Rouven Plate is a digitalization expert at T-Systems. He is located in Hamburg and uses low code to show customers what digitization tastes like and serves finely created IT menus.
Rouven, I've already been able to experience it live: Whether in the low-code kitchen or in your process vision for digital end-to-end management for tree protection – your lecture titles not only sound exciting, they captivate the audience. Together with your team, you will convey complex business cases around low-code applications in a clear and entertaining way. Sometimes – as at the Smart Country Convention – T-Systems cubes fly through the air. It lists process steps for a low-code solution. The audience sorts the cubes into the correct order while you demonstrate how tree protection can become digital. The highlight: The approaches can be adapted for almost all administrative processes. But back to the beginning ...
What makes low-code solutions so attractive for public administration customers?
Rouven: Low code platforms enable fast, intuitive development of digital solutions – without in-depth IT know-how. With prefabricated building blocks and automations, authorities can design and implement processes independently. This strengthens digital sovereignty, makes people less dependent on external service providers and promotes innovation. In addition, authorities use low code to train so-called "citizen developers": employees who can develop digital applications independently. Low code offers efficiency, flexibility and innovation potential. However, it is crucial to digitize the right processes. Not everything needs to be digitized – the focus should be on meaningful applications that create real added value and work in a resource-saving manner.
Where do you present the business cases and to which audience?
Rouven: Our target groups are diverse: authorities, ministries, municipal institutions, educational institutions, public service providers, politics and partners. We also present our approaches at universities, at events or in podcasts. Our goal is to communicate the vision and benefits of our solutions to as many people as possible. Transparency and involvement are essential – especially in the public sector, which ultimately affects all citizens.
How do you come up with your creative formats?
Rouven: There is a creative hustle and bustle in my head. Structures are sometimes difficult for me, but that's exactly where I draw the freedom to implement unconventional ideas that others might not dare. Often my ideas come from reflecting on what bothers me or what I would do differently. Creativity knows no bounds – the more unusual, the better, as long as the ideas convince with competence and content. In the end, however, it is always teamwork that gives rise to the best ideas.
You are bubbling over with energy. Where do you get them from and what motivates you every day?
Rouven: I am passionate about change in the public sector. With T-Systems, we have the opportunity to make a contribution to society as a whole as part of the Magenta world – that motivates me enormously. Of course, I also have days when I lack energy. Then my wife, our dog and my great team help me, who always recharge my batteries. My team is my strongest motivation – their spirit and cohesion enable me to work on the next level.
At T-Systems, you stand for innovative public solutions and work with various corporate divisions. Why are you so successful as a ONE team?
Rouven: In our work, we live the principle of the ONE Team – we are like magenta superheroes who work together on solutions. By combining our strengths and perspectives, we solve the challenges of public administration efficiently and sustainably. The success lies in particular in the strength and diversity of the team.
If you’re passionate about digitalization or the public sector and ready to take the next step in your career, visit our careers page for all the information about T-Systems as an employer.
