🧭 Professional Overview
📘 Who I Am & What I Do
Grey Thread is a multidisciplined systems specialist operating at the intersection of industrial engineering, finance, executive support, and IT infrastructure. With a career shaped by hands-on expertise and cross-functional leadership, he designs, integrates, and maintains intelligent systems that bridge hardware, software, and business logic. Grey Thread delivers turnkey automation projects, ensures financial and regulatory compliance as being a registered tax practitioner, he manages core business operations with executive-level trust, and continues to support and evolve digital infrastructure with a deep-rooted foundation in computing. Whether building industrial application on edge devices or reconciling multi-entity financial reports, he thrives in complex environments that require analytical depth, technical fluency, and operational reliability.
Section 1 – Skillsets
🧭 1. Industrial Control Engineering
📘 Skill Summary
Grey Thread is a highly versatile Industrial Control Systems Specialist with a proven track record in delivering reliable, innovative, and field-tested automation solutions. With a deep working knowledge across multiple PLC and HMI platforms, including Allen Bradley (Micro800, MicroLogix, ControlLogix), Siemens (S7-300, Logo!), and Schneider (Modicon, Magelis), he has developed and reverse-engineered complete control applications that integrate both modern and legacy infrastructure.
From panel wiring and network cabling to advanced protocol conversions, Grey Thread brings a strong combination of hands-on implementation and high-level troubleshooting ability. He has supported the full project lifecycle — from component selection, EPLAN drafting, and VSD configuration, through to factory acceptance testing, on-site commissioning, and remote diagnostics. Many of these solutions have been delivered internationally, acting as both a technical lead and brand ambassador in cross-border commissioning efforts.
In terms of systems integration, Grey Thread has successfully deployed various applications using proprietary tools and opensource tools . Through these applications that he has build, he bridges real-time data between industrial hardware and modern data visualization tools like Grafana, enabling end-to-end operational insight for both engineers and managers.
A strong analytical thinker, Grey Thread excels at data interpretation to support decision-making across technical and management layers. He has also built full simulation environments to prototype and validate control logic before field deployment — ensuring interoperability and reducing commissioning risk.
Though he often operates independently, Grey Thread also trains technicians, writes procedures, and provides hands-on support to internal teams, partners, and clients. Areas for further development include improving documentation habits and formalized training delivery — both of which are active focuses for professional growth.
📊 Refined Skills Table
| Ref | Skill Area | Level | Emoji |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | PLC Programming | Proficient | 🤖 |
| 1.2 | HMI Programming | Proficient | 🖥️ |
| 1.3 | Electrical Schematics | Intermediate | 🧾 |
| 1.4 | Factory Acceptance Testing | Proficient | 📋 |
| 1.5 | Part Selection & Procurement | Proficient | 🛒 |
| 1.6 | Middleware & Integration | Intermediate | 🔄 |
| 1.7 | Protocol Conversion | Proficient | 🔌 |
| 1.8 | VSD Drive Configuration | Inter/Prof | ⚙️ |
| 1.9 | Circuit Board Design | Beginner | 🧩 |
| 1.10 | Panel & Network Cabling | Intermediate | 🔧 |
| 1.11 | Protection Equipment Programming | Proficient | 🛡️ |
| 1.12 | Low-Level Communication | Intermediate | 📡 |
| 1.13 | Remote Support | Proficient | 🧠 |
| 1.14 | User Education | Beginner | 🗣️ |
| 1.15 | Technician Training | Beginner | 👨🔧 |
| 1.16 | Data Analytics & Interpretation | Proficient | 📊 |
| 1.17 | Embedded Systems Modification | Intermediate | 🔧🧠 |
✅ Expanded Responsibilities & Highlights
🧠 Control Systems Engineering — Custom automation solutions using Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider; includes upgrades and reverse engineering.
🔌 Infrastructure Expertise — Panel design, wiring, comms cabling, I/O configuration, and protocol bridging.
🌐 Middleware & Integration — Node-RED, InfluxDB, OPC, and Linux ARM edge computing for industrial connectivity.
🛠️ Commissioning & Remote Diagnostics — Cross-border tech leadership, site setups, and escalated support resolution.
🧪 Simulation & Testing Environments — Built virtual plants for logic testing, interoperability checks, and fault simulations.
🧾 Schematics & Documentation — EPLAN conversion, iterative drafting, component selection participation, growing version control habits.
🎓 Training & Knowledge Transfer — On-site technician training, basic user instruction, internal knowledge sharing procedures.
🧭 2: IT Systems, Networking & Digital Integration
📘 Skill Summary
Grey Thread has a lifelong relationship with computing that began with early operating system installs and evolved into a career that spans technical support, network deployment, and systems integration. Having owned and operated an IT support business, he provided complete digital infrastructure support to residential, business, and corporate clients alike.
Skilled in assembling custom computer systems, performing clean Windows and Linux installations, configuring networks, and administering digital infrastructure, Grey Thread has remained a hands-on technical presence throughout their professional life. Experience includes advanced network topologies using Ubiquiti and Mikrotik equipment, remote support structures, and the development of web-integrated tools and services.
A strong advocate for AI as a support tool, Grey Thread understands both its strategic value and ethical limitations. With a goal to integrate AI meaningfully into business data workflows, he experiments with automation, API connections, and system synthesis across digital platforms.
While not a formally trained developer, Grey Thread has built many practical tools and integrations, maintaining a passion for programming and system logic that continues to influence ongoing projects with a programming history that spans from his younger childhood.
📊 Refined Skills Table
| Ref | Skill Area | Level | Emoji |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Computer Assembly & OS Installation | Proficient | 🖥️ |
| 2.2 | Windows & Linux System Setup | Proficient | 💽 |
| 2.3 | IT Technical Support & Client Services | Proficient | 🧰 |
| 2.4 | Home & Business Network Setup | Proficient | 🌐 |
| 2.5 | Firewall / Routing Config (Mikrotik) | Intermediate | 🔒 |
| 2.6 | Web Systems & Hosting | Intermediate | 🌍 |
| 2.7 | Software Integration & Automation | Intermediate | 🔁 |
| 2.8 | Programming (General) | Beginner–Passionate | 👨💻 |
| 2.9 | AI Tools & Workflow Integration | Skilled | 🤖 |
✅ Expanded Responsibilities & Highlights
🧰 IT Business Ownership — Delivered full-suite support to homes, businesses, and corporate clients. •
💽 Systems Expertise — Windows/Linux installation, recovery, and system rebuilding. •
🌐 Networking — Ubiquiti and Mikrotik-based P2P links, custom subnetting, basic VLAN/firewall logic. •
🌍 Web Infrastructure — Hosted websites, built API bridges, automated third-party workflows (e.g., WhatsApp Business integration). •
🤖 AI Practice — Utilizes AI tools to augment workflows while maintaining secure and ethical boundaries. •
🔁 Digital Automation — Custom systems built to solve repetitive or manual workflow problems. •
👨💻 Code Hobbyist — Numerous project-based scripts, tools, and integrations with ongoing ambition toward software product development
🧭* 3: Accounting, Taxation & Financial Operations
📘 Skill Summary
Grey Thread brings extensive experience in financial control, tax compliance, and accounting operations. As a Registered Tax Practitioner since 2021, he manages submissions, reporting, reconciliation, and documentation of financial transactions for both personal and corporate entities.
Equipped with strong capabilities in Microsoft Excel, Xero, QuickBooks, and Pastel, he also designs custom accounting tools and integrates third-party APIs for automated bookkeeping. Responsibilities span VAT returns, PAYE, income tax, payroll document preparation, and financial reconciliation workflows.
📊 Refined Skills Table
| Ref | Skill Area | Level | Emoji |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Tax Practitioner Registration | Active | 📅 |
| 4.2 | Staff Oversight (Finance & Admin) | Intermediate | 👥 |
| 4.3 | Credit & Expense Oversight | Intermediate | 💳 |
| 4.4 | Procurement Strategy & Forecasting | Skilled | 🔍 |
| 4.5 | Microsoft Excel | Advanced | 📊 |
| 4.6 | Accounting Platforms | Proficient | 🧾 |
| 4.7 | Financial Document Generation | Proficient | 📄 |
| 4.8 | Manual & Scripted Data Capture | Skilled | 💻 |
| 4.9 | Vendor Integrations (APIs) | Intermediate | 🔌 |
| 4.10 | Project Spend Tracking | Intermediate | 🛒 |
| 4.11 | Tax & Compliance Submissions | Skilled | 🧮 |
| 4.12 | Custom Accounting Tools | Skilled | 🛠️ |
| 4.14 | Document Archiving Systems | Skilled | 📑 |
✅ Expanded Responsibilities & Highlights
📅 Registered Tax Practitioner — VAT, PAYE, and income tax compliance since 2021, SARS experience predating from 2012. •
🧾 Accounting Systems — Proficient in Pastel, Xero, QuickBooks with multi-industry exposure. •
💳 Credit & Finance Oversight — Tracks over 30 cards; cost center allocation and controls. •
📄 Financial Document Control — Generates reports, reconciliations, and audit-ready statements. •
📑 Documentation Discipline — Maintains digital/physical archives and traceable records. •
🔌 Tool & API Integration — Connects systems for automation in document/data flows. •
📊 Custom Excel & Financial Models — Builds workflows and predictive tools.
🧭* 4: Business Operations & Executive Support
📘 Skill Summary
In addition to technical and financial expertise, Grey Thread brings direct operational and executive experience within business environments. Having served as a trusted proxy and administrative lead for executive staff, he has supported everything from procurement cycles to sensitive stakeholder representation.
He regularly interfaces with company leadership, manages clerical staff, and handles benefit fund administration, project purchasing, documentation control, and planning processes for various business units. This includes forecasting, access control, and managing high-level correspondence under Power of Attorney authority.
📊 Refined Skills Table
| Ref | Skill Area | Level | Emoji |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Executive Assistance & Proxy | Trusted | 👤 |
| 3.2 | Project Purchasing Coordination | Proficient | 🛒 |
| 3.3 | Forecasting & Fund Timing | Skilled | 🔮 |
| 3.4 | Document & Operational Oversight | Proficient | 📂 |
| 3.5 | Staff Canteen / Benefit Admin | Skilled | 🍴 |
| 3.6 | PO / Invoice Reconciliation | Skilled | 📑 |
| 3.7 | Vendor & Contract Engagement | Intermediate | 📦 |
| 3.8 | Business Communication & Compliance | Trusted | 🧾 |
✅ Expanded Responsibilities & Highlights
👤 Executive Support & Proxy Representation — Power of Attorney engagements and sensitive matters.
📑 Administrative Oversight — Directs procurement tracking, PO verification, and invoice matching.
🛒 Role-Based Procurement — Matches purchasing to operational needs, across multiple domains.
🔮 Project Spend Forecasting — Works with finance to stage funding aligned with project timelines.
🍴 Canteen Benefit Management — Tracks fund allocations for operational amenities.
📂 Document Custodian — Maintains delivery notes, quotes, Forex receipts, and formal documentation.
📦 Strategic Vendor Comparison — Compares supplier offers against history to optimize contracts.
Section 2 – Notable Projects
⚡️ 120kV Switchyard Deployment for Remote Mining Operation
Year: 2012
Industry: Mining
Client Type: International Mining Operation (Undisclosed)
Role: Site Manager, Camp Manager, Company Representative, Civils Coordinator, PLC/HMI/Protection Programmer
Technologies Used: PanelView Plus 7, Allen Bradley Micro850 PLC, Siemens Protection Relays, Custom ASCII-Based GSM SMS Controller
Objective:
Establish and commission a fully operational 120kV switchyard for a remote mining operation in a foreign African country. Scope included civil oversight, electrical integration, communications setup, and complete site management — delivering first-time grid access to the mine.
Key Contributions:
· Coordinated logistics, staff travel, and material imports between local and foreign jurisdictions
· Managed onsite construction and daily operations of a remote project camp
· Installed and configured VSAT network for site connectivity
· Programmed HMI (PanelView Plus 7) and PLC logic (Micro850) for substation operations
· Developed and deployed a custom GSM-based SMS notifier using ASCII communication for fault/event alerts
· Programmed Siemens protection relays to support proper fault handling and electrical safety
· Led commissioning and managed full site demobilization after handover
Outcome:
The mine received stable grid power for the first time, significantly expanding operational capacity. Project was completed successfully and remains in active use.
📊 Weighbridge & Hopper Control System for Asphalt Plant
Year: 2014, 2017
Industry: Road Infrastructure
Client Type: Government-Operated Asphalt Facility (Undisclosed)
Role: Software Developer, Project Coordinator
Technologies Used: Allen Bradley Micro800, CompactLogix, RSLogix/Studio 5000, DeviceNet, ModbusTCP, ModbusRTU, ASCII, RSLinx, SQL Server 2012, Visual Studio (C#), Microsoft Access, FactoryView Studio
Objective:
Develop a cost-effective, integrated solution to manage weighbridge ticketing, traffic flow, and automated hopper dispensing logic tied to asphalt batching requirements.
Key Contributions:
· Designed and programmed the core application in Visual Studio (C#) with backend SQL Server integration
· Developed a middleware layer that connected RSLinx to a SQL database, continuously reading tag values and storing them in SQL Server for real-time and historical data tracking
· Integrated ticketing and weight capture with Microsoft Access for front-end user interaction
· Revised communication method to incorporate new drives via DeviceNet for proper hopper recipe management
· Coordinated hardware-to-software integration with field devices and sensors
· Refined a pre-existing SCADA interface using FactoryView Studio to enhance usability and functionality
· Developed a secondary PC interface for direct hopper-weighbridge interaction, improving operational visibility and control.
Outcome:
Successfully deployed system remains operational as of 2025, streamlining operations and replacing legacy manual processes with a reliable digital solution, system has seen various stages of requests for improvement over time in which i have been supporting them to improve integration.
🔌 36-Pulse Drive System Upgrade and Master Control Integration
Year: 2017 (Expanded 2023)
Industry: Metals and Metal Products Manufacturing
Client Type: Industrial Processing Plant (Undisclosed)
Role: Software Developer, Systems Control Engineer, Electrical Designer, On-Site Installer
Technologies Used: ABB Advant Master, Schneider Modicon M340, Schneider Magelis HMI, Unity Pro, Vijeo Designer, ModbusTCP, Adroit Scada, MOXA Device Gateways, EPLAN,
Objective:
Upgrade legacy PLC systems controlling three synchronized electrical power conversion units (36-pulse diode/thyristor rectification systems) into a unified master control architecture. Replace outdated mimic panels with dedicated HMIs and fully redraw electrical schematics and control flow diagrams. A critical part of the objective was to design and utilize a custom-built physical simulation panel to test and validate all control logic under representative operational conditions before live deployment. Ensure live, phased implementation without disrupting plant operations. A strict control envelope of ±100A was maintained across the combined 64kA control setpoint which was later expanded to 72kA
Key Contributions:
· Programmed new PLC and HMI logic using Modicon M340, Vijeo Designer, and Unity Pro to unify control of three power systems,
· Redesigned and redrew all electrical schematics and logic flow diagrams using EPLAN
· Participated in physical installation and testing during live plant conditions, managing progressive system switchover
· Built and validated a simulation panel to model operational states and test control logic before deployment
· Supported control tuning to maintain synchronization and ensure current control precision within 100A variance at full load
· In 2023, integrated a fourth system using MOXA gateways to translate between incompatible protocols and maintain real-time control integrity with legacy components
Outcome:
All control systems were successfully unified under a modern architecture without requiring plant downtime. Final system supports four independently-originating systems within tight current control tolerances. System remains in use with scalable interface for further expansions.
💧 Dynamic Dewatering Pump Control System
Year: 2019
Industry: Mining
Client Type: Mining Operation (Undisclosed)
Role: Programmer
Technologies Used: Siemens Step 7, TIA Portal WinCC, Danfoss Drives, Profinet
Objective:
Develop a dynamic flow control system that coordinates water removal across mining areas by controlling three Danfoss VSDs and integrating real-time feedback into PLC and HMI logic. Designed to operate over Profinet with fully automated PID control for variable flow demand.
Key Contributions:
· Programmed the PLC logic in Siemens Step 7 and configured real-time control through TIA Portal WinCC
· Set up and tuned PID control loops for dynamic flow regulation across Danfoss Drives
· Established Profinet communication between PLC, drives, and bin-level feedback systems
· Integrated all components into a unified control and monitoring interface for operational personnel
Outcome:
System enabled intelligent, demand-based dewatering control. Improved energy efficiency and operational responsiveness while supporting long-term maintenance visibility and fault management.
⚙️ Rectification Substation Projects
Year: 2016–Present
Industry: Not Disclosed
Client Type: Not Disclosed
Role: Programming and Commissioning Lead, PLC Programmer, Network Programmer, Remote Support Technician, HMI Developer, Systems Integrator, Software Developer
Technologies Used: Various PLC and HMI platforms (not disclosed), Custom Tooling, Networked Control Systems
Objective:
Design, program, and deploy multiple high-capacity rectification substations for use in undisclosed environments. Involved in the complete lifecycle from hardware manufacturing to schematic drawings, electrical integration, and software control development.
Key Contributions:
· Took lead role in PLC programming, HMI development, and network logic setup
· Acted as remote support technician post-deployment, ensuring long-term uptime and troubleshooting
· Involved from manufacturing to deployment — supported drawing creation, wiring validation, and system QA
· Handled all integration tasks independently, despite ambiguous specifications and limited initial guidance
Outcome:
Successfully brought multiple substations online as functional control units with reliable performance. Project involvement continues whilst new technical milestones are reach; systems remain in operations.
Section 3 – Software Toolbox
🧠 Summary Philosophy:
Software to me is not just a tool, but an enabler — a bridge between concept and execution. I adopt what works, adapt what doesn’t, and never hesitate to learn something new when the need arises. My strength lies in practical application and intuitive understanding, not just certifications or theoretical depth. Whether I am coding a tool, configuring a network, or setting up a virtual server, I believe in functional clarity and sustainable solutions. I do not fear complexity — I approach it with curiosity and confidence.
🧠 Emerging Direction:
In recent years, I have begun integrating local AI models and “second brain” principles into my workflow. I am actively exploring and building with tools such as LM Studio, Cherry Studio, and Ollama. My goal is to create intelligent, responsive systems that operate on internal networks — serving both business and personal knowledge frameworks. This journey reflects my drive to fuse insight, privacy, and automation into functional infrastructure.
🧠 Control & Automation Platforms
| Software | Purpose | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000 | Programming and configuration for Allen Bradley PLCs (excluding Micro800) | Proficient |
| FactoryView ME & SE | HMI development for PanelView Plus 7 and general SCADA setup | Proficient |
| Connected Components Workbench | Configuration of Micro800 PLCs and PanelView Component HMIs | Proficient |
| Siemens Step 7 & TIA Portal WinCC | PLC programming and HMI design for Siemens platforms | Skilled (requires refresher to regain proficiency) |
| Schneider Unity Pro & Vijeo Designer | Control and HMI logic development for Schneider systems | Skilled (required refresher to regain proficiency) |
| Adroit SCADA | SCADA system for process visualization | Beginner (basic implementation capability) |
| Undisclosed Linux soft-PLC | Custom Linux-based PLC deployment and auto-boot configuration | Proficient |
| Node-RED | Middleware and logic-based integration for industrial systems | Intermediate (used in multiple automation flows) |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
My automation expertise is built on solving real-world problems in complex environments. I’m comfortable diving deep into undocumented systems, bridging gaps between hardware and software, and creatively deploying logic across mixed platforms. The goal is always operational reliability — not just elegance. | | |
🔌 Communication Protocols & Middleware
| Protocol / Tool | Purpose | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| General Network Proficiency | Ethernet-based inspection, coms port analysis, bitwise data interpretation | Basic Skilled |
| ModbusTCP / ModbusRTU | Communication with industrial equipment over Ethernet/serial networks | Proficient |
| Profinet | Real-time industrial Ethernet protocol used in Siemens environments | Basic Proficiency |
| DeviceNet | Device-level fieldbus communication (e.g., IO modules, drives) | Basic Proficiency |
| OPC (General) | Common SCADA/PLC interface protocol | Basic Proficiency |
| Gateway Devices (MOXA, IDX, HMS, Robustel, ADAM) | Bridging between protocols, remote IO, cellular fallback, edge applications | Skilled (implemented in permanent applications) |
💻 Development & Programming Languages
| Language / Tool | Purpose | Proficiency / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Studio (C#) | Desktop application for weighbridge + data middleware | Skilled (functional projects completed) |
| SQL Server (T-SQL) | Real-time/historical data tracking, backend services | Skilled |
| Microsoft Access (VBA) | Front-end interface and logic layer for industrial workflows | Skilled |
| Python / Bash | Automation, simulation logic, Linux interfacing | Intermediate (informal use, practical application) |
| Batch / PowerShell | Service control, Windows scripting, automation | Intermediate |
| HTML / CSS / JS / PHP | Simple dashboards, web interfaces, integration points | Beginner (informal, basic working knowledge) |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
No formal programming training. Developed skills from a young age through informal projects and needs-based learning. Often uses AI tools to assist with syntax, logic, and concept expansion. Willing to “vibe code” solutions well beyond initial comfort zone when required — driven by problem-solving rather than credentials.
🌍 Web, Hosting & Integration
| Tool / Stack | Purpose | Proficiency / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Hosted Web Stacks | Hosting dashboards, services, and integrated apps on Windows/Linux | Skilled (multi-platform deployment) |
| Hosting Setup and Support (VPS & Shared) | Setup and maintenance of customer web services, application and resource planning | Skilled |
| WordPress / WooCommerce | Website creation, eCommerce setup, client launch support. | Skilled (multiple deployments and client setups) |
| API Integration (Meta / WhatsApp / 360 Dialogue / Response.io) | Bridging marketing platforms and internal comms | Basic Skilled (client-facing and live deployments) |
| Linux Web Server Setup | Internal tools, self-hosted dashboards using NGINX/Apache | Intermediate (stable, practical deployments) |
| Basic Web Languages (HTML/CSS/JS/PHP) | Simple UI/UX adjustments, frontend prototyping | Beginner (used in support of platform setups) |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
Have supported multiple businesses in launching their digital marketing presence from scratch. Enjoy blending web services and communications platforms into coherent, purpose-driven systems. Practical experience outweighs formal certification in this domain.
🏋️ Data & Visualization
| Tool / Stack | Purpose | Proficiency / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Grafana | Real-time industrial data visualization, trend analysis | Skilled (custom dashboards, time-series setup) |
| InfluxDB | Time-series database for logging, telemetry, and historical analysis | Skilled (used with industrial systems) |
| Excel (Advanced Use) | Structured reporting, document management systems. | Skilled |
| Power BI | Data modeling, chart design, operational dashboards, financial breakdowns | Skilled (interpreted and visualized large data sets) |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
My visualization efforts are driven by the need to provide insight, not just display data. Whether financial, operational, or diagnostic — the goal is clarity. Visualization tools are chosen to serve the audience, whether engineers or executives. Data should speak simply, without needing translation.
💾 Office, Financial & Reporting Tools
| Tool / Platform | Purpose | Proficiency / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, macros, and data workflows | Advanced (core tool for financial operations) |
| Pastel Accounting | Bookkeeping, invoicing, and multi-entity financial handling | Proficient (used in official capacity) |
| Xero / QuickBooks | Business accounting, tax integration, and vendor reconciliation | Proficient (ongoing business support role) |
| SimplePay / Sage Payroll | Payroll processing, payslips, leave and tax submissions management | Proficient (managed staff and monthly cycles) |
| SARS eFiling | Official tax submissions (VAT, PAYE, income tax) | Skilled (Registered Tax Practitioner since 2021) |
| Custom Excel Tools | Scripted/templated capture, custom reporting engines | Skilled (built specific tools for clients/self) |
| Document Archiving Systems | Digitized traceable records, audit support | Skilled (used across projects and business units) |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
Financial tools are not just about compliance — they are essential for clarity, planning, and control. My experience blends formal tools like Pastel/Xero with custom-built tracking systems, allowing flexible control over financial workflows. The focus is always on transparent, audit-ready structures that support business operations.
🔧 System Tools & Technical Support
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
I’ve always treated systems as ecosystems — interdependent and often unpredictable. My comfort lies in knowing where to look, how to recover, and when to script a fix. Tools are extensions of the workflow, not distractions from it.
🏭 Design, CAD & Manufacturing Support
| Tool / Platform | Purpose | Proficiency / Context |
|---|---|---|
| EPLAN | Electrical schematic drafting and control panel layouts | Intermediate (historic use, functional operator level) |
| TurboCAD / SolidWorks | Basic design adjustments, enclosure layouts, simple part modeling | Beginner (occasional adjustments only) |
| EasyEDA | PCB design and layout for personal electronics projects | Beginner (early-stage use in custom project work) |
| LightBurn | Laser cutter control software, design adjustments, job preparation | Intermediate (proficient operator-level skill) |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
Though not a formal mechanical designer, I often work hands-on with tools required to prototype, visualize, or adjust components and control hardware. These skills support my automation and electrical work — bridging the gap between schematic logic and physical implementation.
🧠 AI Tools & Cognitive Infrastructure
| Tool / Platform | Purpose | Proficiency / Context |
|---|---|---|
| LM Studio | Local LLM runtime for open-weight models (e.g., Mistral, LLaMA) | Beginner (actively testing and iterating) |
| Cherry Studio | Lightweight GPT-based assistant environment for personal systems | Beginner (integrating with local workflows) |
| Ollama | Terminal-based model management and execution (supports embeddings, APIs) | Beginner (running models and scripting wrappers) |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
I’m building toward a “second brain” architecture — intelligent systems that understand my workflows, integrate with local infrastructure, and protect data sovereignty. These tools are used not as experiments, but as the building blocks of intelligent internal systems that align with my work ethic and privacy values.
🎨 Graphic Design Software
| Tool / Platform | Purpose | Proficiency / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe InDesign | Book publication, layout, typesetting | Past Proficiency (published full sports organization book) |
| Adobe Photoshop | Web graphics, image editing | Past Proficiency (not used in recent 7+ years) |
| Adobe Illustrator | Logo creation, vector illustration | Past Proficiency (basic use in past projects) |
| CorelDRAW | Basic graphic layout and vector design | Basic Proficiency |
| Affinity Designer | Modern graphic design tool (ongoing learning) | Beginner |
🧠 Personal Context & Philosophy:
Previously engaged in layout and branding work tied to web development and print. Though no longer in regular use, these tools represent a valuable past skillset that can still be tapped into when needed.
Section 4 – Qualifications
🎓 EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
**📜 Registered Tax Technician (SA)™
**Recognition of Prior Learning, 2021
Formally recognized as a Tax Technician by the South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT) through the RPL pathway, based on verifiable practical experience and professional conduct.
**🎓 National Senior Certificate
**Pro Arte Alphen Park, 2007
Subjects: Afrikaans (1st Language), English (2nd Language), Business Economics, Computyping, Speech and Drama, History of Theatre, Costume and Literature.
**🎓 Small Business Practice N2 (NIC)
**Damlin College (Correspondence), 2004
Subjects: Applied Accounting, Computer Practice and Typing Technique, Business Practice, Economic and Legal Environment, Business English, Sake Afrikaans.
**🧠 Experiential & Informal Learning
**Learning began at an early age — building computers alongside his father and assisting with financial administration in the family business from primary school with his mother. Over the decades, this foundation evolved into advanced, self-directed competency across industrial automation, digital infrastructure, and financial operations. Skills have been developed through project-based application, professional mentorship, and continuous problem-solving — not traditional coursework.