CRIF

RIF21 and BOOM: innovative, cutting-edge spaces where technology works in synergy with people
CRIF, a leading company in the field of credit information, data analysis, and business information services, chose to rely on VEM sistemi for the implementation of the technological infrastructure in two of its new state-of-the-art spaces: CRIF 21 and BOOM.

CRIF21: CRIF’s New Bologna Headquarters, Inaugurated in 2023
Innovative and forward-thinking spaces where technology works in synergy with people

CRIF, a leading company in credit information, data analysis, and business information services, entrusted VEM sistemi with the technological implementation of two state-of-the-art spaces: CRIF21 and BOOM.

CRIF21, inaugurated in 2023, represents the company’s new Bologna headquarters — a significant step forward in the evolution of workspaces. It reflects CRIF’s vision focused on innovation and on transforming the workplace into a space of connection and belonging, serving both employees and clients.

“The decisions made regarding the layout and use of these spaces were the result of months of in-depth analysis of employees’ habits and needs,” explains Elisabetta Longhi, Risk & Property Management Director at CRIF.
“The outcome is a flexible and modular work environment tailored to individual needs — not just a physical office, but the true beating heart of CRIF’s corporate culture. The building also meets the highest standards of sustainability, earning LEED Platinum certification and ISO 14001 environmental certification for energy efficiency.”

In such an innovative building, technology naturally plays a key role in the day-to-day activities of its users — facilitating collaboration and the achievement of both individual and business goals. CRIF’s IT experts chose VEM sistemi as their trusted partner to design every environment: from the immersive video conference room to the dynamic LED wall-equipped conference hall — all designed to ensure full engagement for both remote and in-person participants.

“In a company like ours, where innovation is a core value, the synergy between technology and people has always been one of our main drivers,” says Dario Sportelli, IT Infrastructure Director.
“That’s why our IT specialists and architects collaborated closely with VEM sistemi to design each space — from the immersive video conferencing room to the conference hall with dynamic LED walls. Every room was conceived to provide a fully engaging experience for all participants, regardless of location.
The result is a smart workplace where energy efficiency begins with the building itself and extends to each individual technological device. All technology setups were defined together with our partner VEM, who helped us identify the best tools for each specific environment. The result is a highly technological space that bridges the gap between physical and digital, transforming the way people work.”

Specifically, CRIF21 includes 32 rooms equipped with advanced Cisco Video Conferencing systems, enhanced with AI-powered collaboration features. The spaces are integrated with Schneider Electric Building Management Systems (BMS), which automatically regulate equipment based on room usage and allow control of features like lighting and temperature through intuitive touch interfaces distributed throughout the building.

Connectivity is also a central pillar of this transformation. For maximum network reliability, CRIF adopted the latest-generation Wi-Fi 6, while the Cisco DNA Center platform enables automated management, with analytics and sensors monitoring Wi-Fi signal quality and providing valuable insights. In addition, Samsung digital signage allows all CRIF locations to work simultaneously, scheduling and broadcasting the same content across all spaces.

“We’ve received excellent feedback from colleagues on the usability and quality of the meeting rooms and technology overall — a level of excellence that will serve as a standard for all future CRIF locations worldwide,” concludes Sportelli.

“Collaboration and Building Management Systems were once distant technology domains, but today they are increasingly converging and opening new, innovative scenarios,” notes Gabriella Attanasio, CTO of VEM sistemi.
“At VEM, we’ve been pioneers in this area: we are among the few Italian system integrators certified at the highest levels by both Cisco and Schneider Electric, both in terms of partnership and technical specialization. We’ve invested in developing native integrations between BMS sensors and Cisco endpoints, allowing us to offer tangible benefits to our clients in terms of user experience and energy savings.
When supporting clients in designing workspaces, attention must be given both to the sustainability of the environment and the comfort of those who use it.”

BOOM

BOOM: CRIF’s Knowledge and Innovation Hub in Bologna

BOOM is CRIF’s knowledge and innovation hub in Bologna, designed to promote initiatives and educational programs for students of all levels, professionals, entrepreneurs, startuppers, executives, and corporate teams. Its focus is on developing key skills for the ecosystems of the future. It is a place where education, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge and cross-pollinate, generating new growth opportunities and encouraging a continuous exchange of know-how.

“It’s a space that looks to the future, but is first and foremost designed for the people who experience it every day.
That’s why, throughout the project, we worked together with architects and the specialists at VEM Sistemi to identify the best technological solutions for every space,” explains Elisa Munari, Human Resources, Training and Development Specialist.
She continues, “The entire structure has been meticulously designed to reflect the concept of multifunctionality: from training rooms for company employees, to interactive classrooms for ITS courses, hybrid spaces for academies dedicated to recent graduates seeking employment, and large event areas and open days for companies looking for new talent.
We’ve also included spaces for our resident startups and coworking stations — now essential given the new and consolidated ways of working in the region.”

Technology and interactive experiences permeate every corner of the facility: from aerial projection systems, high-speed Wi-Fi, and digital whiteboards to both formal and informal meeting areas, VEM sistemi has equipped BOOM with cutting-edge technology to meet CRIF’s vision. The goal was to create a space that is both welcoming and inspiring, continuously offering new stimuli through interactive experiences: touchscreens, a gaming area with interactive monitors, 3D viewers for exploring the BOOM Metaverse — diving into topics such as sustainable finance, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digitalization — all supported by Cisco Meraki network infrastructure.

BOOM is therefore a high-tech space, designed with people in mind. In its first year, it has welcomed thousands of visitors, including many young students participating in interactive labs.

CRIF21 and BOOM are cutting-edge environments that embody CRIF’s commitment to continuous innovation — not only in relation to its market but also in supporting the needs of its people, its teams, and the wider community. Every initiative reinforces CRIF’s role as a driving force for the development of innovative skills, a nurturing ground for new talent, and a technological reference point for local businesses and institutions, thanks in part to its innovative workspaces.