About

Wouter Trappers - Data Engineering Consultant

The Specialist Who Eliminates Uncertainty

I am an independent data consultant who delivers A-to-Z BI implementations. I help business leaders turn data struggles into operational control by combining deep engineering with strategic judgment.

My Path to Absolute Control

1. The Journey from Logic to Data I spent 15+ years in the data trenches, bridging the gap between what management wants and what engineering builds. Starting with a philosophy degree from Ghent University, I learned early on that the hardest problems aren’t technical—they’re structural and logic-based. Learn more about my philosophical approach to data →

2. The “Implementation Disconnect” I discovered a painful truth: Most BI projects fail not because of bad tools, but because of the “Implementation Disconnect.” Strategic vision and technical execution usually live in different worlds. I developed the Vision-to-Growth Framework to solve this by handling the entire lifecycle personally.

3. The Proof is in the Control I’ve led transformations where manual reporting was reduced by 90%, turning 2-day manual processes into 2-hour automated insights. My work has enabled growing firms to scale 30% YoY without losing their grip on operational profitability.

4. My Focus: Ending “DIY Data Debt” I am on a mission to eliminate “DIY data debt.” I believe that project-driven firms should be able to scale their ambition without being slowed down by conflicting versions of the truth or unreliable spreadsheets.

5. Beyond the Pipeline When I’m not architecting data pipelines or designing dashboards, you’ll likely find me surfing the North Sea waves or deep in a philosophy book—two places where “reading the patterns” is just as essential as it is in BI.

Why I Work Alone (The Specialist Approach)

I intentionally operate as a solo firm. My value isn’t just in “doing the work,” but in the cross-project insights that come from working across dozens of similar services and project-driven companies.

  • Direct Access: You work with me—the expert—from strategy to final dashboards. No junior staff learning on your project.
  • Risk Mitigation: Most BI projects fail in the disconnect between strategic roadmaps and technical execution. By handling the entire A-to-Z lifecycle, I eliminate that gap.
  • True Independence: I have no vendor ties. I recommend what works for your business, not what fills a partner quota.

I will tell you what you need to hear, even if it’s uncomfortable. My goal is to provide a technical sanity check and ensure your data investment delivers its full potential.

Who I Work With

My clients are typically services or project-driven businesses (50+ FTE) who realize that managing by “feel” is no longer an option. They:

  • Have tried internal or fragmented BI efforts that haven’t delivered results.
  • Are worried about choosing the wrong data stack or methodology.
  • Value a single point of accountability for a complete BI transformation.
  • Appreciate a pragmatic specialist who understands their industry’s operational patterns.

…And Who I Am Not For

To maintain a high standard of expertise, I am not a good fit for every project. I generally do not work with:

  • Quick Fixes & Maintenance: I do not take on maintenance of legacy BI debt or “small fixes” to existing messy setups. My value is in transformation, not patchwork.
  • Companies Without “Data Pain”: Smaller startups or simple operations that can still manage “by feel” usually don’t need my level of implementation yet.
  • Outsourced Responsibility: I work with you, not just for you. I am not for firms looking to “dump” data problems without strategic engagement from leadership.

My Core Principles for BI Success

To ensure project success, I adhere to several core principles that guide every transformation:

  • Logic Over Tools: The best data tool in the world cannot fix a broken business logic. I prioritize strategic clarity before technical implementation.
  • Single Point of Accountability: By handling the project from A to Z, I eliminate the “Implementation Disconnect” where essential requirements get lost between consultants and developers.
  • AI-Enhanced, Human-Governed: I use AI to accelerate technical delivery (AI-Enhanced Development), but human judgment and professional guardrails always govern the final architecture.
  • Pragmatic ROI: Every data pipeline and dashboard must serve a direct, measurable business objective.

Let’s Talk

Based in Ghent, available worldwide.

wouter@xudo.be | +32 486 91 58 45 | LinkedIn

Interested in my Philosophical Approach?

I have written a short eBook on how I apply philosophical frameworks to modern data engineering and strategy.

Download “Philosophers in Data” below: