TechLead-Story: Andreas Hochstöger, Leiter Software Entwicklung at KASTNER Gruppe

TechLeadStory

Andreas Hochstöger

Team

Size and Roles: Our Dev/IT team is small but highly skilled, consisting of five male and one female colleague. We operate in-house, translating the latest trends in the food retail industry into practical software applications. Our team covers various areas such as logistics, point of sale (POS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), order processing, webshop development, reporting, etc., for all locations within the KASTNER Group.

Organization and Structure: Our development team is currently being integrated into a new organizational structure alongside the Organizational Development/Total Quality Management department. This newly created department aims to coordinate the ongoing development of organizational processes, projects, and software solutions to meet upcoming challenges effectively and with high quality. As the future department head, I will oversee not only software development but also quality management, project and process management.

Team's Uniqueness: Our strength lies in the diversity of our team members' personalities. There's no one-size-fits-all KASTNER developer; each member brings unique strengths and backgrounds to the team. We have a mix of developers with formal education, individuals with little prior software development experience but practical knowledge in the food retail or business sector, and experienced professionals. Regular team exchanges and feedback sessions ensure a supportive environment for continuous learning.

Recruiting

Integration in Recruiting Process: I collaborate with HR by providing an outline of our requirements for a new position, based on which the job posting is created. After HR conducts initial screenings, I invite technically suitable candidates for personal interviews. Personal compatibility, especially with the team, is a crucial criterion, and trial days help assess this aspect. Input from the team is essential in the decision-making process.

Onboarding Procedure: Onboarding is a gradual process where the initial focus is on welcoming and getting to know the new team member. Shared lunches, coffee breaks, company introductions, and training sessions in different departments help new hires find their bearings. Each new team member is assigned a mentor for the initial period, providing guidance and an introduction to our extensive software landscape. Responsibility is gradually transferred as they become more familiar with their role.

Qualities Beyond Technical Skills: Aside from technical qualifications, we prioritize personal compatibility. We seek individuals who enjoy development, are curious, continuously seek personal and professional growth, and are willing to push the boundaries of what's possible. We thrive on the creative, unconventional, and practical thinking of our team members—those who think outside the box.

Technologies

Technical Challenges: Rather than challenges, we see opportunities in the growing expectations around digitalized processes, contactless order processing, automated warehouse systems, etc. Keeping up with the latest technological developments that are practical and user-friendly, especially for a team in the fast-paced food retail sector, can be demanding. However, we view this as a chance to stay ahead of the competition by offering innovative solutions.

Current Technologies: Our client-side software development primarily utilizes Microsoft tools such as C#, WinForms, WPF, .NET Core, and Microsoft SQL Servers. Our in-house developed ERP is based on InterSystems Cachè, a database system, with the ERP interface developed using C#. Mobile app development for iOS and Android is implemented using Xamarin. Our webshop is based on Magento 2.x and PHP. As we see great potential in the field of AI, we are actively building expertise in this area.

Evolution of Technology Since Inception: Over KASTNER's more than 190-year history, significant technological advancements have occurred. From pioneering the introduction of cash registers in food retail several decades ago, we now offer one of the most innovative webshops in the industry, constantly expanding its functionalities. Software, which was once a means to an end, now needs to generate added value—for our customers and employees alike. The rapid digitization and optimization of entire processes are ongoing challenges, particularly in the fast-paced food retail sector. The expectations are high, requiring developments that can adapt and expand flexibly at any time.