Behind the Frontlines: John Tyler CP Safeguards Systems
When emergencies strike, firefighters and first responders are on the frontlines. But behind the scenes, IT professionals like John Tyler CP ensure the systems that support them never miss a beat. As Business Partner ICT – Enterprise SAP at Fire and Rescue NSW and proud ACS NSW Member, John manages an ERP that underpins everything from asset maintenance to training and procurement. In celebration of IT Professionals Day, his work reminds us of the unseen yet vital role technology plays in keeping communities safe.
1. What area of IT do you specialise in? How does your role quietly keep your organisation running smoothly?
I currently manage the NSW Fire and Rescue SAP environment and have work in this area for most of the past 25 years across different industry sectors. Unlike many implementations that focus mainly on finance and HR/payroll, our system is a true ERP, supporting the full spectrum of enterprise management—finance, procurement, warehousing, asset maintenance, construction, real estate, and learning and development. This system operates as shared services to other emergency services agencies, and apart from providing business services to these organisations, it also provides data services through interfaces to critical operational systems.
2. What is one IT myth you wish you could debunk to the rest of the world?
As an amateur photographer, one myth that always astounds me is the belief that more megapixels in a camera automatically means better image quality. This overlooks the importance of both the sensor size and the pixel size, which have a far greater impact on dynamic range, resolution, and low-light performance. What I find most interesting is that this misconception is just as common among people working in IT as it is among those outside the industry.
3. What’s one IT win you’re proud of that most people wouldn’t know happened behind the scenes? What’s a moment where your expertise saved the day?
Although it is something that most people are aware of, the effort in remediating systems for Y2K is something that I am incredibly proud on, not for myself, but for the IT industry. I recall the years of planning and massive work that went into remediating systems for the turn of the millennium, and how the 31/12/1999 ticked over to 01/01/2000 with hardly a blip. I still get annoyed by those who dismiss it as a non-event. It was not a problem because of the skills and dedication of the IT professionals involved.
4. Which qualities / skills make a great IT professional?
The IT industry has such a diversity of roles, asking which qualities / skills make a great IT professional is like asking What is the best car to buy? The best car depends on what you want it for, and the best skills depend on what role you are in. The technical problem-solving skills of a developer are very different to the psychological insight of a UX designer. However a desire to learn and an ability to adapt to change are essential in every IT role, more so than any other industry.
5. Who is your IT hero (tech, system, robot or person)?
Hero is rather a strong word. The qualities that make someone a hero, acting for the benefit of others despite personal risk or hardship, can only be exhibited by people, not machines (at least currently). There are many who have shared their impressive work freely rather than profit themselves, in turn making a significant contribution to the IT industry – Grace Hopper, Tim Berners-Lee, Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie and Linus Torvalds. But two whose impact was considerable, despite their lives being sadly cut short must be at the top of the list – Alan Turing and Aaron Swartz.
IT Professionals Day 2025 celebrates the vital contributions of IT experts who keep systems secure, reliable, and innovative. Often working behind the scenes, they are the unsung heroes ensuring business continuity, digital progress, and user support. The day recognises their expertise, resilience, and the critical role they play in society.