For greenhouse vegetable seedling nurseries managing high volumes and dynamic production cycles, digitalization extends beyond basic recordkeeping. It involves ensuring traceability across production, improving planning, and providing a clear view of operations across all stages. In this context, the Italian company Innesti Leopardi, producing over 8 million grafted vegetable plants per year, employs winTutor® IRIS, a management software developed by SELDA Informatica specifically for greenhouse vegetable seedling nurseries.
© Selda SRL
Two production sites
Innesti Leopardi operates from two production sites in the Marche region, located in Montefano and Osimo. The company traces its origins to 1988, when Dr. Agr. Guido Leopardi began work in grafting techniques in Europe. The current structure, established in 2011, produces grafted plants for professional agricultural companies as well as hobby markets, in crops as tomato, eggplant, pepper, melon, watermelon, and cucumber. "Grafting allows us to offer plants that respond consistently to varying conditions while reducing chemical inputs", says production manager Stefano Cesari.
© Selda SRL
Nursery management
Before adopting winTutor® IRIS, Innesti Leopardi faced challenges in several areas of day-to-day nursery management. Traceability of batches was difficult to maintain consistently from customer orders through to final delivery. Production planning and control were constrained by the absence of integrated tools, making it harder to monitor the status of operations in real time. Nursery capacity management, including the allocation of greenhouse space according to production schedules, also presented challenges, affecting the ability to optimize resources and meet delivery deadlines.
During the software evaluation process, the company prioritized reliability and sector experience. winTutor® IRIS had been operational in greenhouse nursery management for several years, offering continuity and stability. Flexibility to adapt the software to the specific characteristics of Innesti Leopardi's production process was another relevant factor. Stefano noted, "What really made the difference was the human relationship. The expertise and availability of SELDA Informatica's reference people played a decisive role in the choice. Having a reliable partner capable of understanding our needs and supporting us over time was key."
The software is now applied across all main operational areas of the company. It covers the entire production cycle, from budget and order control to sowing, grafting placement, greenhouse operations, and the organization of final deliveries. This integration provides continuous monitoring of production status, allowing staff to respond to issues as they arise. Tablet devices are also deployed in greenhouses to collect and consult operational data directly in the field, supporting accurate information capture and process management.
Stefano explained the operational impact: "Today we use winTutor® IRIS across all the main operational areas. It allows us to monitor the production status in real time and intervene quickly when necessary. Tablets in the greenhouse help us collect and consult data directly in the field, improving the speed and accuracy of process management."
© Selda SRL
Historical database
One effect of implementing winTutor® IRIS is the creation of a historical database of production data. This database serves as a foundation for decision-making and planning, enabling a data-driven approach. Dashboards, reporting, and analysis tools allow the company to evaluate production performance, identify potential problems, and intervene in a timely manner. Process management and internal communication have also been affected, with clearer information sharing between departments.
Stefano commented on the shift in management style: "We have moved from a reactive management approach to a more data-driven one. Dashboards and reporting allow us to assess production performance more accurately and intervene when needed. Information sharing between departments has become clearer, which supports better process management."
© Selda SRL
For companies still relying on non-specialized or poorly integrated tools, Stefano advises considering the effect a dedicated management system can have on operations: "Continuing to work with non-integrated tools often means losing control, time, and opportunities for improvement. Investing in a solution dedicated to the nursery sector allows a complete view of processes, operational efficiency improvements, and reduced error risks. It is also important to choose not just software, but a competent partner to support the system's adaptation to real business needs over time."
SELDA Informatica, developer of winTutor® IRIS, provides management solutions specifically for the greenhouse vegetable seedling sector. According to Pasquale De Angelis, Sales Director at SELDA, the company focuses on designing software that integrates all stages of nursery operations, from order and budget management to production scheduling, greenhouse operations, and delivery organization. Pasquale notes that the software is designed to support data collection, reporting, and analysis to improve control over production and operational decisions. "Our focus is on supporting nurseries with a system that integrates all production steps and allows accurate collection and use of operational data. Dashboards, reporting, and analysis tools provide the necessary information for operational and strategic decisions."
Pasquale added that winTutor® IRIS is structured to support nurseries in managing production cycles with integrated control over resources, timing, and traceability. "The system allows data from all operational areas to be accessed in real time, providing a basis for decision-making and planning."
© Selda SRL
High production volumes and dynamic cycles
Innesti Leopardi's experience illustrates the application of digital management in a nursery environment characterized by high production volumes and dynamic cycles. The software enables integrated oversight from sowing to delivery, capturing data in real time through mobile devices. Historical data is retained to inform future planning and improve production decision-making.
Operational areas supported by winTutor® IRIS include customer order management, sowing, grafting, greenhouse monitoring, and delivery scheduling. The software also aids in capacity management, allowing the company to allocate greenhouse space according to production needs.
"We can monitor production status continuously and react quickly. Collecting operational data directly in the greenhouse with tablets supports accuracy and efficiency. Historical data now allows us to analyze performance and define future strategies", Stefano shows.
© Selda SRL
SELDA Informatica provides ongoing technical support for software implementation and adaptation. Pasquale emphasized the role of this support in operational continuity: "Beyond providing the software, we assist nurseries in configuring and adapting winTutor® IRIS to the specific characteristics of their production process. Support over time ensures the system evolves with the business and continues to meet operational requirements."
For Innesti Leopardi, digitalization of production processes through winTutor® IRIS allows both operational control and strategic planning. Real-time visibility of production, integrated traceability, and data-driven decision-making represent a shift from reactive management to structured monitoring of company operations. "A structured management system allows us to control operations more effectively and plan with the available data. Using tablets in the greenhouse, we capture accurate data and reduce delays in process management. Historical data supports analysis and future planning. The system provides a complete view of production cycles and resources, which is essential in a high-volume and dynamic nursery environment", Stefan concludes.
For more information:
Innesti Leopardi
https://www.innestileopardi.it/
SELDA SRL
Via Porta Torricella, 7
63100 - Ascoli Piceno (AP)
Tel. +39 0736.256586
[email protected]
www.selda.net
