Executive Profile
Hands-on technical architect with 30+ years of delivering real-world systems that solve customer problems in demanding environments. I specialize in translating business challenges into working technical solutions — rapidly, reliably, and with measurable results.
Known for stepping into complex projects, stabilizing them, and getting them production-ready under tight timelines. I thrive in roles requiring global travel, client engagement, presales demonstrations, and on-site solution delivery.
I do not rely on formal qualifications — I rely on proven results, references, and decades of successful implementations.
Value Proposition
- Simplify complex technical systems for non-technical stakeholders
- Build proof-of-value platforms quickly to secure customer buy-in
- Take ownership from concept to deployment
- Operate independently and solve problems without supervision
- Excel in multi-protocol, multi-vendor environments
Core Client-Facing Strengths
Technical Expertise
30+ years hands-on experience. "If there's a protocol or technology, I've implemented it, debugged it, or integrated systems using it."
IoT & Messaging
Industrial & Automation
Wireless & LPWAN
Network & Internet
Security & Auth
Data & APIs
Single Board Computers & Hardware
Programming Languages
Web Development
DevOps & Infrastructure
Technical Expertise
Platforms
- IoT Architecture
- Edge Computing
- Telemetry Systems
- Digital Twins
Hardware
- ESP32 / Microcontrollers
- Raspberry Pi
- Embedded Linux
- Industrial Sensors
Software
- Python / C / C++
- JavaScript / Node.js
- Node-RED
- APIs & Dashboards
Specialty
- Rapid PoC development
- Systems that demonstrate value fast
- Multi-vendor integration
- Production deployment
Recent Freelance Projects (Aug 2025 – Present)
LifeMap - Life Coaching Platform
Node.js, Express, Firebase, EJS, Capacitor, AI Integration
- Comprehensive life coaching platform with goal tracking and gamification
- Goalfriend® digital companion for goal coaching cards
- Coach-client management with real-time check-ins
- Android APK via Capacitor with GitHub Actions CI/CD
SentinelPWA - Mine Tailings Safety Monitor
Node.js, PWA, MQTT, Offline-First Architecture
- Offline-first Progressive Web App for mine safety monitoring
- Real-time sensor data visualization with MQTT
- Designed for harsh industrial environments
MQTTDash - IoT Dashboard Builder
Node.js, MQTT, Firebase, OAuth, WebSockets
- Drag-and-drop dashboard builder for MQTT devices
- Multi-tenant architecture with Google OAuth
- Real-time widget updates via WebSocket
Professional Experience
Architect – IoT & Digital Twin
2024 – 2025DXC Technology
- Delivered enterprise-scale IoT architecture and advisory services
- Designed scalable monitoring, telemetry, and analytics solutions
- Worked with customers requiring production-grade IoT infrastructure
Technical Lead – Devices
2019 – 2024IoTdc
- Architected and built a full IoT infrastructure platform used by multiple clients
- Led development of industrial telemetry and monitoring solutions
- Gathered client requirements and automated entire operational processes
- Delivered dashboards enabling customers to make business decisions from live data
- Coordinated international hardware teams to deliver production-ready products
Owner / Consultant
2013 – PresentITMeasure
- Deliver custom IoT solutions for clients needing rapid prototypes and production systems
- Known for ability to connect virtually anything to the internet
Programme Manager
PreviousKWCE
- Led development of real-time infrastructure monitoring platform
- Managed large-scale fiber rollouts across regions
Co-Owner
PreviousRFTagIT
- Developed IoT products focused on near-zero configuration deployment
- Built solutions for fast implementation with minimal technical effort
Earlier Career Highlights
- Technical Team Lead – Command & Control Centre project
- Middleware developer for telecom systems in Europe
- Consultant deploying systems onsite for border control infrastructure
- Production manager overseeing teams of 36 people
Selected Project Impact
Industrial IoT Platform Architecture
Built a scalable multi-client telemetry platform converting fragmented device ecosystems into structured infrastructure. Results included faster client onboarding, improved presales effectiveness, and scalable architecture for multiple deployments.
Telecom Environmental Monitoring System
Designed modular edge platform providing real-time infrastructure visibility across distributed sites. Reduced downtime risk and lowered operational costs.
Mining Safety Monitoring Platform
Created digital monitoring system replacing manual inspection processes with automated telemetry and predictive analytics. Enabled early detection of structural risk conditions and improved regulatory compliance.
UAV Autopilot Platform
Designed embedded hardware architecture for autonomous aircraft control using lean engineering principles.
Work Style & Education
Work Style
- Self-starter who executes without supervision
- Strong communicator between business and engineering
- Comfortable working globally and remotely
- Dutch passport holder – visa-free access to 150+ countries for immediate deployment
- Highly adaptable across industries
Education
- Matric – Commercial | Hillview High School
- Industry courses and technical certifications through practice-driven learning and field experience
Languages: English (Native), Afrikaans (Fluent), Dutch (Fluent)
LinkedIn Recommendations
What colleagues and clients say about working with John:
References
Tiaan Coetzee
CEO, IoTdc
+27 71 881 7234
Additional references available upon request.
Community Questions & Answers
Real questions from visitors, answered by AI. Browse below — your question might already be answered!
Loading questions...