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My Career

My Career

Barry Michael Tikkanen

Contact Information

Network & Systems Administrator

Enterprising, motivated and dedicated IT professional with 25 years successful experience implementing hardware and software design, installation, administration and configuration.  Proven analytic and problem-solving skills with a keen ability to assess needs, define requirements, develop value-added solutions, and execute technical resolutions that streamline and improve operating efficiencies.  Successful in both team-based and self-managed projects requiring focus and commitment.

Key Skills

  • Virtual Environments
  • Solutions Design
  • Systems Architecture
  • Network Management
  • Data Management
  • Web Development
  • Warehouse Integration
  • Project Management
  • Cyber Security

Professional Experience

Exceed Consulting LLC

Byron Center, MI      

09/2011 – Present

Senior Network Engineer

  • Researched, purchased, developed and implemented hardware and software solutions for new and existing customers.
  • Coordinated and completed multiple simultaneous projects with teams and alone.  Including databases for Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange email server, Intuit QuickBooks and Sage 50 Accounting Accounting packages, and Point of Sale systems.Designed, implemented, and managed, network infrastructure for an association of senior assisted living facilities.
  • Designedand implemented IP-based video surveillance systems to meet customer needs.
  • Surveyed, designed and implemented wireless network infrastructure solutions for both indoor and outdoor environments for multiple clients in several distinct markets. Hardware experience includes Ubiquiti, Meraki, Cisco, HP Aruba, and Ruckus wireless systems.
  • Successfully created and constructed virtual environments with supporting hardware to meet current and future needs of customers.
  • Installed and programmed customer phone systems for both new and existing customers.
  • Created and implemented cross-site disaster recovery procedures with system backup and replication to off-site storage for both cloud infrastructure and data centersfor multiple customers.
  • Developed and deployed network intrusion detection systems to monitor traffic and guard against internal breaches and external attacks to protect customer networks.
  • Consultedwith clients to develop and implement business websites as requested.
  • Implemented multiple LAN infrastructure upgrades for new and existing customers.
  • Managedvarious environments from engineering and accounting to Point of Sales and utility billing.
  • Standardized policies, manuals, website, and training process for all system users. Including ISO-9000, HIPAA, Sarbanes Oxley, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity, and User Policies.

CompX International

Byron Center, MI

05/1996 – 03/2011

IT System Administrator  05/1999 – 3/18/2011

  • Researched, purchased, developed and implemented hardware and software solutions for new and existing departments.  Coordinated and completed multiple simultaneous projects with teams and alone.  Administered Microsoft Exchange email server with multiple user interfaces, which facilitated company communication.
  • Successfullycreated and constructed virtual environment with supporting hardware to the expedite migration of business systems from physical to virtual servers.  This enhanced speed, stability, and productivity for all users by 400%.
  • Installed and programmed new 60 stations hybrid telephone system, throughout the facility, without service interruption, resulting in savings of $7K per year, and secured a three year ROI.
  • Created and implemented multiple site disaster recovery procedures with system backup and off-site storage, which provided swift rebound.Designed and built new network intrusion detection system to monitor traffic and guard against internal breaches and external attacks, resulting in enhanced security and reduced threats.
  • Competently designed, assembled and implemented new data collection hardware and software solutions for manufacturing, which included both touchscreen and bar-code scan input with on-demand labeling.This project resulted in efficient, effective tracking of inventory and personnel.
  • Expertly managed and maintained ERP system, which included migration into updated Progress-based database management system.This upgrade resulted in enhanced productivity and improved departmental integration.
  • Implemented major LAN infrastructure upgrade, which doubled system size to 150 nodes and included the installment of wireless access for the factory floor.
  • Managed multiple environments for the engineering department.Coordinated software integration, migrations, and updates for ProEngineer, IntraLink, Wildfire, and AutoCAD. Maintained supporting client and server hardware. This expedited and facilitated efficient design standards through production processes.
  • Standardizedpolicies, manuals, website, and training process for all system users. Developed and implemented ISO9000 document control procedures which improved quality control and enhanced productivity. Collaborated with departmental managers and all users to ensure superior employee training results.
  • Designed documentation and instituted Sarbanes Oxley procedures for system compliance, exceeding document control requirements.

Quality Technician       01/1997 – 05/1999

  • Established continuous improvement initiatives.Assisted with problem resolutions, prepared test reports and maintained customer feedback.
  • Promotedto IT system administrator within 17 months.

Machine Operator       05/1996 – 01/1997

  • Produced products efficiently with minimal waste.Maintained quality control to specifications.
  • Promotedto quality technician within seven months.

Barman Select Temp Services

Grandville, MI     

12/1994 – 05/1996

Machine Operator

  • Assembled products and product lines efficiently and precisely.Promoted to group leader for temporary employees.
  • Operated plastic injection mold presses while ensuring quality processes were maintained.
  • Promotedto direct hire by the client company.

Lakepark Industries Of Indiana

Shipshewana, IN      

05/1992 – 07/1994

Machine Operator and Setup

  • Performed safe, efficient setup and operation of resistance welders and press machinery ranging from 80 to 1000 tons, which contributed to profitable company production.
  • Reliably maintained and inspected products for quality, resulting in reduced scrap.Trained in QS9000 documentation and procedures.

ARA Food Service

Allendale, MI

9/1991 – 12/1994

General Food Service

  • Successfully interacted with customers and coworkers to promote efficient operation of the cafeteria.

Software Proficiency

  • Infor Syteline
  • QAD MFG/PRO
  • MS Sharepoint
  • MS Office Suite
  • MS Project 2003
  • VMware
  • HTML
  • SQL Server
  • MS SQL
  • Progress DB
  • AutoCAD
  • Java Script
  • PHP
  • MySQL
  • Crystal Reports

CERTIFICATIONS

April 2017 – HP Aruba Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP) 3 year

July 2016 – 3CX Advanced (Advanced PBX Engineer) 5 years

EDUCATION

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY, ALLENDALE, mi

Seeking Bachelor of Science degree, senior level undergraduate

Engineering Major, manufacturing emphasis 1991 – 1994

Computer Science Major, programming emphasis 1994 – Present

Contact Information

Make your own Ethernet Loopback connector

Make your own Ethernet Loopback connector

Occasionally I have the need for a network card to operate as though it has a live network connection, without it actually being connected to a network. Typically for testing purposes, and occasionally for specific software configurations. To do this I needed a quick and easy way to make a loopback connector. Something small enough to keep in my PC toolkit, yet large enough that it wouldn’t be lost. Mine ended up about the size of a ballpoint pen. The following is a quick “how to” for making an Ethernet loopback connector.

To build this particular loopback connector you will need one (1) spare Category 5e (cat5) cable.

  1. Cut 4 or 5 inches of the end off a network cable, keeping the connector intact.
  2. Cut away two inches of the main sheath covering the eight wires. (Be careful not to cut the wires inside.)
  3. Cut the sheath on Orange-White (1) and Green (6) and twist them together. Tape this pair. (Soldering is optional and preferred)
  4. Cut the sheath on Green-White (3) and Orange (2) and twist them together. Tape this pair as well. (Soldering is optional and preferred)
  5. Leave the other four wires alone. (Optionally tape these down to prevent cross talk*)
  6. Tape the end down to make it look presentable.
  7. Plug RJ-45 plug into your Network Card.

*For a Gigabit Ethernet Loopback you will also need to connect the other four wires as follows:

  1. Cut the sheath on Blue-White and Brown-White and twist them together. Tape this pair. (Soldering is optional and preferred)
  2. Cut the sheath on Blue and Brown and twist them together. Tape this pair as well. (Soldering is optional and preferred)

Updated April 19, 2011 – Added Gigabit Loopback Information.