Master of Automaatio – Simo Karpeeki: ”Electricity is the heart, automation is the brain”
Simo Karpeeki serves as Foreperson for Raumaster’s Automation Department, which handles electrical, instrumentation, and automation functions primarily for Energy Outside and Wood Department projects. Daily success in this role demands adaptability and an innovative mindset.
The purpose of automation is to enhance equipment assembly operations. This makes the department’s expertise critical. Head of Electric and Automation, Simo Karpeeki, explains their role by comparing it to the human body:
"Electricity is like the heart and veins, pumping energy into equipment. Instrumentation acts as the nervous system, transmitting information and direction. Automation is the brain, processing that information and ensuring everything operates as it should.”
He divides the department’s typical contributions to customer projects into two categories: equipment deliveries and turnkey deliveries. Both involve continuous support to ensure equipment functions as intended.
"In equipment deliveries, we review mill standards and customer requirements, create motor and instrument lists, and prepare action descriptions that help customers independently develop an automation program. In turkey deliveries, we build the entire environment, including system deliveries, motor centers, and transformers, and handle their electrification, cabling, and automation.”
As the Head of Raumaster’s Electricity and Automation Department Simo Karpeeki oversees automation engineering and resourcing.
Experience from both sides of the desk
Originally an electrical engineer and an IT mechanic, Karpeeki graduated as an automation engineer in 2010, later completing his master’s degree in automation while working. Today, he is in his second tenure at Raumaster.
He first joined Raumaster as an Automation Engineer in 2011, then worked at Metsä Fibre Rauma mill in the Automation Department and as Operational Reliability Officer from 2018 to 2022, when he returned to Raumaster in his current position.
”My experience at the mill taught me why decision-making can take time, but once decisions are made, progress is fast. At Raumaster, hierarchies are low, and decisions happen quickly, which is often crucial given strict scheduling”, Karpeeki says.
”We leverage the strengths of our network and adapt automation to each mill’s specific requirements,” says Simo Karpeeki.
Looking ahead and leading with knowledge
Karpeeki oversees automation engineering and resourcing, acting as a link between project managers and sales, and supporting site operations when needed. Automation engineers handle standard design work, which forms the basis for drawings produced through subcontracting.
”As a foreperson, my most important task is to enable our department’s success. Each customer has unique requirements, so we must remain adaptable and coordinate different strengths effectively. A strong subcontracting network is also essential.”
The role of automation in improving mill processes has grown rapidly. Data utilisation and advanced analytics have transformed operations, enabling systems to provide detailed insights for maintenance. Predictive maintenance and knowledge-driven leadership are now key priorities.
”We can flexibly meet our clients’ needs because we’re not tied to a single system provider. We leverage the strengths of our network and adapt automation to each mill’s specific requirements. This approach allows us to maximise existing systems and continue developing them going forward."
Karpeeki is an important link between project managers and sales.
Master of Automation, so how is automation mastered?
Simo Karpeeki, Head of Electricity and Automation, Raumaster: “The essence of automation is to make equipment function effectively and reliably. In an adaptable and innovative organisation, we rely on each other’s strengths, expanding every professional’s expertise. This is how we meet the individual needs of our customers.”
