Eng. Lorenzo Moioli, Technical Director of the R&D department, told us about the product development activities that are carried out in the Paso “laboratory“, a continuous race towards innovation.
Connessioni- What does your work consist of?
Lorenzo Moioli – We deal with a single product, or with a complete range of different products based on electrical and functional characteristics. Other times, we find ourselves managing the development of a system, or a composition of products with different and connected functions. After an initial study phase, the actual development begins with the realisation of the project drawings – wiring diagram, layout of the boards, mechanical drawings of the containers – to prepare the prototypes on which to carry out the electrical-functional checks, and the development of the firmware. The path ends with the issuance of the necessary documentation for entry into production.
C – What is a typical working day like for a Technical Director?
LM – In my role as Technical Director, I report directly to Eng. Antonio Faccioni, CEO of the company and I coordinate with the managers of the other company sectors. Within the R&D department, I compare myself daily with my collaborators on ongoing projects and participate in product development activities. I also try to keep up with innovations, to keep myself informed, and not to miss opportunities for professional and personal growth. The development of a product is typically attributable to a set of countless activities, synchronised with each other, which can last from a few hours to several months. The work is always varied and interesting.
C – What other departments does the R&D department collaborate with?
LM – While coordinating with all company departments, the design has a strong collaborative link with the Sales Department and with production, including purchases. In relation to the Sales Department, the development of product or system specifications is of primary importance, on which the effectiveness of the company’s response to market needs strictly depends. In addition, collaboration on a technical level is important to answer questions or any difficulties that arise from the activities in the field of installation, fine-tuning, etc., a fundamental element for assisting our customers.
The collaboration with the production is based on an essential need, which is the replicability of the products: the design therefore provides all the necessary documentation (bills, drawings and test standards) and collaborates in the resolution of production problems. Finally, the design must support the Purchasing Department in finding the raw materials for production.
C – What are the strengths of the R&D department?
LM – I will mention only one, the most important: people. My collaborators and I love this job and, together with the curiosity and pleasure of learning about new things, we know that it’s important to maintain a high level of competence. Paso designs, manufactures and distributes its own product, is very proud of its identity as a manufacturer, and in this we find the beauty of working in this company. Perhaps my almost 32 years of belonging to this brand have led me to nostalgic tendencies, but the passion and commitment, as well as the most heated discussions and the inevitable moments of difficulty have led to seeing the birth and multiplication of the products and therefore the fruit of one’s work. Thinking back to my time as a student makes me feel incredibly lucky, because what I wanted back then for my future is the exact path that I’ve walked.
