WINPACCS: Interview: Insights into the 2026.02 Release

“Secure processes are not an added benefit. They are the foundation that enables our customers to focus on their core mission.”

— Simon Schuh, Product Owner & Senior Software Developer, mbi GmbH

In a recent conversation, Sophia Groß from the WINPACCS Services and Academy team spoke with Simon Schuh, Product Owner and Senior Software Developer at WINPACCS. In the interview, he explains why the new secure file exchange feature is an important milestone for WINPACCS and how it sustainably improves collaboration between customers and Support. He also shares personal insights into his work within the WINPACCS team and what motivates him in his role.

Security as a Continuous Process in the Development of WINPACCS

Sophia Groß: Simon, you’ve been part of the WINPACCS team for many years. What is your role in the ongoing development of the application today?

Simon Schuh: In my role as Product Owner and technical lead for our development team, I have been involved in the development of WINPACCS since 2017. My responsibilities include setting strategic priorities, preparing technical decisions, conducting code reviews, and supporting the team during implementation. One of the best parts of my job is working with a highly committed and very talented team.

Sophia Groß: With the new release, WINPACCS introduces the secure file exchange functionality. What was the main idea behind this feature?

Simon Schuh: Security has been a key focus for many years and is a central part of our product strategy. We have continuously implemented measures ranging from architectural improvements and internal processes to penetration tests. The secure file exchange is the next logical step. Until now, customers used external tools to exchange files. This worked, but it wasn’t ideal: different systems, varying security levels, and inconsistent workflows. Now we offer a unified, integrated, and secure solution directly within WINPACCS. Secure processes are not an added benefit. They are the foundation that enables our customers to focus on their core mission.

More Security, Less Effort: The Key Benefits for WINPACCS Users

Sophia Groß: What makes secure file exchange and the overall security enhancements in this release so important for our user community?

Simon Schuh: Above all, it is the combination of simplicity and security. Users can upload files directly to the WINPACCS Cloud during a support case, without external tools and without detours. In addition to the secure file exchange, every file is automatically scanned for viruses across various functions and areas in WINPACCS such as digital vouchers and Support. This increases the overall security level for all users.

Sophia Groß: How does this feature improve collaboration with Support in particular?

Simon Schuh: For WINPACCS users, the process becomes faster, clearer, and more convenient. For Support, it eliminates additional steps and time‑consuming coordination when organisations use different systems. Everything is handled in one place and only when it is needed for a support case. This makes the process significantly more efficient for both sides.

Sophia Groß: Which challenges of sending files via email are now a thing of the past?

Simon Schuh: Typical stumbling blocks like file size limits, insecure transmission paths, missing encryption or lack of traceability. With the new feature, there is a central, secure place for file exchange without the risks and detours of traditional email attachments.

Sophia Groß: Could you give us an overview of the security mechanisms behind the new file exchange?

Simon Schuh: All uploads undergo an integrated virus scan and are transmitted in encrypted form. This applies system‑wide, everywhere files can be uploaded, and prevents potentially harmful files from entering the system in the first place. Additionally, the secure file exchange improves traceability, making it easier for our support team to see when files were uploaded and by whom. It’s another building block in a whole series of security improvements we’ve implemented in recent years.

Personal Insights: A Voice from the Team Behind WINPACCS

Sophia Groß: Thank you for sharing these insights into the release. Beyond the technical side of our product, I’d love to hear more about your work behind the scenes. What does a typical workday look like for you?

Simon Schuh: I usually start by getting an overview of the tasks ahead. This is followed by many team discussions, code reviews, technical decisions, and of course work on new features. It’s a varied mix – that’s what makes it exciting.

Sophia Groß: What do you particularly enjoy about working at WINPACCS?

Simon Schuh: The international exchange is what I enjoy most. In Support, we talk to people from all over the world, from countries in Europe to Madagascar. WINPACCS is truly used globally, and that makes the work incredibly exciting.

Sophia Groß: And how do you like to spend your time when you’re not working on WINPACCS?

Simon Schuh: I love being outdoors, ideally by a lake with a forest, but mountains and the sea are great too. I also cycle a lot in my free time and am an enthusiastic regular participant in our office table football tournaments.

Sophia Groß: Before we wrap up, let me ask one last, slightly unconventional question: If WINPACCS had a mascot, which animal would represent it best?

Simon Schuh: It may be an unexpected choice, but I’d say: a donkey. A reliable companion that carries, supports, and takes weight off others. This reflects our mission with WINPACCS very well: to meaningfully support organisations in international development cooperation so they can fully focus on their valuable work.