K Bidd

Developer since 1994 and have worked on CRM, HR, OFS and Healthcare systems. Highly experienced programmer in Visual FoxPro, VB, c#.net, aspx .net, Windows Services, SQL Server (including SSIS, stored procedures, table triggers), VBA. Good understanding of windows and networking.

I started off in system testing, moved through to updating and maintaining existing systems, through to database architecture and design and have now to date designed and worked on the full life cycle of 4 systems - the last of which was also co-designed by myself in c#.net. I also have experience with Agile Scrum, TDD, Re-Sharper, XML (reading and writing). I find my work fulfilling and rewarding and am eager to better my understanding of the latest technologies.

Head Developer - Park Communications Ltd

(2018-04 - 2025-04)

Have overseen Parks move from a Foxpro based data work flow to a SQL based one. Engineered a database architecture to enable a more automated data processing flow. Created a Windows app to import clients data files into the newly developed database structure and manipulate and process their data with full integration of the MatchIt data matching and mailsortation suite.

Provided full training in the usage of this app to the data processing department. Helped to automise the prepress work flow using Enfocus Switch Workflow platform and integrating the Tharstern MIS system into it. Responsible for creating all necessary SQL stored procedures and functions required for the MIS Integration into online dashboards, reports for production, accounts, estimating and mailing departments and Specialist analytical information requested by the directors.

Data Processor - Park Communications Ltd

(2015-03 - 2018-04)

• using FoxPro to manipulate and prepare client data for variable data digital print; and creating variable data documents in Printshop Mail for Digital print and Flexi Mail for Inkjet jobs.
• Develop bespoke applications as and when required.
• Help Park to prepare for web to print work.

Software Developer - Tradewise Insurance

(2013-11 - 2014-09)

Joined as senior developer to contribute in converting a bespoke motor vehicle insurance system from VB6 to .NET in c#.

• My role was to create windows forms, using DevXpress tools, translated directly from existing VB6 forms; which were then plugged into a VB6 core system via a variety of existing interop objects.
• Code versioning was controlled with Apache Subversion.

Senior Analyst Programmer - Precision Printing Ltd

(2009-08 - 2013-11)

Senior Analyst Programmer in a team of 4 developers, responsible for developing an automated web 2 print solution for the print industry in ASP.Net using c#. Initially a system for Precision to take orders via xml, inform the client of order receipt via HTTP posting, batch them, impose them, send them to print, then to every station (such as laminating, guillotining, binding, consolidation, fulfilment and finally despatch) and then provide the client with despatch success messages, again via HTTP, including any relevant tracking references. This system was so successful in production it is now, after market research, being re-developed for the commercial market and is nearing its completion.

Ascertain and develop all user tools, such as all workflow screens, scanning stations and dashboards. The tools used in the development life cycle were –

• Agile Scrum methodology with sprint durations of 2 weeks and daily stand up meetings to report on sprint progressions.
• SharePoint for documentation and development collaboration management
• Team Foundation 2010 for project/code development management
• TDD approach was implemented with unit tests created in vs10 test framework, initially. When ReSharper was introduced to standardise coding, this was used for the unit testing as well.
• Database structure development – SQL Server 2008 R2
• Database development (stored procedures, triggers) with use of clr’s
• Maintenance of data integrity
• Windows services development
• WCF Service application development
• Reports development using rdlc
• Develop Windows forms
• Write technical briefs for sprint tasks
• Perform code reviews
• Develop and implement daily support checklists
• Liaise with clients (both technical and business end) to ascertain and supply necessary support including any analytical and error reports.
• Provide training and support to all users of the OneFlow system.
• Create all analytical and month end reports for all managers.
• Develop adhoc applications for individual departmental requirements. These included stock keeping applications, applications to assist the Accounts department, such as manipulate data out of Sage to send files to the automated BACS system at the bank.

Senior Developer - Rapid Response Ltd

(2008-09 - 2009-02)

Develop a FoxPro system to insert text data into a database, allow user manipulation, de-dupe, and extraction of selected fields in one of any required formats, provide full training, documentation, and support to all relevant staff.

Senior Programmer/Analyst - Colin Clapp Ltd

(1995-08 - 2008-08)

Develop applications in FoxPro for various departmental needs. Process data of all nature and import into FoxPro databases. A very strong knowledge of data, databases, SQL and FoxPro required. An excellent knowledge of VBA, Microsoft Word, Excel, QuarkXPress, Azion Winform/Winfont, Planet Press Design Tool and PostScript also essential. Being quick to learn and quick to act was crucial. Solely responsible for –

• Build all necessary databases, tables, index’s required by clients such as Business Gas, AOL, IBM, Canada Life, NFU, Marriott Vacation Properties.
• Validate, enhance, and maintain all incoming data.
• Carryout full hardware and software upgrades for the whole company and provide support and relevant training to all users
• Liaise with clients to determine their exact needs.
• Provide analytical reports on the data held, upon request, usually at short notice.
• In the absence of the Director, I ran both, the I.T. and Laser departments.

B.Sc. (Hons) Combined Studies - Maths, Stats & Computing - Manchester Metropolitan University, Department of Maths & Physics (1988-09 - 1992-07)