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This year marks a special milestone for Saša Čović, who celebrates five years at DataDEV — five years of growth, teamwork, and continuous innovation.
From his early days as a data processing specialist to his current role as a Project Manager leading complex mobile mapping projects, his journey reflects not only personal development but also the evolution of DataDEV itself.
Teamwork and the DataDEV Spirit
If you could describe the DataDEV team in one sentence or metaphor, what would it be, and why?
A perfectly synchronized team where each member’s contribution creates harmony that enables outstanding results.
Our success is built on mutual trust and shared dedication to our goals.
Could you estimate how many kilometers you and your team have processed over these five years?
Honestly, I stopped counting at some point. But we’re definitely talking about tens of thousands of kilometers.
And the most important part — we’re not stopping anytime soon! We’re continuing at the same pace and with the same enthusiasm.
From Technician to Project Manager: A Journey of Growth
You started with a focus on the technical side, and today you’re a Project Manager. How did that transition look for you?
I believe the transition from a technical role to project and team management is both natural and the right path — because understanding the technical side allows for more effective management of all aspects of a project.
The experience I gained as a technician gave me a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the challenges the team faces. Today, that helps me lead projects with more confidence and success, connecting the technical side with organizational and leadership responsibilities.
Which skills did you have to develop the most to be able to lead teams and projects?
Definitely communication and organizational skills — they are key to successful project and team management.
In technical roles, I used them to a lesser extent, so I had to consciously work on improving them to meet the demands of my new role.
And of course, there’s always room to grow, so I still work on them every day.
What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just starting at DataDEV?
I’d tell myself to believe in myself, stay persistent, and never doubt my own worth — because that mindset is exactly what brought me to where I am today.
Technology That Transforms
Looking back over the past five years, what has been the biggest technological change that made your job easier?
Automation has made the biggest difference in my daily work — it’s also one of the key technological trends of recent years.
By automating our workflows, we’ve accelerated operations, reduced room for error, and focused on tasks that bring greater value.
Where do you see mobile mapping in five years — more automation, AI, or still a lot of manual work?
There’s a clear trend toward greater automation and the use of AI in mobile mapping.
However, I don’t think AI will ever completely replace manual work — it can reduce it significantly, but there will always be a need for skilled professionals who understand the processes and can intervene when needed.
Beyond Deadlines: The Human Side of the Job
What’s more stressful for you — watching a derby or managing a project with a tight deadline?
Over time, I’ve learned how to handle the stress of managing projects with tight deadlines — it’s all about organization and experience.
But when it comes to the derby… the intensity, the energy, the charged atmosphere — that kind of stress never really goes away! 🙂
Five Years and Counting
As Saša celebrates five years with DataDEV, his story is a reminder that growth is built on more than expertise — it’s about teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning.
From processing thousands of kilometers of data to leading cutting-edge projects, he’s been part of DataDEV’s journey to make mobile mapping smarter, faster, and more connected to the world around us.
Here’s to many more successful projects — and many more DataDEV anniversaries ahead!