This month´s AtoZFellow: Tommi Puonti

Who are you?

My name is Tommi Puonti, and I’m a virtuoso of quality assurance for mobile machines and equipment. My history with mobile machinery is long. I’ve worked in quality assurance for companies such as Sandvik, Novatron, Epec, Avant, TumeAgri…

What do you do at AtoZ and how long have you been an #AtoZPerson?

I’m one of the founding team members of AtoZ Oy and have served on the company’s board of directors since 2018. I’m particularly responsible for software quality assurance as well as developing and managing IT infrastructure.

How did you end up at AtoZ?

After the end of my career at Kilosoft, I reconnected with the old crew, Jyrki and Kimmo, and got wind of Jyrki’s “human experiment,” which sounded interesting. I’ve always liked the idea that an expert gets to decide what to do and take responsibility for their own work. That’s why Millisoft, as it was called back then, seemed like a natural next step after Kilosoft. I haven’t regretted joining my old friends for a single day.

What’s the best part of your job?

I value open collaboration and knowledge sharing, so that together we can improve the quality of our products and ensure their reliable performance. Taking responsibility for my own work has also always motivated me to do things better.

Share a technical tidbit related to your field or something you’re excited about right now.

AI is becoming a powerful partner in handling the basics of testing. We’re really excited about AI-boosted software testing and have invested significantly in this internally.

My wish is that with AI, I’ll be able to focus more on testing from the user’s perspective.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

I’m like the bedrock of a project – I stay steady while others run, and I aim to carry projects to the finish line without cracks forming in the foundations.

What skill would you like to learn next?

I want to dive deeper into the ways AI can assist in testing. The field and tools are developing at such an incredible pace.

What song reflects your life right now?

Dire Straits – Solid Rock. The band is one of my favorites, and the song reflects that you can’t predict everything, but you can choose the foundation on which you build your actions.

If you could spend a day with anyone, who would it be and why?

Elon Musk. Leaving politics aside, I’d focus on how to turn technical inventions into a massive pile of money.

What’s the best thing about AtoZ?

The team is great, and the atmosphere is open. You can discuss anything and get good advice—as long as you’re willing to ask.

Tell us a surprising fact about yourself that others might not know or guess.

I own two tractors, and I get my hands dirty with them if I don’t get the chance while working on machine projects at the office.

What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?

As a Cancer by horoscope, a little red cottage and potato field inspire me to dig around in the backyard of the summer cottage. Of course, big machines and the smell of diesel are always part of it 😊

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

A turtle—moving forward steadily and determinedly, carrying its home along, and enduring storms with a calm attitude.

Finally, share your funniest memory from AtoZ.

One special moment was when, after 10 years of simulator testing, I finally got to drive a real Sandvik loader for a day and move massive rocks around. For a diesel guy like me, that was an incredibly joyful day.

Send greetings to the readers!

In the turbulence of the world, let’s remember to take care of each other and keep the quality of our work high, so that together we can be proud of the results. Let’s keep the flag flying high and move forward with determination.