XRM is a Microsoft partner built on over 20 years’ business solution consultancy experience. They help clients all over the world to meet business challenges and bring their customers and team together by making complex technology projects simple. In this month’s Member Spotlight we speak to Simon Jackson, Founder & Managing Director of XRM, where he talks about work life balance and upcoming projects.
How long have you been a member of Digital Jersey?
We’ve been established in Jersey since October 2016 and member since our incorporation so that’s 7 years!
What do you like most about being a member?
We love the fact Digital Jersey is another way in which we can connect and forge valuable relationships with other businesses on the Island.
How did you get into software consultancy?
I programmed computers when I was a teenager and always knew I’d end up in a software job. I joined the software development department at Itex in the late 90s and have been in consultancy ever since.
Share a productivity tip that you swear by in your daily work routine, which tools/systems couldn’t you be without?
Allocating specific tasks into my calendar helps me dedicate uninterrupted time to important activities. I couldn’t be without a web browser and, more specifically, ChatGPT, Azure, DevOps, Visual Studio, XRM Toolbox, and spell checker for everything!
How do you like to end your day?
I wind down by taking my dog for a stroll along the beach. There’s something uniquely calming about being outdoors, with the sound of the waves all around you and seeing the sun starting to set. It’s a great stress-reliever and an essential part of maintaining my overall wellbeing.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I thrive on solving technical puzzles and I get a huge sense of achievement from helping our clients by providing them with solutions that deliver company-wide operational and financial benefits. I also really enjoy helping mentor the team and seeing everybody grow within their roles and reach their full potential by working closely together. The world of tech is constantly evolving and the challenge of learning about and staying up to speed with the latest advances and further creating and innovating is something I really relish.
What do the XRM team do outside of work?
We’re an incredibly sociable team and our workplace culture is far from what you might think a standard run-of-the-mill IT might have. Our adventures have even taken us to the Scottish Power Platform conference, where we soaked in the bright lights of Glasgow, bagpipes and all! But we don’t stop there. We’re always on the lookout for new experiences, whether its archery, paint balling, axe throwing or skiing in the Pyrenees. Our team thrives on camaraderie and fun.
What exciting projects have your team been working on recently?
Our chat with your docs AI solution that’s been fine tuned to work to show sources of information and to be accurate in its findings. Try asking this bot a basic question about the AML handbook.
We are also working on a compliance CDD solution for a new client in Dubai, integrating three of our products into one unified offering based around their specific processes. The foundation of this solution is our power platform WorldCheck screening tool, which we’ve incorporated into a power app along with our case management and connection explorer functionalities.
Have you collaborated with any other Digital Jersey Members?
Collaboration is key to some projects, especially when it comes to working with other Digital Jersey Members. While our primary focus is on software development, we recognise that client projects often require diverse skill sets. That’s where collaboration with other Digital Jersey Members comes into play. Whether we’re seeking specific services or offering assistance on other projects, we ensure that we have the right team in place to meet the client’s needs.
What’s been a highlight for the business so far?
There have been so many highlights over the years, it’s difficult to single out just one milestone, but our first employee was from the Digital Jersey coding programme, also memorable was our first client, and our first engagement in an enterprise bank that required most of the team to deliver it. We’re also just about to launch a new product that’s specifically aimed at making businesses more productive by leveraging the benefits of simple operational compliance – watch this space, all will be revealed very soon…
If you could give advice to anyone just starting their career in digital what would it be?
No matter what career you’re embarking on, I think it’s essential to recognise the transformative potential of innovative tools like Bard and ChatGPT. These tools can significantly enhance your productivity across various aspects of your professional and personal life. Designed to help you accomplish more in less time, they allow you to concentrate on strategic tasks that require your unique expertise. For example, these tools can streamline content creation, from drafting emails, creating uniquely tailored plans to generating reports. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of such tools and incorporating into your daily routine, you not only become more efficient but also add substantial value to your role, solidifying your position as an indispensable asset to your employer.
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What are your predictions in relation to the future of workplace software?
The future of workplace software will involve the integration of AI agents into business process applications, where humans initially validate decisions as the next step.
