiphol; the content of the job was also amazing. It really is cutting edge. KLM is the first airline to work with it and I wanted to be part of their development team.’
Wery for being worthless
'If there is a request for a big change, such as integrating 2 fleets into 1 scheme, we first make a prototype including the translation of the questions from the business to functional features. It makes it possible to test the software quickly and make the necessary improvements. My experience is that an airline always has amazing challenges which makes our work interesting. An example: frequently there are more differences than similarities between different airlines. For example, to baggage allowance and how many seats per aircraft type. You need to take these factors into account, otherwise your solution is worthless.
Aware of his own enthusiasm Enzo relates: 'The projects are not all highflying dream projects. Sometimes I am just merely typing word documents so that we can decipher tables from SharePoint. The technology is not always exciting. I however really enjoy to structurally make improvements to our product. It has to be good. The route towards “good” is a creative process, where you can lose yourself. Quite similar to drumming.’
Wery for being worthless
'If there is a request for a big change, such as integrating 2 fleets into 1 scheme, we first make a prototype including the translation of the questions from the business to functional features. It makes it possible to test the software quickly and make the necessary improvements. My experience is that an airline always has amazing challenges which makes our work interesting. An example: frequently there are more differences than similarities between different airlines. For example, to baggage allowance and how many seats per aircraft type. You need to take these factors into account, otherwise your solution is worthless.
Aware of his own enthusiasm Enzo relates: “The projects are not all highflying dream projects. Sometimes I am just merely typing word documents so that we can decipher tables from SharePoint. The technology is not always exciting. I however really enjoy to structurally make improvements to our product. It has to be good. The route towards “good” is a creative process, where you can lose yourself. Quite similar to drumming.’