Athi Ntisana

I'm a hands-on, adaptable professional with a strong attention to detail and a genuine drive to make things work better. I enjoy finding out how systems work and finding ways to improve them. I take a structured, thoughtful approach to my work, and I live by the mindset: "Do what you can, where you are, with what you have." That attitude has helped me navigate both professional challenges and personal growth.

Currently, I work as an Engineer and Logistics Specialist at Otis Elevators, where I'm responsible for designing elevator layouts and managing shipping and logistics across Southern Africa and Kenya. Before this, I was a Project Engineer at EES Live, where I helped develop systems for the fast rollout of Fibre Optic Networks (FTTX). I also have a background in renewable energy research and R&D in manufacturing and design.

My focus has always been on building and refining efficient systems that deliver real results. I've learned that the quality of any outcome depends heavily on the strength of the processes behind it. Over time, I've also come to appreciate how vital good communication and strong working relationships are, especially when tackling complex problems.

While I'm confident working independently, I believe collaboration is often the key to finding the best solutions.

Engineer and Logistics Specialist at Otis Elevators (2020-12 – Present)

I oversee and coordinate all aspects involved in day-to-day moving of material, complete lifts, escalators and parts from international suppliers to site. Site can be anywhere in Southern Africa including LBNS countries. I ensure that the material delivery process runs smoothly and efficiently.

As such I have developed a process that ensures seamless flows of goods, that optimizes delivery times and maintains Otis's commitment to high quality. In addition, I conduct complete elevator layout designs, material estimation and design of tools and parts to be used in field operations.

• Plan, Design and Analyse of elevator layouts.
• Design of elevator control operating panel (COP) and other equipment for local manufacture.
• Mechanical design of elevator service tools and instrumentation for local manufacture.
• Specify and order elevator components from international and local vendors through Oracle JDE EnterpriseOne for Mordenization projects.
• Developed shipping tracker that track shipments and update shipping status, providing real-time visibility and ensuring accurate and timely delivery for all our stakeholders internally.
• Negotiate rates with Logistics Service Providers (LSP's) to secure reliable and cost-efficient transportation services as well as managing our 3PL Partners.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operations to resolve customer service issues related to delivery addressing concerns and providing solutions to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, legal requirements and stay updated on industry standards as well as maintaining proper documentation.
• In-depth understanding of Incoterms 2020.
• Provide insights and recommendations for enhancing logistics operations and performance.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve the end-to-end supply chain, identifying opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction. Developed and implemented logistics strategies that cut logistics cost by 5% per year.
• Work collaboratively with other departments (Finance, Sales, Contracts, Key Accounts and Operations) to ensure the timely delivery of goods, fostering cross-functional communication and alignment.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure accurate stock control and reporting.
• Increased operational efficiency through streamlined logistics processes that are cost-effective.
• Ensure supplier alignment with our needs and better relationships through successful negotiation and collaboration.
• Help in all logistics related matters in the organisation.

Project Engineer at EES Live (2017-01 – 2019-12)

Optic Fibre Access Network (FTTX) Development

• Process development – created efficiency in the fibre network design cycle time, reducing it from 3 months to 3 weeks.
• Prepared FTTX project business case for rapid deployment.
• Developed software feature requirements for underground FTTX deployment.
• Designed function methodology for API based software-software integration.
• Developed process for layer 1 and layer 2 software integration.
• Introduced and implemented a new revenue stream in our FTTX design process.
• Coordinated FTTX design and planning activities.
• Optimised design software with vendors and improved GIS data utilisation methods
• Industry data gathering and analysis.

Mechanical Design Technologist at Helio100 Solar Project (2014-09 – 2016-12)

Worked on various phases of the project but I oversaw the developing, prototype, testing, making design changes and recommendations on heliostat components (a tracking opto-mechanical steel structure, facets and drive mechanism).

• Optimised cost of conceptual designs based on requirements and material properties.
• CAD detail design of heliostat components on Inventor.
• Designed assemblies for long life in windy and outdoor environments.
• Conducted static analysis of assemblies.
• Tested mechanical components and assemblies for strength, stiffness, accuracy, and accelerated lifetime exposure.
• Test planning and developed instruments for component validation testing of heliostat components.
• Designed and transfer to manufacturing of high-volume products.
• Designed cost effective precision jigs for manufacturing optical structures (which are the part of the Project's IP).
• Designed manufacturing process that that produced static heliostat components and assemblies at low costs.
• Designed cost effective dies for cold forming components (which are part of the Project's IP).
• Sourced manufacturers and suppliers to supply materials and bespoke products where necessary.
• Cut assembly time from 2 hours to 20 minutes for lattice opto-mechanical steel structure.
• Sourced vendors and built relationships with external collaborators.
• Managed site logistics and team transportation requirements.
• Coordinated site installations.
• Conducted maintenance and quality assurance on site installed system.
• Designed and installed Solar PV power system and mounting structures.

Technical Officer at Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (2012-01 – 2014-08)

Worked mainly on projects involving resource analysis and spatial modelling regarding wind and solar resources. As well as data sourcing, collection, and validation. Conducting solar measurement station installations, data monitoring and maintenance across SA and Botswana.

• Digitised solar roofs to determine roof areas and angles using internet software tools, from which solar resource was determined.
• Conducted economic feasibility analysis which included calculating payback period, Return on Investment (ROI), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).
• Researched and determined amount of woody-based biomass available in South Africa for utility electricity generation.
• Developed first and only dynamic visual and spatial decision tool for the CSIR and DEA.

Certification in Certified in Logistics, Transport & Distribution (CLTD) – APICS/SAPICS

Short-Course in Import, Export and Logistics Management – University of Cape Town (2023-09 – 2023-09)

MPhil in Engineering Management – University of Johannesburg (2023-06)

B-Tech in Mechanical Engineering – CPUT (2014-12)

ND in Mechanical Engineering – CPUT (2012-12)