Passion for development and coding in the timber industry

Michael Aminoff's career at Finnos began in April 2021. Since then, time has flown by. Aminoff applied for a job at Finnos because he believed his experience with map-based software would be an advantage. He already had a bachelor's thesis on route optimization, which was related to the position he applied for. 

The customer-oriented role also felt natural. Even before his tasks at Finnos, Michael had extensive experience working with clients, as he developed websites for micro and small businesses while studying.

The job of a Product Manager at Finno includes:

Michael Aminoff coordinates launched projects. His expert task is to install software on servers and strengthen connections between software. A large part of the product manager's job is demonstrating the product in the field with sales, Aminoff says. 

Many customer demos are done. Many of these turn into projects and customer relationships upon closing a deal. It's important to visit the new site in person. This makes training drivers and office staff easier. It's interesting to talk with customers and figure out what they want.

Defining integrations and various rules is an important part of the work. An example of this is understanding how Log Yard Control should operate in different locations. There are always details that are defined on a mill-by-mill basis.

The job description is diverse. In the future, projects for international clients are of interest because they involve more customization. Why is this the case? Although timber management systems are not even used everywhere in Finland, the process is similar in terms of sorting. In other countries, there is more variation, Michael clarifies. 

The work includes continuous readiness for development. The product itself is sold as a service license, and the service provided by Finnos includes updates that can be made along the way. Coding updates is also part of Michael's job. He gathers ideas and feedback from customers as a basis for development work.

Key Expert at Log Yard Control

Michael Aminoff's core expertise is in Log Yard Control. In the early stages of his career at Finos, Aminoff was able to productize a finished prototype whose main task is to simplify the work of drivers in the log yard. 

Log Yard Control is a log yard management system that identifies which storage location a log should go to after scanning. In the program, the driver sees where logs need to be picked up from and where they should be delivered. The software is real-time and based on GPS data. The idea is actually quite simple. The system monitors the actual situation in the log yard and optimizes work tasks based on the information.

In the demo view, the heatmap shows the density of vehicle events and where the vehicle has moved within a certain time.

What would you expect from a customer if you could have your wish?

Aminoff ponders for a moment. Then he ends up wishing the client interest and commitment to the product and the project. The best results are achieved in collaboration with the client. 

As Product Manager, Michael wants to boldly attract active development ideas from customers. This way, both parties will gain more benefits from the joint project.

What kind of employer is Finnos?

There are things to praise, and Finnos is a good employer, Michael states. Initiative is rewarded. There is a lot of peace to focus on your own work. There are no unnecessary internal meetings. 

The job description is also diverse and there's no time to get bored, Michael continues. It's nice to see different saws and different people. It feels good to own the entire product range. Coding is meaningful and you get to do it in this job.

And what kind of reputation does Finnos have among customers? That's also very good, Michael confirms. Previously, at a trade show in Sweden, there was praise for good service and successful project completions. Customers like that Finnos does what it promises.

Aminoff mentions a challenging installation as a moment of success in the large sawmill project for Metsä Fibre in Rauma. The project was big and involved a lot of testing in vehicles. However, everything went great, and it's now in production there, Michael smiles. That always feels good!