Markku Arvekari
Digital Transformation Expert
Achievements and accomplishments
RPA
- Over 4000 Working hours saved yearly
- Over 20 Automated business-process in production
- Over 450 000€ on savings
- Processes throughput times have been reduced about 35%
Starting the RPA-initiative pilot (ISS Finland).
Setup of RPA Center of Excellence (ISS Finland).
Building RPA Frameworks, ways of working, operating and runtime models (ISS Finland).
Creating processes for idea gathering, evaluation, and approval for automation (ISS Finland).
Creating a change-positive atmosphere and supporting functions, implemented to production (ISS Finland)
Leading the creation of reporting KPI´s and success indicators for RPA (ISS Finland).
Part of vendor evaluation for global service vendor for RPA (ISS Group).
Participate in Planning and executing RPA CoE and the Way of working (ISS Group).
Leading the creation of workflows for re-usable RPA-automations and global scalability (ISS Group).
Technical lead on global migration project from on-prem installation to cloud-installation (ISS Group)
IoT
- Over 100 automated alarms on building conditions issues that were fixed before they became problems
- Over 1000 sensors deployed creating combined digital entities to customers
- Created one of the first IoT, API, and AI connected prediction services to fulfill customer need on indoor quality monitoring
Successful Digital Twin-pilot combining AI and IoT in 2017 (ISS Finland).
Creating technical solutions for predictive services (ISS Finland)
Creating use cases and scenarios for advanced analytics and AI (ISS Finland).
Part of the IOT global strategy planning (ISS Group).
Innovating and designing Business uses cases for AI (ISS Group).
Other
- Managing a community witch has over 3000 members
- 60% Saving on hardware, support and licensing costs
Business Partner of the month 8 times in BNI Finland Tammi Chapter
Integration Platform to manage dataflows combining multiple data sets to feed AI solutions
Founder and grown the Raspberry Pi Suomi facebook group that has now 3500 members from Finland. People Are sharing information between them selfs.
Consolidation of datacenter from physical servers to virtualization platform with high availability and scalability (STT)
Multiple articleas about Digital Transformation in LinkedIn: My LinkedIn articles collection
Top Traits
Innovation & Digital Transformation
Vendor & Supplier Management
High availability and scalable services
Entrepreneurship & Communication Skills
Digital development
Strategic IT Planning & Implementation
Leadership & Team Management
Information security
Project management
Change Management
Agile development
IoT and Digital Twin
Disruptive and agile use of technologies
About Me
I am a positive and innovative technical influencer, who is driven by the passion of being a part of the transformation for better, easier and more efficient tomorrow.
My biggest asset is the ability to understand end-user needs, business demands and technical possibilities.
Experience in various roles in IT for more than two decades has provided me with a very wide understanding of IT and the development within IT.
Working in digital transformation has shown me the abilities, advantages, and disadvantages of different agile technologies.
As the technical manager for digital disruption, I challenge current operating models and systems. I re-think technical needs and ways of working in selected business processes.
I create agile, disruptive solutions utilizing modern technologies to gain highly adaptive and fast future.
I also have operated in transforming on-premise IT-infrastructures to hybrid- and cloud-models. These transformations have created better resilience and more rugged over-all solution as well as being able to adjust easily to changing needs for modern IT.
I am described as a technical expert who really thinks outside of the box. I understand the technical possibilities and limitations but try to find solutions that does not have a negative impact on the solution provided to the end-user. Modern technologies and disruptive use of IT-tools should be used for adopting to the operation models of the business. Today’s technological landscape makes it possible for the technology to cater business needs, not forcing the business to change according to technological barriers.
Combining agile technologies such as RPA (Robot Process Automation), RDA (Robot Desktop Automation), AI (Artificial Intelligence), IA (Intelligent Automation), IoT (Internet of Things), predictive datamodels and modern web-technologies can easily speed up digital transformation.
Being fast is only half of the solutions, doing it safe and secure is the second half. Information security, applied policies and data restrictions must be taken into account when applying agile methods to companies. Leading different national and global projects in digital transformation has provided me with very extensive understanding and know-how in aligning digital transformation to current data security practices.
Food for thought
With the help of new techlogies and innovative thinking companies can tranform their business and processes toward digitized world. Companies can for example onboard new employees easier, automate anomality detection, hand over mundane tasks to automation or robotics, use automation to create faster frontline services and so on.
Effective data management and analytics are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. By transforming unstructured data into standardized formats, businesses can significantly improve their digitalization efforts.
Defining clear transformation goals is essential, focusing on values and flexible deliverables. This approach ensures that data is effectively utilized to drive decisions and foster growth, making it an invaluable asset in the business world.
Leadership in digital transformation is a blend of coaching and a laissez-faire style, crucial for fostering innovation and adaptability. Empowering individuals to experiment and innovate within a secure framework nurtures a culture of learning and creativity.
This leadership approach creates an environment where team members confidently contribute ideas, driving resilience and adaptability in business processes.
The increasing importance of data collection is a critical factor for business success. Efficiently gathering, validating, and interpreting critical data can significantly enhance predictive capabilities for processes and supply chains.
Combining internal data with external sources offers a comprehensive view of business performance. This strategy is essential for anticipating industry trends and adapting to market changes.
In scaling digital solutions, the focus on service reliability and efficiency is paramount. Agile methodologies improve process transparency and predictability, leading to better business management and operational efficiency.
This approach also enhances staff motivation, as it allows for the swift implementation of innovative solutions. Agile methods ensure that businesses remain adaptable and high-performing, even as operational demands increase.
Work Experience
Senior Advisor, DXC Technologies
11/2021 –
As a Senior Advisor at DXC Technologies since November 2011, I have been instrumental in driving innovation, digitalization, and transformation to help businesses thrive. My expertise spans across IoT, AI/ML, ChatGPT, hyper-automations, RPA, ESG, and data center energy efficiency.
In the realm of IoT, I have worked with a global logistics company to create a scalable and adaptable OT environment. For AI/ML, I have developed strategies to make data centers more energy-efficient using AI and predictive models. As a technical lead for RPA, I established Center Of Excellence (CoE) functions for a Global Facility Management company and managed the technical teams working for the CoE.
My role involved helping customers leverage technology as a tool to evolve their businesses. For instance, I assisted a client who had a new product with connectivity and sensors but lacked the know-how to utilize it. I guided them in shaping the use of data from the product and designed the entire ecosystem around it.
Strategic decision-making has been a key part of my role. For example, when automating customer business processes, we often had to reshape process flows and strategies based on changing customer needs.
With this extensive experience and proven track record in leading digital transformation initiatives and managing technical teams,
Solution Architect, ISS FINLAND
09/2017 –10/2021
As a part of Digital Excellence team in ISS Palvelut I was responsible of the new innovative technologies that we developed or used. Digital Excellence is also the point of contact when there is need of new solutions or digital development needs. Most important task is to make people’s lives easier with the help of digitalization. Digital Excellence, utilizes tools such as RPA (Robot Process Automation), AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), Advanced Analytics, Intelligent Automations and many more.
I am responsible for creating roadmaps and strategic approaches to digital solutions from the technical perspective. I am also responsible for providing solutions to our customers needs and wishes around IoT, process efficiency, RPA and AI. Communicating with stackeholders, business and IT.
Global Technical Lead Architect RPA (interim), ISS GROUP
01.02.2021 –10/2021
In January 2021 I took over the global responsibility of RPA technical design and planning as the RPA was being migrated to new set-up.
Within these couple of months, I created a plan for recovery and a plan on being able to achieve goals for the RPA set by Global Steering Group of RPA. I also participated on planning on how to create better community around RPA and how to showcase RPA-automations and need for RPA.
Member, Global RPA Core Team, ISS GROUP
2019 – 2021
As a member of the core team of RPA globally, I assisted in starting the ISS Global RPA-initiative.
I was a part of the vendor-selection, helped in creating frameworks and operation models for the RPA and participated in evaluating the technical architecture and functionalities and ways of working. I was also one of the pioneers and spokespersons for RPA in ISS globally.
Member, Global Digital Excellence Core Team, ISS GROUP
09/2018 – 12/2020
As a member of the Global Digital Excellence Core Team I was a part of the global team creating IoT use cases for ISS Group. This Core Team created use cases for ISS´s Global Key Accounts and ISS Countries. Core Team also created the IoT-strategy and roadmap for ISS Group. Core Team was also responsible for finding best suitable sensors and applications for ISS as well as ensuring that selected solutions are inline with ISS Group IT policies and Information Security compliance.
ENTREPRENEUR, NERD FUEL
02/2013 -03/2023
As the CEO and CTO of Nerd Fuel, a company I owned for 10 years, I have demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. Nerd Fuel provided a range of IT services, from runtime management and maintenance to consulting and hosting services with our own small data center combined with Microsoft/Office 365 products and services.
Under my leadership, Nerd Fuel helped clients grow and focus on their core business by taking care of their day-to-day IT needs. A notable example is our work with a famous knife and combat armory shop in Finland. When their online marketplace broke down due to a human error at their previous service provider, we were able to get the market platform back up and running. This led to the client moving all their services to us, and over the years, we developed two versions of their online marketplace supporting 1 million unique visits per month.
As CEO, I oversaw strategies, day-to-day operations management, customer care, experience development, and financial budgeting. As CTO, I built and evaluated the hardware and software used, led our Help Desk and technical teams, and participated in technical pre-sales.
I demonstrated my leadership skills by ensuring work-life balance for my team members and providing them with healthcare insurances that extended to their families. I also led by example, helping and coaching them on their day-to-day tasks.
Strategic decision-making was a key part of my role. When the Covid pandemic started, I had to make strategic changes to the company. Building the company from scratch presented its own challenges, such as finding skilled workers that fit into our salary framework. However, I was able to overcome these challenges and lead the company to success.
In March 2023, after more than a decade at the helm of Nerd Fuel, I sold the company to Taika Group. This decision came after careful consideration and six months of negotiations.
IT Architect, FINNISH NEWS AGENCY – SUOMEN TIETOTOIMISTO (STT)
03/2012 – 09/2017
As an IT Architect, I planned and designed the architecture used in STT, including data, hardware, and software architectures. This involved project work with the business to ensure that we implemented good technical solutions aligned with our IT strategy. I managed our data center and server infrastructure, and one of our major achievements was the Windows 7 Rollout project and Data Center Consolidation.
We were able to decrease our IT operational costs to 1/3 of the expenses while making our IT operation more efficient. Regular audits with partners ensured that our data center services were up to the required standards on information security, hardware, software, etc.
System Manager – Data center, FINNISH NEWS AGENCY – SUOMEN TIETOTOIMISTO (STT)
03/2011 – 03/2012
As a System Manager for the Data Center, I ensured that our data center services, and daily operations were up and running. I also made sure that our data center services developed and were up to the required standards. I had a technical role but was also responsible for managing vendors and suppliers that we worked with.
Throughout my tenure at STT, I demonstrated leadership by building an ecosystem where everyone worked together to achieve given goals. We treated our vendors like employees and colleagues and had good track metrics to follow ourselves and the vendors and partners.
One of the challenges we faced was managing a multiplex and 24/7 operation. It took me a while to understand the relations and effects, which made it hard in the beginning to plan and design changes. However, over time, I learned and overcame this challenge..
System specialist, ENFO
05/2005 – 03/2011
I work in datacenter team at Enfo. I was transferred from Destia (may 2008) when all Destia’s ICT was out-sourced to Enfo. Our team was responsible for ensuring that our datacenter was up and running in Helsinki and Kuopio. We were working closely with customer IT Teams to provide services to their business. We also were consulting to the customers on development solutions. Also I was responsible for our Linux-based services. I have also specialized on high-availability and Scale-out services during my time at ENFO.
System Specialist, DESTIA
10/2005 – 05/2005
I worked in Destia (formerly known as Tieliikelaitos) as a system specialist in Windows-environments. I managed 120 Windows-servers and our datacenter in Helsinki. Our team was also responsible for our 120 offices around Finland and IT services that were used by our 3000 users and 1850 Workstations. My dedicated areas were:
– Management and monitoring of 120 Windows-servers
– Server installations and maintenance (hardware and software)
– SAN Infrastructure Management (HP based SAN disk arrays (HP EVA), switches , cabling, and documentation)
– IT Security (Firewalls, anti-virus, encryption software etc.)
– IT Project management
– Management and upkeep of our datacenter facilities
System Specialist, PROSELECTUM / TIELIIKELAITOS (DESTIA)
05/2005 – 10/2005
I was a leased worker through ProSelectum for Tieliikelaitos. I worked in the data administration as an System Specialist. I was a part of the IT Team doing migration-projects from old software versions to new ones. I also participated on the server infrastructure operations.
My responsibilities were:
– Migration from Exchange 5.5 into Exchange 2003 for 3000 users
– Project management for different smaller IT projects
– Windows-server management and monitoring
System Specialist, TIETOHEIMO
04/2004 – 05/2005
I worked as an IT technician helping our customers on their daily IT problems. The work was done at the store and in customer locations. I worked with enterprises and with consumers. I worked with workstations and server Windows, Linux or Apple. Tietoheimo is a part of Data Group witch has about 30 stores / service points across Finland.
IT-Konsultointi Markku Arvekari, Self-employed
12/2002 – 04/2004
I worked as a self employed Senior IT Consultant. providing IT services like Help Desk, Onsite- and remote support services into Small and Mid-Sized Companies in the metropolitan area. Also on the mid-sized companies I provided consulting services on how to make IT run more efficient.
System specialist, W-Create (CITY DEV LABS)
11/2000 – 12/2002
I worked as an system specialist / Developer in Windows and Linux enviroments. W-create developed one of the firs interactive small ERP styles system in the beginning of 2000. We had instant messaging and calendar synchronization from nokia phones, task management, Filemanagent, Firewall, VPN Services. I was responsible of installing the systems to customers and do minor bug fixes providing support on-site to the end users when needed.
System specialist, COOPY KY
07/1999 – 10/2000
I worked as an part time IT Technician providing on-site support to the accounts with the IT systems. Also took care the infrastructure mainenetanace, upkeep and development.
System Specialist, ZELEMA OY
01/1998 – 10/2000
I Worked as a part time IT technician providing on-site support to the employees in Finland. I worked Closely With the Swedish IT department. They Were giving me the tasks that they could not handle remotely on that time. So i maintained and developt the infra structure of the company
Education
Vocational Qualification in Business Information Technology 2000 - 2002
Status: 100%
Subject Area: Information technology in entenprises
Field of study: System support, Information technology
School: Rastor / Apprenticeship
Time: 2000 – 2002
Language skills
Finnish, Native
English, Fluent
Networks
Business Network International, Chapter member and member of chapter council
Raspberry PI Suomi (Facebook Group), Founder and member
Other skills
I have always been interested in new technologies and how they work. Even though I have not been doing coding much in the last 15 years, this has given me the understanding on how things work “under the hood”.
I still search actively new technologies and disruptive use cases of technology that are emerging or are being tested. I keep myself updated with technology trends and rising players in technology and automation globally.
With the knowledge and understanding I have built over the years I have been able to provide technical solutions to companies of all sizes, from small business and entrepreneurs to enterprises.
I consider this search of new technologies to be important to me and forcing me to keep myself up to date on the industry development.
Also i like to share my toughs in LinkedIn
Certifications and Courses
Certificates
Veeam Technical Sales Professional (VMTSP) V9
Veeam Software
Issued: 06/2016
Veeam Sales Professional (VMSP) V9
Veeam Software
Issued: 06/2016
Primergy Pre-sales Consultant
Fujitsu
Issued: 03/2016
Primergy Sales Expert
Fujitsu
Issued: 03/2016
Primergy System Engineer
Fujitsu
Issued: 03/2016
Primergy Sales Professional
Fujitsu
Issued: 02/2016
Veeam Sales Professional (VMTSP) V8
Veeam Software
Issued: 10/2015
Veeam Sales Professional (VMSP) V8
Veeam Software
Issued: 10/2015
VOP-CP (Cloud Provider) Accreditation
VMware
Issued: 07/2015
VSP-CP (Cloud Provider) Accreditation
VMware
Issued: 07/2015
VSP-SV (Server Virtualization 2015) Accreditation
VMware
Issued: 07/2015
VTSP-SV (Server Virtualization 2015) Accreditation
VMware
Issued: 07/2015
VMware VSP 2015 Accreditation
VMware
Issued: 07/2015
VMware VTSP 2015 Accreditation
VMware
Issued: 07/2015
Fireware XTM v11.9 Basics
Watchguard Technologies
Issued: 09/2014
Sales (2013)
Watchguard Technologies
Issued: 09/2014
F-secure Sales training
F-Secure Corporation
Creditation ID: 10791
Issued: 09/2014
VMware Certified Associate – Cloud
Veeam Software
Issued: 10/2013
VMware Certified Associate – Data Center Virtualization
VMware
Issued: 10/2013
VMware Certified Associate – Workforce Mobility
VMware
Issued: 10/2013
Red Hat Certified Technician, RHEL 5
Red Hat
Credential ID: 605009996724593
Issued: 06/2009
RHCSA, RHEL 5
Red Hat
Credential ID: 110-116-839
Issued: 06/2009
Acronis Certified Engineer
Acronis
Issued: 2006
ITIL Foundation
Exin Management Consults
Issued: 08/2015
F-Secure Policy Manager and Anti-Virus Client Security
F-Secure Corporation
Issued: 12/2004
Courses
Business Coaching Basics (ICF)
Course Completed: 07/2020
Cisco Routing & Switching
Course Completed: 01/2017
Microsoft Windows 10 Implementing and Management
Cource Completed: 010/2016
Project Management & Leadership
Course Completed: 05/2014
Juniper Network and Security Manager Fundamentals
Course Completed: 04/2013
Oracle Database 11g: 2 Day DBA
Course Completed: 03/2012
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V5.1]
Course Completed: 12/2011
Microsoft Windows 2008 Server, Implementing and Management
Issued: 09/2009
RHCT Certification, RHCE Rapid Track Certification Course (RH300)
Course Completed: 06/2009
Forefront Unified Access Gateway (UAG) 2012
Course Completed: 2008
Microsoft Implementing Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 (2824)
Course Completed: 2006
Microsot Windows Small Business Server 2003, Networking Infrastructure
Course Completed: 2004
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Implementing and Management
Course Completed: 2004
Experts who I have worked with
Nada Elboayadi, Head of Big Data, Global Support Solutions, ISS Group, nada.elboayadi@group.issworld.com
I have been working in mutual projects and initiatives for several years. Nada also owns the Global RPA in ISS. Nada has taught me a lot about global processes and group compliance.
Jari Tiirikainen, Head of Digital Excellence, ISS Finland, jari.tiirikainen@fi,issworld.com
Jari has unbelievable skillset to innovate and digitize businesses. He has really good understanding of business processes and enough knowledge of Information technologies to combine them into solutions. Jari has been a good example what is a great leader and it has been an honor to work with him.
Juha Kukka, Senior Vice Precident, Solution Sales, Enfo Oyj, juha.kukka@enfo.fi
Juha is one of those senior-level IT-professionals who are really needed in this world. Juha is not afraid to jump head first into something new and is always ready to pitch in with his ideas and views. Juha has been one of my valued contacts since 2008.
Lauri Pihlajasalo, Solution Architect, ISS Palvelut, lauri.pihlajasalo@fi.issworld.com
Lauri is one of the people in ISS Finland who I have worked with the longest. We have innovated and developed various different projects. Lauri is also an excellent IT-expert and innovator.
Hannu Balk, Solution Architect, Kela, hannu.balk@kela.fi
Hannu is one of the most versatile IT-experts I have encountered. He has exceptional skills in making IT-solutions serve business needs. Hannu and i have been co-workers over a decade.
August Hermas, Project Manager, IT-Palvelu Mika Tunninen, august.hermas@tunninen.fi
August is one of the best IT project manager that i have had the pleasure to work with.. He has exceptional skills and understanding of customer needs and he understand technologies enough to create working solutions to customer based on their needs.
Tomi Huusko, Head of development, Bisnode Finland, tomi.huusko@bisnode.com
Tomi is is really keen to setting goals and achieving them he drives his employees with a gentle touch but still achieving goals. He has visions and understanding of technologies. I have worked with Tomi on and off over a decade and i respect his vision and skillset.
Contact Me
Easiest way to get a hold of me is through digital channels such as LinkedIn and email. I would love to reserve a dedicated time for a video-call or a face-to-face meeting.
Just send me a quick note and I´ll arrange the session for us.