Christopher Towns

About me

I was born/grew up in: Born in Fairfield, Illinois; grew up in Clinton, Illinois

I now live in: Austell, Georgia

I completed my training/education at: USAF, North Dakota State, and 20 years working various jobs for manufacturing companies

What I do at work

I travel a lot, because I work best with the customer. I use my knowledge of SAP technology and experience in manufacturing processes to help customers make the most of our products and technology. Most of this comes from first seeing and discussing customers’ current processes and issues they are facing. Then I work with them to drill down into what changes can be made to best solve the problem. I have a huge network of skilled resources available to help with specific topics that I may not be as strong in.

My career path is

I had no idea I would end up here! After my military service and college, I worked as a technician at a small electronics manufacturer that built products for many different customers. I worked on Medical Devices, Aerospace technology, and computer control boards. Then I moved to technical lead, process engineer (developed, monitored, and adjusted manufacturing processes), test engineer (where I built and repaired test systems), supervisor, and finally started learning the manufacturing systems. I started helping my company to implement solutions such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). As this company started struggling, I went to a small MES software provider called Visiprise, who later got acquired by SAP (great company, by the way). With Visiprise, I was over the program management group, and implemented our MES solutions in customers in the following industries: Automotive, A&D, Industrial Machining, High Tech electronics. With SAP, I was able to expand to learn about other industries, including, Chemicals, Transportation, Mining, Mill Products, but my expertise is still mainly linked to High Tech, A&D, Automotive/Transportation.

I am motivated by

When our customers get excited to see a solution coming together, and ultimately when they have achieved the success they were hoping for, is the most fulfilling and personally rewarding part of my job. That I can leverage my experience and technical knowledge to help them do this gives me the feeling that I'm in the right job, and that I'm an asset to my company.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I love helping our customers to get more value out of our solutions. Solving difficult problems with a combination of process changes and technology is very satisfying, and I feel it helps the world run a little better each time we succeed.

Outside of work I

My family is most important - wife and 3 kids. Love to read, listen to music, and volunteer at church. Try and hit the gym at least 4-5 days/week.

My advice to others

Work hard and be grateful for everything - even bad moments can lead to great things!