From Sicily to Milan: the computer engineer with a passion for wine

‍Daniele, what do you do at xFarm?

I am Head of IT, so I am responsible for product development xFarm, both on the web and atapp. My number one priority is definitely understanding the mission of xFarm interacting with other teams, particularly the product team, and achieving those goals from an IT perspective. In short, developing a product that respects the vision of. xFarm.

What is your background? How was the transition to xFarm?

I am Sicilian and studied computer engineering in Catania, then moved to Milan for work. I joined xFarm April 2020. Before that, I worked in consulting companies. It was a different environment, but getting feedback from users, whether employees or farmers, was a constant. I have always worked on tools used by many people: working on a product that has to satisfy hundreds of thousands of people has always appealed to me. Agriculture is a different industry, but I continue to do what I like.

What brought you to work at xFarm? You moved from a structured consulting firm to a very different one, which was then very small...

I liked the idea of having many end users and was looking for a product company, but mostly for the vision: to bring innovation to agriculture. To combine engineering with a more let's say "traditional" industry. Back then xFarm it was small, but revolutionary, where I therefore had the opportunity to make even more of a difference. The aspect that fascinated me the most was the possibility to contribute to building a more sustainable world in an active way. In this sense, making a revolution of a sector like agriculture is a real challenge. As a computer scientist, I felt I could make a tangible contribution to sustainability-which is then reflected on the lives of all of us.

And then, there is the viticulture part that I am very passionate about....

...Viticulture? Tell us more!

I have a passion for wine, and in my spare time I study and take exams on wine tasting; it is a passion that has allowed me to combine even more of my private life with my profession. To this day, also following the viticulture part ofapp , I can use a double eye: both that of an engineer and that of a wine enthusiast.

A good combination-what is your typical day?

The day starts with coffee and meeting with the IT team to stay aligned on goals. If there are problems or impediments, we try to solve them and discuss priorities to focus on. During the day, I also check in with managers from other teams(sales, product, marketing). Or it's off to talk to potential customers or partners. However, I also have to stay present internally in case there is a need to make strategic decisions with the team, to validate choices and figure out how to move.

How do you find the work environment?

In two words: young and dynamic. Young because we are all almost the same age - although some colleagues are also much younger than me. Dynamic because we are always on a moving train: every day there are new challenges and new inputs. So we have to be responsive and ready to face them.

What was your first assignment at xFarm?

My first task was to develop a new module PRO: the Operations Management module. This is a module designed to enable large companies and cooperatives to easily monitor hours worked, machinery movements, and more. It was useful for me to understand the complexity of xFarm and to learn about its functionality and scope.

On a technological level, why do you think xFarm differs from its competitors?

Because we do not set limits regarding the application of new information technology. So we can make the most of the power of innovation. If there is a new technology, the team is ready to test it. We are always abreast of the latest developments and willing to experiment with new solutions.

The "craziest" moment since you started?

A few months ago we decided to go on an on-the-road tour-an xRoad. Driving from Milan to Salerno, crisscrossing Italy, we visited several customers and got out in the field to see how the product is used in the sun and among the dust. During the day we got our hands dirty and in the hotel we continued to finish jobs. It was a good team-building moment.

And the strangest place you've worked from?

I once had to program from inside a tractor. We were testing a function for interconnecting different machines.

Okay, but with or without air conditioning?

Fortunately, the tractor had air conditioning.

Tell us about an aspect of your work that you particularly appreciate?

When I can see how the product grows and the people grow along with the product, then I am satisfied. I believe that a product does not grow by itself but the people working on it should grow together with it. It means we are doing well at the work level but we are also evolving the whole team.

Instead, a particularly challenging goal or task?

Challenge is one of the side effects of dynamism. Being able to balance the amount of ideas we have going on while at the same time making mental and organizational order. Being able to handle the pressures that come from every area. Giving proper attention to each aspect and not being overwhelmed by the various projects in the field.

What do you see in the future of xFarm? And in yours?

In the future of xFarm I see great things: in just two years I have already seen growth from 10 to 70 people, and I anticipate even greater growth. I have seen a lot so far, and I expect to see even more.

As for my future, I see myself with. xFarm: pride in the work I do growing more and more, and I see myself getting deeper and deeper into this ecosystem, hoping to always be able to give my best.