Austin L. Howard

Description:

Our team at Heartland embarked on a mission to modernize our operational reporting processes. With a small but dedicated team, we developed an automated pipeline to gather and process data from various sources, including field sites and public databases.

Our solution empowered field operators to make manual edits within a structured approval framework, eliminating redundant tasks and ensuring data accuracy. We also created a dynamic reporting portal using PowerBI, accessible to both field operators and headquarters staff, with enhanced security measures in place so the right information got to the right people.

Through our efforts, we saved significant time and resources equivalent to one senior full-time employee, while enhancing data integrity and providing timely insights for decision-makers. Our project marks a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven future for Heartland.

Technologies Used:

Description:

I spearheaded the design and implementation of a data extraction pipeline leveraging cutting-edge technologies to integrate our Management of Change (MOC) and incident tracking system within VelocityEHS into our in-house data warehouse. Utilizing web scraping techniques, ODATA connectors, and Azure Function Apps, we seamlessly integrated our operational data into the warehouse.

This initiative not only streamlined our MOC and incident management processes but also resulted in significant cost savings. By eliminating the need for manual data requests and report improvements to the VelocityEHS developers, we saved over $5,000 in annual fees. Moreover, our solution enhanced operational efficiency and data accuracy by replacing many manual tasks, empowering our HSSE and operations teams to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Technologies Used:

Description:

At Heartland, our commitment to innovation led us to explore new technologies to enhance our web app development process. Transitioning from Vue.js to Blazor presented an opportunity to streamline development while aligning with our existing C# infrastructure, all while improving process for the front office finance team.

In this project, I took the lead in designing and developing Heartland's first Blazor web app, with the invaluable support of a junior developer. Our primary objective was to reduce reliance on existing Excel spreadsheets and modernize the experience by creating a finance web app (built-in Blazor webassembly) that seamlessly integrated essential features such as SAML SSO with Azure Entra, PowerBI for reporting, live SQL database access, and in-app data entry with approval chains.

Within just 3-4 weeks, we delivered a working demo that greatly improved our finance reporting process. By automating tasks and reducing manual effort, our web app slashed reporting time by an average of 4 days per month. This transformation not only enhanced efficiency but also empowered our finance team with timely, accurate insights for decision-making.

While this project marked a significant milestone as Heartland's first Blazor web app, its true impact lies in its impact on the front office finance teams' reporting processes, setting a new standard for our organizational teams.

Technologies Used:

Description:

At Heartland Generation, I led the design and implementation of an end-to-end solution for payroll automation, targeting Heartlands fleet of vehicles. This comprehensive solution included a locked Excel application for streamlined data entry, a SharePoint site for secure data hosting, and an Azure Logic App for seamless data ingestion and processing.

By automating the vehicle log book reporting process, our solution resulted in significant time savings for the field operations team, eliminating the need to copy data across multiple spreadsheets. Specifically, we achieved over one full week of time savings every month, allowing the team to focus on more strategic initiatives and enhancing operational efficiency.

This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation and efficiency, leveraging existing technology to streamline processes and drive tangible business outcomes. By implementing this payroll automation solution, we have not only saved valuable time and resources but also empowered our teams to work smarter and more effectively.

Technologies Stack:

Description:

The core objective of this endeavor was to revamp the end-to-end process of developing, testing, and deploying mobile applications; specifically the ATB Personal mobile app. Leveraging a combination of cutting-edge technologies and best practices, I orchestrated a comprehensive overhaul of the development pipeline. By harnessing Python, TeamCity, and Octopus Deploy, I, with the help and approval of our manager, engineered automated workflows that seamlessly integrated with our existing cloud infrastructure, ensuring rapid and reliable deployment of mobile applications across various platforms.

Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including mobile app developers, quality assurance specialists, and project managers, I meticulously analyzed existing workflows to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies for everyone. Through iterative refinement and optimization, I implemented CI/CD automation processes that accelerated the delivery of new features and updates while maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability.

This project yielded tangible results, including significant reductions in deployment times, improved code quality, and enhanced collaboration among team members. By driving innovation in mobile app development practices, I contributed to ATB Financial's ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers, thereby positioning the organization for sustained growth and success in the digital landscape.

Technologies Used:

Description:

Pembina Pipelines engaged WBM Technologies to streamline its onboarding process, which was labor-intensive and prone to errors due to its manual nature. As an Infrastructure Analyst at WBM, I collaborated with a senior resource from Pembina's Infrastructure team to address this challenge. Our goal was to develop a PowerShell script capable of automating the provisioning of Active Directory (AD) and Azure Active Directory (AAD) components, as well as server permissions, within their hybrid environment.

Over the course of six months, we meticulously crafted a script that seamlessly integrated with Pembina's onboarding form in ServiceNow. Once a provisioning task was initiated, our script would swiftly execute, auto-provisioning the necessary resources based on the information provided. This automation significantly reduced the onboarding time, saving approximately three hours of work per onboard. By leveraging technology to automate these processes, we not only enhanced efficiency but also mitigated the risk of human error, ultimately improving the overall onboarding experience for Pembina Pipelines.

Technologies Used:

Description:

As an Advanced Technologies Assistant at SaskTel, I spearheaded a project aimed at optimizing the layout and functionality of the "experimental" server room. Tasked by senior engineers, I meticulously crafted Visio diagrams to map out the server racks and T1 lines patch wall, enabling us to identify inefficiencies and strategically relocate equipment. In addition to creating comprehensive wiring diagrams, I physically reorganized servers to establish a more streamlined and organized environment. Throughout the process, I manually reconfigured networking settings on servers and switches to accommodate their new rack and switch connections, ensuring seamless operation of the infrastructure. Ultimately, this project enhanced the efficiency and functionality of SaskTel's experimental server room, facilitating smoother experimentation with custom routers and modems.

Technologies Used:

Description:

During my tenure as a civilian wireless communications engineer at the RCMP's F Division, I spearheaded the "Cross-Border P25 Interoperability" project in collaboration with US Border Control. Drawing on my expertise in radio technology, particularly with Harris P25 systems, I facilitated the seamless integration of Canadian and US emergency communication systems. This involved designing a custom PCB to bridge the gap between disparate technologies and overseeing the creation of a new radio tower along the border to serve both nations. Despite navigating stringent regulatory frameworks on both sides of the border, the project proved immensely rewarding as it bolstered safety measures and fostered cross-border collaboration in emergency response efforts. My contributions to this project underscored the vital role of innovative engineering in enhancing public safety and security, leaving a lasting impact on border communication infrastructure.

Technologies Used:

Description:

For my final project at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, I decided to build a weather balloon that measured the Pfozer maximum.

Typically speaking, this is something that space agencies will need to calculate when sending a rocket into space. The Pfotzer maximum is the maximum altitude that a rocket can reach before the ozone layer becomes too thin to protect the rocket from the sun's radiation.

For my attempt, I designed quite a bit, from the microcontroller firmware, to custom PCBs, to the camera gimbal and software, and even to the balloon's hardware structure itself. Through some extensive testing, I was able to integrate a Geiger counter, altimeter, and a few other sensors to the microcontroller, connect this to a cable that ran through the frame of the structure and acted as a long-range antenna, and transmit this information in real-time back to a custom built android app. Just to add some extra flair, I also added a camera and a custom designed gimbal that would take a constant video for retrieval after the apparatus landed.

While I had many struggles throughout my capstone project, ultimately I was able to create something I was truly proud of and ended up getting a 99% on this project cementing my 4.0 GPA and admission into the Deans Honor list for graduation.

Technologies Used: