Dave Smits
About Dave Smits
Dave Smits is a Senior Database Engineer and Developer at MDI Achieve, where he has worked since 2001. He specializes in SQL Server performance tuning and has extensive experience in database development and mentoring other developers.
Work at MDI Achieve
Dave Smits has been employed at MDI Achieve since 2001, where he holds the positions of Senior Database Engineer, Database Developer, and Senior Developer. Over his 23 years with the company, he has contributed significantly to various projects, including a business intelligence data warehouse project that implemented a star schema and an incremental refresh approach. His role involves providing feedback on database schema and development, ensuring optimal performance and functionality.
Education and Expertise
Dave Smits earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, studying from 1985 to 1989. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his extensive expertise in SQL Server performance tuning, where he specializes in reducing query run times from minutes to seconds or sub-seconds. He also mentors other developers on SQL Server design and best practices.
Background in Database Development
Prior to his current role, Dave Smits worked at Achieve Healthcare Technologies as a Database Architect from 1999 to 2001 and as an Application Developer from 1996 to 2001. He also gained experience as a Programmer Analyst at Unisys from 1990 to 1993. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of database development and application design.
Technical Skills and Tools
Dave Smits possesses extensive experience in analyzing SQL Server query performance through various methods, including execution plans, index statistics, SQL Profiler output, and Dynamic Managed Views (DMVs). He is skilled in resolving SQL Server deadlocks and has developed scheduling modules that support complex scheduling logic for various assessments and medication orders. He utilizes tools such as SQL Profiler, GIT, CVS, Intelli-J, SSRS, Crystal Reports, and Confio Ignite in his work.