Tec and Law

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Engineering

"The scientist describes what is; the engineer creates what never was."

Theodore von Kármán

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Automation Engineering

I am a state-certified automation technician and have been involved in creating controls and visualizations for automated systems, process control systems, Industrial Security, and Industry 4.0 for almost 30 years.

Due to my extensive experience in petrochemistry, I have become a specialist in hazardous areas, self-declaration proofs, and SIL calculations.

Over the past decades, I have worked with process control systems and PLC controls from Siemens, Phoenix Contact, Bernecker and Rainer, Emerson, Allen Bradley, and ABB.

EMSR

I am regularly responsible for specifying all field and control cabinet equipment. This has the advantage that later one knows exactly which control system will be used to control which field devices. My record for specified field devices in a single project is around 800 pieces (pressure transmitters, temperature transmitters, on/off valves, control valves, flow meters, shut down valves, proximity sensors, etc.).

Due to my long-standing work in the petrochemical industry, I am usually the leading figure in the control system concept.

Electrical Engineering

In the past, I have planned and implemented installations up to 20 kV. I have also frequently dealt with internal and external lightning protection as well as the necessary grounding networks in complex petrochemical plants.

To create circuit diagrams, I primarily used EPLAN, Comos, or AutoCAD Electrical.

A few years ago, I was a member of an expert group at OMV AG, which developed new electrical engineering standards for the three refineries of OMV AG (Germany, Austria, and Romania).

Mechanical Engineering

As a state-certified mechanical engineering technician, I can now look back on a variety of built installations in the oil, gas, and chemical industries as well as in manufacturing both domestically and internationally.

These include, for example, hydrogen production plants, hydrogen refueling stations, compressor stations, analysis plants, gas pressure regulating stations, switchgear houses, microwave relay towers, photovoltaic systems, gas oil desulphurization plants, viscose plants, evaporator plants, filling stations for food and oil additives, gas measurement stations, separation plants, conveyor systems for canned food, packaging machines, production lines for window and door construction, hydroelectric power plants, the development of two gas fields, as well as traditional pipeline construction.

Pipeline construction

Professionally, I have been involved in pipeline construction for over 10 years. The gold standard in technical literature for pipeline construction is undoubtedly Günter Wossog's "Handbuch Rohrleitungsbau," consisting of over 1100 pages of theory (Volume 1) and around 1000 pages of calculations (Volume 2). I now have a solid understanding of Volume 1, while Volume 2 primarily serves as a reference guide for me.

Construction Side Management installation and commissioning

I have spent several years on construction sites in Austria and abroad, working as a Construction Site Manager or Site Supervisor. Typically, I am heavily involved on-site during the construction phase as I am usually the one most familiar with the project inside and out.

Additionally, being a passionate handyman, I still find myself getting hands-on, whether it's retrofitting a control cabinet, installing a transmitter, or mounting a lightning rod.

CAD und CAE

Computer-aided programs are an indispensable component in plant engineering.

As a computer enthusiast, I am also personally very interested in the most commonly used programs in plant engineering: AutoCAD 2D/3D, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor, CATIA, Comos, EPLAN, AVEVA, SmartPlant 3D, SmartPlant P&ID, SmartPlant Isometrics, and CONVAL.

Cloud and Software Engineering, Ethical Hacking

Cloud and Software Engineering, Ethical Hacking

For years, I have been working with Python, Java, HTML, Swift, and C++. I am not particularly skilled at playing Tetris, but I can now program it in various programming languages. By regularly participating in Game Jam events, I have the opportunity to interact with the best programmers in the world, from whom I regularly pick up tricks.

Python and C++ are versatile programming languages, capable of not only developing computer games but also creating websites, controlling Programmable Logic Controllers, automating the generation of AutoCAD drawings, organizing construction site photos using AI algorithms, generating order lists, managing construction site defects, and creating custom standard databases. By leveraging AWS (Amazon Web Services) and GCP (Google Cloud Platform) services, I also implement cloud-based applications on these platforms. These program modules combine to create customized project management software with advanced AI integration. This software ensures continuous communication with project managers, offering 24/7 contact through SMS, phone calls, emails, or WhatsApp.

I am an ethical hacker specializing in testing and securing my built plants. Utilizing my expertise in cybersecurity and ethical hacking practices, I proactively identify and address vulnerabilities within the infrastructure of my constructed facilities. By conducting thorough security assessments and penetration testing, I ensure that my plants are resilient against cyber threats and adhere to the highest standards of data protection and system integrity.

Full stack web development

I have created a variety of web applications using different technologies. I prefer to operate the websites using VPS. Although I primarily do it as a hobby, I have acquired a considerable amount of knowledge about HTML, Java, CSS, PHP, Apache Server, MySQL, Ubuntu, and Windows Server. With the addition of Python, I am in the meanwhile able to create custom-made websites.

Data Engineering and Data Science

With a background in automation engineering, economics and programming, my expertise in data science and data engineering enables me to effectively analyze a diverse range of datasets, including technical statistics such as demographic data and data signals. I specialize in analyzing signals, identifying failures, and extracting insights from complex data to drive informed decision-making and process improvements.

Machine Learning Tasks

I am an experienced Automation Engineer who has transitioned into specializing in machine learning technologies to further enhance industrial plant operations. With a background in designing automation systems for industrial plants, I now focus on leveraging machine learning expertise to optimize processes, deploy predictive maintenance strategies, and drive continuous improvement in plant performance.

System Administration

During my school and university years, I worked for many years as a computer and network administrator in my student accommodation. Later on, leading me to establish my own server where I manage and administer all my webpages, cloud services, machine learning models, and more. This hands-on experience has honed my skills in server maintenance, security protocols, data management, and optimization strategies.

law

Law

"If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law."

Winston S. Churchill

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Contract Law

Claim Management

While contracts between companies and consumers are subject to certain restrictions under consumer protection laws and other regulations (regularly, illegal contract clauses are overturned by the courts), there are hardly any restrictions between companies. This is because the legislator considers consumers to be much more in need of protection than companies.

The maxim "Pacta sunt servanda" ("Agreements must be kept") can have serious consequences for carelessly drafted contracts between companies.

A common problem is that contracts prepared by technicians and procurement departments regularly cause problems during performance disruptions and lead to disputes. Contracts drafted by in-house lawyers or commissioned attorneys are usually more detailed, but lawyers generally have little knowledge of the technical subject matter of the contract. Therefore, discussions and site inspections often proceed very laboriously, with important aspects frequently being overlooked here as well.

Since my time studying, I have specialized in contract law with technical content, enabling me to combine the best of both worlds. As I usually conduct the engineering work and am therefore well acquainted with the technical subject matter of the contract, I can perfectly tailor the contract to it. The contracts I create are clear and understandable for both the client and the contractor, taking into account all facets of a project. Each contracting party knows what they are getting or what they are required to do. To date, there have been no contract disputes with the contracts I have drafted.

While I am very familiar with claim management, fortunately, I have rarely had to use this knowledge in my projects. Detailed planning in advance and a meticulously working project manager can minimize the need for claim management.

Intellectual Property

Commercial legal protection and intellectual property rights (IP), more commonly known by the English term "intellectual property rights (IP)," encompass legal fields that primarily protect company designations, trademarks, and commercially exploitable creative media outputs from authors in the marketing and advertising industry, as well as from the fields of science and research. Patents, in particular, should have a high significance in every company regardless of its size, as many small companies have already risen to become world-famous companies through patent rights (e.g., Zippo, Leatherman, Glock).

Patent law is an intriguing field due to its close relationship with technology, which I have been regularly (though not permanently) engaging with for almost two decades. From Freedom to Operate searches to questions of patentability, drafting patent texts and license agreements, I essentially perform the activities that a patent engineer would carry out.

Administrative Law

In broad terms, administrative law refers to the state's execution outside of the judiciary. In other words, it encompasses legal matters that are not enforced by a court but by other authorities within the framework of administrative and private sector management.

I deal with all administrative laws and regulations that affect my plant construction projects. This includes building regulations, commercial law, regulations for industrial plants, relevant environmental laws and regulations, the Gas Business Act, Machinery Safety Regulation, and more.

As I typically handle the engineering for the projects and am therefore well versed in the technical aspects, I can prepare the documents for regulatory submissions seamlessly. Authorities appreciate when an engineer is familiar with every detail of the project and also follows regulatory protocols like a lawyer."

IT-Law

The law called IT law (Information Technology Law) or a similar term does not exist, contrary to the misconception of many. The common term 'IT law' refers to a collection of legal areas such as international private law, industrial property law, but also more specific legal norms like domain law, e-commerce law, or data protection law.

As an ethical hacker, it is crucial to operate within the boundaries of the law at all times. Upholding legal standards is not just a moral obligation but a fundamental aspect of maintaining trust and credibility in the cybersecurity field.

Foreign Nationals Law

The term "foreigners law" encompasses all legal provisions in Austria, such as asylum law, dealing with the entry and residence of individuals without Austrian citizenship within the country.

Thanks to my many years of work as a lawyer at the Ministry of the Interior, I have been able to not only gain extensive experience in this field but also learn the nuances of the law from top experts in legal science.

The time I spent with my superiors, colleagues, and coworkers will always remain unforgettable to me.

Private and Puplic Procurement Law

In recent years, I have carried out a variety of public and private tenders. Since I typically handle the engineering and am therefore familiar with the tender subject, I can tailor the associated tender documents perfectly to it.

My tender documents are clear and understandable for both the client and the bidder, covering all aspects of a project. To date, there have been no disputes or objections with my tenders.

business-management

Business Management

"If I had nine hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first six sharpening my ax."

Abraham Lincoln

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Private Business Law

Adhering to all private law regulations and measures is essential for a successful company. I have primarily specialized in the following private law topics: legal transactions and legal relationships, contract law, tort law, distribution law, product liability law, labor law, leasing and franchise contracts, property law, and commercial law.

Tax Law

In Austria, there are over 20 substantive laws that fall under tax law. Many citizens are affected by taxes such as VAT, property tax, income tax, and payroll tax. For companies, restructuring tax, the advertising levy law, or the foundation entry tax law are also highly relevant. With the requisite expertise, tax law can be an intriguing subject, particularly when it comes to how companies can minimize their tax burden. This aspect has always been of great interest to me and was likely one of the main reasons why I studied Business Administration.

Patent Evaluation

"Today we know the price of everything and the value of nothing" (Oscar Wilde).

Determining the value is becoming increasingly crucial in the field of intellectual property rights. This applies not only to major corporations but also to medium-sized businesses, which play a significant role in technological innovation. The importance of a technology valuation tailored to the industry and the company's perspective is exemplified by costly developments that fail to gain market acceptance. Patent valuation is a critical element of the overall assessment of intellectual property. Decisions regarding the continuation of developments and the application or maintenance of intellectual property rights stem from this evaluation.

It is a highly intricate topic that I covered in my thesis.

Project Management

Project management is definitely the discipline where I can perform at my best due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work and the level of autonomy it provides.

I typically adhere to ISO 21500 guidelines but I am also acquainted with the standards of the IPMA - International Project Management Association.

However, more crucial than any project management methodology is the readiness to push boundaries and go beyond them. A project manager must be prepared, like a Navy SEAL, to endure the notorious 'hell weeks'.

Company Law

Corporate law is a generic term for a variety of substantive laws. In addition to the forms of companies, corporate law also covers aspects such as mergers, divisions, transformations, acquisitions, restructurings, and company rescues. Liability issues for directors, supervisory board members, and shareholders are also part of corporate law. The complexity of this area of law varies greatly. While small businesses have fewer regulations to adhere to, scenarios like merging a globally operating corporation or rescuing a bank are highly complex.

Industrial insurance

For some time now, I have been intensively involved with industrial insurances, which encompass various technical, legal, and economic aspects.

A 100% exclusion of certain risks is often not possible despite the greatest care. While minor damages may still be tolerable, major damages can spell the end for a company. Due to the often hidden risks, it is advisable for every company to conduct thorough risk management involving experts from various fields.

It is often overlooked that existing insurance premiums can be reduced if a company's facility is improved through minor yet effective measures. Especially with older facilities, there is often considerable potential for savings on insurance premiums.

It is advisable to discuss industrial insurances before the start of a new project. In addition to the possibility of project coverage, one must also consider the dangers that can arise during modernization work on existing facilities.

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