How a Self-Proclaimed “Data Nerd” Manages over 100 Databases for Jacobs Solutions
What does it take to manage over 100 distinct databases, with plans to grow to 150? For a global leader like Jacobs Solutions, the answer is a powerful data management tool and a clear, forward-thinking strategy.
At the center of this operation is Michael Brittenberg, Jacobs Solutions’ Hach WIMs System Administrator. As a self-proclaimed "data nerd," he's passionate about leveraging technology to its fullest potential.
This is the story of that strategy. We'll explore how Jacobs Solutions uses Hach WIMS to establish unwavering confidence in their data today, their vision for building a future-ready operation, and the vital role the WIMS community plays in turning those plans into action.
The Foundation: Building Confidence with a Single Source of Truth
For any large organization, data chaos is a constant threat. With information flowing in from numerous facilities and processes, establishing a reliable, central hub is the first step toward building a data-driven culture. For Michael and the team at Jacobs Solutions, this is where Hach WIMS provides its foundational value.
"Hach WIMS allows us to organize the various parameters that we're trying to track throughout our various unit processes from one facility to the next, in a nice, neat manner," Michael explains.
By standardizing variables and centralizing information, Jacobs Solutions has transformed a chaotic web of data into an organized, accessible system. This stability gives them the confidence to not only meet their daily operational needs but also to leverage powerful reporting tools. "The reporting functions that are in WIMS are huge," he adds. "It allows us to do all kinds of reporting, summarizing data in various ways and doing it in a creative manner too."
This ability to create a single, reliable source of information is the cornerstone of their data strategy.
"WIMS is our source for all process and compliance data tracking."
- Michael Brittenberg, Hach WIMS System Administrator, Jacobs Solutions
The Vision: From a Backlog to a Future-Ready Roadmap
But a system this stable isn't just about managing the present; it's about enabling the future. For Michael, his extensive backlog isn't a burden: it's a strategic roadmap for innovation.
This forward-looking approach is a key part of how Jacobs Solutions plans to stay ahead. They aren't just using the system as is; they are actively identifying features that will drive the next wave of efficiency.
At the top of that wish list is Rio, the mobile data collection solution offered by Hach WIMS. Michael sees a clear return on investment by implementing it. "What that's going to end up doing is that's going to save time for operators so that they don't have to spend time entering data manually on a computer," he says.
A key part of Jacobs Solutions future-focused strategy is embracing mobile technology. In the video below, Michael shares his vision for expanding their capabilities with Rio.
The Community Advantage: Where Users Drive Innovation
A powerful tool like Hach WIMS is only as good as the expertise of its users. For Jacobs Solutions, the Hach WIMS National User Conference (NUC) is an integral part of their strategy, providing a unique environment where users learn to master the software and share practical knowledge from their experiences.
It’s a hub of collaborative problem-solving, where users from different organizations, even competitors, openly share what works. "We all have a lot of the same problems," Michael notes, emphasizing the value of the collected experience in the room. "It is really cool that everyone can just come together and provide solutions." This direct exchange of expertise is what makes the community an invaluable resource, helping users like Michael refine their roadmaps and discover new ways to leverage the software.
Conclusion: A Strategy Built on Confidence and Vision
Jacobs Solutions’ success with Hach WIMS isn't just about managing data—it's about building a strategy founded on confidence in a single source of truth and a clear vision for the future.
By empowering experts like Michael to tame complexity, Jacobs Solutions has created a foundation of stability that allows them to look ahead, innovate, and continuously improve their operations. For Jacobs Solutions, Hach WIMS is more than a tool; it's the engine for a data strategy that delivers efficiency today and a clear roadmap for tomorrow.
