What does an Application Specialist do at Cadmatic? – Meet Antto Heino

Behind our software solutions for electrical design and data management, there are people like Antto Heino. Based in our office in Tampere, Finland, Antto brings hands-on experience from years as an Electrical Designer in challenging industries like healthcare construction. Now, as an Application Specialist, he focuses on improving how engineers use CADMATIC Electrical, a software designed to make complex design tasks clearer and more efficient. This shift from designer to specialist didn’t happen overnight. What led Antto to make the leap, and how does his daily work make a real difference to the engineering world?

From the electrical design side to guiding engineers globally

Before joining Cadmatic in November 2021, Antto Heino spent nearly a decade gaining hands-on experience in electrical design, including working on high-stakes projects like healthcare facilities. “I had reached seven years at my previous company and started wondering what would come next in my career”, Antto says. 

Deciding to contact Cadmatic and explore a possible next career opportunity wasn’t a coincidence. 

Antto had long been a user of CADMATIC Electrical during his time as an Electrical Designer in the previous company. “I had already trained my previous colleagues on using the CADMATIC Electrical software, so stepping into this role of Application Specialist felt less like a leap and more like a natural progression”, Antto thinks. 

As an Application Specialist, Antto’s role revolves around equipping engineers with tools and strategies to make their work smarter and more efficient. “I train customers to use our software, guide them on integrating it into their workflows, and even demonstrate its capabilities to potential new clients”, he explains. His years of hands-on design work give him a unique perspective on the challenges engineers face, making him an invaluable partner for clients.

“I train customers to use our software, guide them on integrating it into their workflows, and even demonstrate its capabilities to potential new clients.”

What makes Antto’s work so interesting is how versatile it is. He doesn’t just teach customers the system but helps them adapt it to their specific needs, breaking down complex workflows into manageable steps. “A big part of my job is bridging the gap between engineers’ visions and the technical possibilities of the software”, Antto says. 

Antto’s day-to-day work is as varied as it is impactful. Here’s how he supports engineers around the globe:

• Training and guidance: Antto offers in-depth training to help clients familiarize themselves with CADMATIC Electrical, including advanced features that can transform their design processes. He holds hands-on workshops and clear explanations that equip engineers with the confidence to tackle even the most complex projects.
• Personalized support: No two clients are the same, and Antto understands the importance of tailoring solutions to fit each customer’s specific needs. He consults with engineers to modify software setups, create custom workflows, and address unique challenges in their projects.
• Optimizing efficiency: With his background in electrical engineering, Antto ensures clients fully leverage the software’s capabilities to maximize efficiency and accuracy. From creating detailed electrical schematics to automating repetitive tasks, he helps teams save time and reduce errors.

Motivated by global customers, improving our products and making a real-life impact

One of the unique and motivating aspects to Antto’s work is that he gets to work with global customers. 

“Well over three-quarters of my weekly interactions are with clients outside Finland”, he shares, ranging from small companies to large international corporations. This global reach introduced Antto to a world of diverse working styles and challenges, a factor that played a big part in his decision to join Cadmatic in the first place.

“Working internationally was one of the key reasons I joined Cadmatic. I wanted to learn how people solve problems across different cultures and expand my experience internationally”, says Antto. Working with global clients means Antto travels regularly about 1-2 times per month. “Visiting clients in person is great, as I really get to experience how cultural nuances play into collaboration and communication”, he explains.

Another motivating factor in his role is that Antto gets to influence improving the product software. He shares ideas with the development team, helping to shape updates that meet client needs.“Even though I’m not coding, my role allows me to influence how features are defined. I get to see ideas take shape based on what our clients actually need”, he says.

Working closely with clients and the development team to create real-life impact is a key reason Antto loves his job. “We’re creating tools that make engineers’ work faster, reduce mistakes, and give them more time to focus on creative tasks”, he says. Antto is also excited about how CADMATIC Electrical is growing. “With every update, it becomes easier to use and more effective. It’s great to know my work contributes to that,” he adds.

Warm culture with trust and ownership

Besides the work with customers, Cadmatic’s culture is one of its greatest strengths to Antto. He describes the work environment as welcoming, collaborative, and refreshingly diverse, compared to some of the more uniform workplaces of his past. “At Cadmatic, it’s not just engineers in our team – and there’s nothing wrong with that. It actually just makes it more interesting. We have people with all kinds of backgrounds and expertise, and that diversity leads to fresh ideas and new ways of solving problems”, he says.

“At Cadmatic, it’s not just engineers in our team. We have people with all kinds of backgrounds and expertise, and that diversity leads to fresh ideas and new ways of solving problems.”

This rich mix of perspectives has inspired Antto in his own role, helping him approach challenges with creativity and an open mind. “If I have an idea and I say it out loud, people will listen. You’re never boxed into just one role or title here”, he says.

The trust extended to employees fosters a sense of autonomy that Antto deeply values. He appreciates the freedom to shape his day-to-day tasks and contribute to projects that align with his strengths. “This is the kind of workplace where your skills can grow if you’re willing to explore and learn. I feel there are no limits to the opportunities for career development”, Antto reflects.

What would you say to someone wondering if Cadmatic could be their next career step, Antto?

“Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Here you’ll get a lot of opportunities, and your ideas really matter. If you’re looking to be part of something meaningful, this is the place to be”, he sums it up.