SCHALK VAN HEERDEN
My Vision For The Future
I support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
We must solve the most critical issues of our time within this generation. Doing anything else is a distraction.
Software Engineering Leadership
Cloud and Mobile Integration
Internet of Things (IoT)
Systems Thinking
About Me
I am a skilled and dedicated Software Engineer with a strong track record in software development, renewable energy, data processing, IoT (Internet of Things), biomimicry, home security, and water treatment. My academic background in Chemical and Control Engineering enables me to tackle complex challenges holistically, integrating technical depth with a systems-level understanding of business processes.Actively shaping my career toward versatility as a Senior Backend Software Engineer and Software Architect, I focus on building resilient, scalable systems that contribute to companies driving real impact—especially those advancing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. I thrive in cross-functional teams, bringing a solutions-oriented mindset and a commitment to delivering high-quality results on time and to industry standards.Technology is not just about optimization—it’s about responsibility. The road to a net-zero future demands action because the cost of hesitation isn’t just a setback; it’s DUST.
Current Contribution to Sustainability
Elon Smart Water
Elon Smart Water is the world's most innovative device designed to transform your geyser (electric water heater) into a smart device. Essentially, it is a smart thermostat that connects to the internet. Its primary function is to utilise solar power (DC) directly from solar panels (photovoltaic). In addition, it can use grid power (AC) as a backup.
Homeowners and third-party service providers have complete remote control capabilities. You can monitor your energy savings and calculate them effectively.The installation requires no additional plumbing and minimal electrical wiring. It consists of just one small box that plugs into your geyser. The device captures crucial measurements within your geyser, such as temperature and various voltage telemetry points, and provides an early warning if a geyser burst is imminent. The Elon Smart Water will notify all relevant stakeholders connected to it, thereby helping avoid potential water damage.
My final takeaway: The most significant value proposition of the Elon Smart Water system is that, in industrial plants, pressure vessels are handled with care, continuously monitored, operated efficiently in terms of energy use, and subject to preventive maintenance. Similarly, every home is like a mini-industrial plant, with the geyser serving as its pressurised hot-water system. Therefore, geysers should be treated with the same level of attention. Homeowners need to be empowered and supported in performing these activities, which were previously the exclusive domain of large commercial and industrial plants.The Elon Smart Water addresses all of these needs.
Ideas For The Future
PURE
A Platform for Understanding and Relationship Exchange
PURE is an open-source exploratory system that enriches real-time and batch data with semantic meaning, driving rapid insights across multiple disciplines.
Virelyn
Create a visual database schema, editable and ready to evolve, directly from your CI pipeline
Virelyn empowers you to visualise your processes, code, and systems with unparalleled intuition and seamlessness.The first iteration of Virelyn lets you create a visual database schema (ERD-based) directly from your CI (Continuous Integration) pipeline, making it editable and ready to evolve.
Midlife Mile
Rediscover sprinting and
short-distance running
Community building and supporting the growth of Track and Field after grassroots development to promote fitness.Midlife Split squad for sprint training.Midlife Mile squad for short-distance running training.
