Meet the team - George Berry, Technical Support for Africa
What attracted you to join OPTEX?
OPTEX is a well-established brand in South Africa. And once I heard they needed someone with a networking and IT background I knew I had to go for it. Knowing that I would be contributing to keeping people, homes and families safe felt good to me.
What is your background/career history?
For a decade, I immersed myself in the dynamic realm of software development, honing my skills across a broad spectrum of tasks. My journey encompassed crafting server backend functionalities, shaping the landscape of web design from both backend and frontend perspectives, orchestrating seamless integrations, streamlining processes through automation, delving into the intricacies of databases, and navigating the complexities of networking and communication protocol development.
One notable facet of my tenure involved extensive data normalization derived from PBX systems, a task that demanded precision and expertise. Additionally, I dedicated substantial efforts to constructing comprehensive reports and leveraging the capabilities of AWS EC2 servers to their fullest potential.
Transitioning into the realm of testing, I embarked on another decade-long chapter of my career. Beginning with manual testing, I swiftly pivoted towards a role focused on test automation, a niche crafted specifically for me within the Vodacom team. This role entailed intricate script development, the deployment of macros, the creation of data forms, and meticulous results verification protocols. My tenure at Vodacom laid a solid foundation for my subsequent endeavours at OPTEX, where I continued to contribute my expertise and passion for quality assurance.
What is your favourite OPTEX product and why?
I love the RLS-50100V due to its utilisation of LiDAR technology, which never fails to captivate me with its precision and versatility. What truly impresses me is the level of detail afforded by the setup and configuration options, allowing for tailored detection patterns to meet diverse site requirements.
Among the array of LiDAR sensors available, the 50100V stands out as a beacon of power and reliability in commercial applications. Its robust capabilities make it an indispensable tool for addressing complex sensing needs across various environments.
In essence, the RLS-50100V embodies the epitome of innovation in the realm of LiDAR technology, offering unparalleled flexibility and performance to meet the demands of modern applications.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I take pride in using my technical skills to enhance the safety of homes and businesses, knowing that I play a role in protecting what matters most to people and organizations.
The security industry offers diverse challenges, constantly pushing me to learn and adapt as I address ever-changing threats and needs. This keeps me engaged and energized, embracing new technologies and methodologies.
I also enjoy building relationships and trust with clients, recognizing the importance of fostering connections beyond transactions. Establishing a reputable brand and nurturing lasting relationships are vital for long-term success in this field.
Participating in shows is another aspect I relish. It allows me to showcase innovative products, share insights, and network with peers, contributing to the collective advancement of the industry.
What does success in your role look like?
Helping installers protect homes and businesses brings deep fulfilment. Every solved problem is a chance to make a difference, ensuring safety and peace of mind for individuals and organizations. Knowing that my expertise directly impacts security motivates me to approach each interaction with diligence. Success in this field is measured by the positive impact on lives and livelihoods, reinforcing the importance of our work and our passion for it.
Do you have any hobbies or a surprising fun fact about yourself?
I enjoy anything that has an element of adventure to it, especially if it’s oriented toward nature, camping, sailing, fishing, or just spending time outdoors, are all as important to me as breathing.
