How Community Drives Data Innovation at EPAM Colombia

How Community Drives Data Innovation at EPAM Colombia

For almost a decade, Juan Pulido has shown an unparalleled commitment to engineering excellence, not just through clean code and proper documentation. For Juan, engineering means impacting people’s lives through the power of technology. Now, he’s a Lead Data Engineer at EPAM Colombia and has become one of the leading voices in the local data scene, often participating as a speaker in events and collaborating as a member of multiple tech communities.

Everything is Data

“For me, data should be the center of everything you create. It makes no sense to make an app with mock data,” Juan states. Juan is convinced that the data you have is what drives the design of modern software applications, and getting true value out of it is one of the biggest challenges for all companies across Latin America and the world. According to him, data has always made the world go round, and now, in the age of AI, it’s even more valuable than before. So much in fact, that it’s become one of the key targets for cybercriminals, which proves how essential and sough after information can be

Information is the lifeblood that drives Machine Learning, Model Context Protocols, Large Language Models and, of course, Big Data Solutions.

“It’s quite different creating an AI tool with a lot of data, than with smaller amounts,” Juan continues. “That’s why it’s key for us to offer solutions to our clients that match their needs and adapt to the quantity of information they have available.” He goes on to highlight that these variables are what drive engineers at EPAM to constantly develop their skills and ensure their knowledge is ready for every scenario.

AI: The EPAM Way

Implementing AI solutions comes with some challenges, and cybersecurity is usually one of the biggest. For Juan, there are plenty of factors to consider regarding security. First, it is essential to have clear and concise guidelines and best practices for responsible AI. Once you have them, it is key to partner with team members and hold them accountable throughout each phase of a project.

After that, access management is key. Not every API needs access to all data. Some models exist in a bubble, outside the Internet and away from prying eyes. One of EPAM’s key business imperatives is ensuring the security of all solutions and help clients adapt an AI solution to their specific needs and challenges.

Finally, Juan emphasizes that we must embrace AI as a business ally. It is a great tool that can help individuals optimize workflows and systems.

Putting Food on the Table

Making an impact has always been one of Juan’s main motivators. Next time you pick up a piece of produce consider how a dream team collaboration, like engineering and agriculture, makes it possible. Juan found an uplifting purpose in a recent project where EPAM collaborated with one of the largest agricultural equipment companies in the sector to improve precision in the field. By using cameras, automation and satellite imagery, producers can track exactly what their crops need and deliver it at the exact right moment, whether that’s water, fertilizer or pesticides. This ensures healthy growth throughout the season and ultimately supports increased yield and quality.

Since many software engineers may not know the intricacies of the agriculture industry, there was an added learning curve to this challenge. Juan researched the agricultural industry, talking toindustry experts to ensure the data he was working with was accurate. He elevated his tech skills and expanded his knowledge into an industry that was new to him. This balance of tech and agricultural knowledge was key to ensuring the data, classification and analysis was successful.

So, if you’ve noticed your dishes taste a little better — better ingredients created with support from data solutions experts could be partly responsible. 

Collaboration and community are essential for tech success, according to Juan.

Growing together

When asked what makes our company different from other organizations, Juan confidently states, “EPAM is an incredibly well-organized company. We have many tools, including AI, which help us daily with internal and external projects. But the main difference is the sense of community the company offers.”

Juan also has some advice for people looking to become part of our team: “It’s this sense of collaboration and teamwork that people looking to join the company need to consider. Because, while the highest standard of technical knowledge is essential, being able to communicate, have empathy and work as a team without ego is what truly helps you engage in everything you do. You can’t just be a good engineer; you must be an exceptional coworker.”

Do you want to grow your career and be a part of our community-driven and highly inclusive team? Visit our careers site at www.epam.com/careers and take the next step in your professional journey.