World Productivity Day fell this week on June 20. We took a moment to chat with Emiliano Leonardi, who heads one of the most productive departments in CEPI: Electronic and Electrical Automation. Among other things, they manage the development of the software running the panels controlling production in our installations. Emiliano had a lot of insights to share on how to incentivize productivity, both individually and as a team. Tools are fundamental, but so is office culture.
Among the tools introduced to increase productivity in his department, Emiliano says that smart working undoubtedly takes the top spot. “We always try to have one developer taking charge of a project in its entirety. We work a lot as a team, but when it comes to commissioning and the development of a customized and qualified program the rule is that it will all be done by the same person, who will assist the customer very closely for the first crucial months.”
This is where smart working plays a fundamental role in balancing the team’s workload with the need to cover different time zones. “The developers do not always follow the usual office hours, but adapt to the needs of the customer and their geographical area. For example: if someone is following Canada they will work from 2 to 10 pm, whereas if the installation is in South East Asia the developer will work very early in the morning.”
At work in the developer open space
“We made this choice long before COVID and it paid off very well,” Emiliano says. The volume of installations produced and automated per year increased radically in the early 10s, and remote commissioning became more and more frequent. Flexibility prevents frequent travel which is burdensome on the developer, and optimizes the start-up and service stages. “It allows the same person to follow two or three installations at the same time. Ten years later, I can say that it was a winning choice.”
Being in charge of the installation from start to finish also creates a strong sense of responsibility in the members of the office. “Building a collaborative environment is crucial, but so is encouraging personal growth,” Emiliano says.
How is collaboration promoted? The first step is by using the same language and tools. “We all try to work in the same way, with the same software, the same functions and the same methodology. This kind of uniformity reduces stress a lot. Taking over a software developed by another person is always a source of concern, but knowing what to expect and where to intervene makes everyone more serene and willing to take over a project started by someone else.”
When does this happen? “Expansions and adaptations over the years. It is possible that an installation starts with one line and then the company grows in response to changes in the market.”
Developing the system overview function of a PLC-based touch panel
According to Emiliano, “Installations grow like plants.” We love that image immediately. “The production of our customers is linked to the market and market demands can change. New products will be produced, which requires new lines, which requires new touch panels and automation. The food industry is always on the move, and we move with them. And if a new developer has to step in to create the automation for a new line, the shared language and methodology in our office makes the work a lot easier. It also ensures a strong continuity for those who will use the touch panels.”
In short: same program, different people, but the customer doesn’t notice.
And what about the office culture?
“I try to be generous, which favors the same attitude in return. The work can be very competitive, which is the root of most conflict, so I try to encourage sharing instead, of information in the first place.” As a consequence, the environment in the office is serene, and work is seen as sharing a passion. People are invested both in the projects they develop and in the friendships that have grown in the office, building the team in the ideal way, that is, a spontaneous one.
Interviewed by Stefania Montalti (Communications Manager) and Giulia Raggi (Marketing Manager)
July 22, 2023
