Milan, Oct. 16 (askanews) – Digital technology is becoming increasingly embedded in the Italian business landscape, especially among larger companies. However, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies lags significantly among companies with fewer than 50 employees, which make up the vast majority in Italy. Among the companies working to change this landscape by supporting entrepreneurs through the transformation process is Bonfiglioli Consulting: we discussed the current situation with CEO Michele Bonfiglioli.
“It’s clear,’ he explained to askanews regarding the progress of digital transformation, ”that a model still needs to be established—a standard that everyone can use as a reference. There are many technologies available, some at a different level of maturity than others, and with varying levels of accessibility. Let’s say that one-third of companies have already embarked on this journey, and of these, at least half have already seen tangible benefits. But technology alone is not enough; a culture of measurement, transparency, and change is also essential.“ These elements point to the Lean methodology for process optimization—another tool that, according to Bonfiglioli, is crucial for offering new prospects to Italian companies.
’It’s a very simple method,” added the CEO, “that allows you to improve any organization, whether in manufacturing or services. The first step is to understand the value for the end customer—to do what the end customer needs. In fact, we often find that organizations do many things the customer doesn’t ask for: we call these ”wastes.“” Michele Bonfiglioli’s remarks range from process integration systems to the use of the Internet of Things for businesses, from artificial intelligence to the cloud, but among the goals of Bonfiglioli Consulting—which already operates in many countries—is also the ambition to achieve something even more significant.
"I have a dream of creating an Italian multinational consulting firm," the manager confided to us. "There aren’t many of them, and it would be focused on international expansion and supporting Italian multinational companies, to spread the good name of what we do around the world."
In any case, looking back at the current landscape and the potential of our companies, Bonfiglioli—who, not coincidentally, is also a marathon runner—has a very clear starting point:
"I believe the important thing is to try, to take risks," he concluded, "because you really can achieve great things."
Watch the video interview published in Il Sole 24 Ore
ai translated