Hello Nicola and Claudio, it’s a pleasure to have you here for this interview. Let’s begin by
introducing your professional backgrounds, career paths, and your roles at Latitudo.
Nicola Bisi: I am a Data Warehouse Architect with over 20 years of experience in managing
complex projects and developing advanced technological solutions. Currently, I serve as
Project Manager at LATITUDO s.r.l., a company I co-founded. My passion and expertise in Data
Warehousing and web applications are reflected in my extensive experience in designing and
implementing solutions that optimize data management and enhance business performance.
Claudio Malchiodi: I am a co-founder of LATITUDO s.r.l. and oversee all development projects
related to Data Warehousing and Data Analytics. My role involves aligning the company with
market expectations within my area of expertise while striving to anticipate business trends. I
have developed projects and integrations involving Microsoft SQL Server, Business Process
Management platforms, and interactions with SAP. For clients, I have created various
dashboards for data analysis, ranging from cost analysis in telecommunications to asset
management, leveraging the capabilities of Microsoft SQL Server and, in recent years,
Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft Fabric.
Latitudo recently joined the Automate Group, which specializes in automation for the
industrial, manufacturing, intra-logistics, and automatic handling systems sectors. How does
Latitudo position itself within the Automate world and, more generally, in relation to systems
involving robots, automated production lines, and automated handling systems?
Nicola Bisi: The central aspect of Latitudo’s positioning within the Automate Group lies in its
ability to integrate, manage, and transform data available to companies into actionable
information that supports strategic management decisions. This perspective comes from over 20 years of experience in implementing data analytics solutions used by company managers, from financial controllers to sales directors and operations managers. The key point is Latitudo’s focus: it concentrates on data and business processes not directly related to production. This focus positions Latitudo as one of the pivotal elements within the Automate Group for the coming years, where IT, OT, and AI
competencies will converge into a unified sphere.
Latitudo provides solutions related to Decision Science for its clients. As a company, are you
already adopting these techniques internally to optimize your decision-making processes, or
do you plan to do so in the future?
Claudio Malchiodi: We use these technologies for some of our clients. Internally, we employ
them for predictive purposes, leveraging tools that integrate some of these functionalities,
such as for budget forecasting or project timeline estimation. We have been active users and
explorers of these technologies for several years.
Based on your experience, how has the perception of data centrality for decision-making
evolved in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) compared to larger companies?
Nicola Bisi: While the centrality of data is an important topic for all companies, regardless of
size, one of the key developments in recent years has been the emergence of technological
tools that enable the implementation of Data Analytics systems with timelines and costs that
are manageable even for SMEs. This is a cornerstone for data analysis in companies, as it
allows SMEs to access advanced tools. Until a few years ago, creating Data Analytics systems
involved costs that did not align with the typical budgets of SMEs. However, a critical aspect
remains: in small and medium enterprises, the importance of data collection and management
is still not fully understood.
Claudio Malchiodi: In large companies, on the other hand, we often see that despite having
greater resources, they do not fully exploit the available technologies for data management.
Here too, a cultural shift is necessary, especially to ensure that data is used strategically in
every business process.
Which SME sectors are showing the greatest awareness and interest in data?
Claudio Malchiodi: Observing market trends, we can see that the SME sectors showing the
greatest awareness and interest in data are primarily those that have traditionally used it,
such as retail and finance. They are now followed by important sectors like healthcare and
agrifood. These companies have understood the importance of leveraging data to optimize
processes, improve operational efficiency, and make strategic decisions based on concrete
information.
Latitudo specializes in Microsoft technologies. Which Microsoft solutions do you find
particularly effective in helping SMEs integrate data into their decision-making processes?
Nicola Bisi: It’s crucial for SMEs to have an entry point into the world of data analytics that is
not overly costly. The cost of the technological solution, particularly licensing, and
implementation costs are two fundamental factors. In recent years, the introduction of Power
BI in our projects has allowed us to address client objections related to the cost of technology
licenses. Another key aspect is the adoption of cloud technologies, which offer advanced
capabilities at reasonable costs. One of the solutions we frequently propose to our clients is
Microsoft Fabric, which enables the implementation of comprehensive business intelligence
systems designed for the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools.
Have you developed any success stories where tools like Azure or Power BI have significantly
improved SMEs’ decision-making processes?
Claudio Malchiodi: We now have numerous examples of such cases, as they are quite common.
Transitioning from a spreadsheet containing tens of thousands of rows to a visually intuitive
graphical interface automatically simplifies the decision-making process. In many companies,
Excel remains the cornerstone of information distribution. However, centralizing data
management and using certified systems with validated and easily accessible data greatly
enhances the reliability and clarity of information.
Do you think partnerships with platforms like DSA could amplify the impact of these
technologies?
Nicola Bisi: Partnerships with organizations like the Decision Science Alliance (DSA) can
undoubtedly amplify the impact of data analytics and artificial intelligence technologies.
Collaborating with specialized organizations like the DSA provides access to advanced
expertise, resources, and best practices that can accelerate the adoption and implementation
of innovative solutions. Such partnerships can also facilitate knowledge sharing and the
adoption of advanced methodological approaches, improving the effectiveness of the
implemented technologies.
In the context of the manufacturing sector, what are the main challenges SMEs face in creating
a seamless link between commercial and production areas? How can data contribute to
streamlining the entire process, from supply chain planning to distribution?
Claudio Malchiodi: In an increasingly complex industrial environment, it is essential to
standardize tools for data collection, management, and processing. Companies need to
undergo a digital transformation that allows them to easily connect the needs of the
commercial and administrative areas with those of production. Data and process digitalization
are the key concepts that enable companies to merge these areas efficiently, improving
overall management.
Many believe that artificial intelligence is a tool reserved for large companies. How do you
encourage SMEs to overcome this misconception and see AI as an accessible tool? What
unique advantages can SMEs gain by implementing advanced methodological approaches to
data analysis and usage?
Nicola Bisi: SMEs need to be encouraged through training and by explaining that these
technologies, which might seem like science fiction, are now available to all companies. New
technologies have democratized access to artificial intelligence and data analytics, lowering
economic and technical barriers for SMEs.
Thank you for sharing your experience and insights with us. Your responses provide a clear
and inspiring perspective on how Latitudo is contributing to transforming the landscape of
data analytics and automation. They highlight the importance of an integrated approach and
data centrality, showing how SMEs can grow and improve their competitiveness by adopting
advanced technologies. We look forward to seeing you at ISC 2025!
Nicola Bisi and Claudio Malchiodi: Thank you! We are excited to share our expertise and
contribute to the dialogue on the evolution of decision science!
