COMPANY PROFILE
Smart Tannery Consulting is the product of Paolo Fuselli’s thirty years’ experience in the tannery business sector.
The company provides consultancy on various aspects of the tannery industry.
CONSULTANCY
- What is Sustainability
- What does ESG mean
- What does it mean to introduce Sustainability into the Company
- Who is involved
- How long does it take
- ISO and LWG System Certifications
- UNIC Code of Conduct and Social Accountability
- Subsidized Financing
- Data Collection and Processing Software
- Calculation of the Carbon Footprint
- Calculation of the Water Footprint
- Our Path to Sustainability
Smart Tannery Consulting integrated approach for product development and optimization covers every aspect, from the selection of raw materials, to processes analysis, up to the definition of effective pricing strategies, aligning all aspects with corporate objectives and market needs.
Product range
In-depth analysis of the range of existing articles, aimed at rationalizing them.
The rationalization process takes into account the different market segments, the strategic objectives of the company as well as its potential, focusing on the development and identity of the product range.
Raw Material
Analysis of the wet-blue grading and pricing criteria in relation to the existing product range.
The purpose of this analysis is to verify the correct quality/price ratio between the raw material, the finished article and the expectations of the related market.
Production and Processes
Detailed mapping and critical analysis of the production processes in relation to the product range and the development objectives.
This activity aims to align the company's quality standards with the expectations of the reference market.
Costing
Detailed analysis of the costs of each article, in order to develop an accurate and effective pricing policy for both competitiveness and profitability.
The commercial strategy is the heart of any market oriented company.
An in-depth analysis and precise planning can make a significant difference in achieving business objectives.
Sales
We provide a detailed analysis of your existing commercial strategy to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
By evaluating current performance, segmenting the market, and analyzing distribution channels—as well as examining your sales network—we can redefine commercial objectives and explore opportunities for expansion into new market segments or untapped geographical areas.
We offer support in training and developing your sales team to ensure alignment with new strategies.
Additionally, we conduct a SWOT analysis to assess the risks and benefits of new strategic proposals, ensuring they are financially sustainable.
Finally, we implement improvement actions through a detailed action plan that outlines timelines, responsibilities, and necessary resources.
We monitor progress using key performance indicators (KPIs) and make adjustments as needed to guarantee the achievement of set goals.
Marketing
We perform an in-depth market analysis, considering emerging trends, customer needs, and competitor strategies.
By segmenting the market, we identify the most promising targets and analyze the competition to uncover opportunities for differentiation.
We develop and implement positioning or repositioning strategies that strengthen your brand's identity and enhance its relevance to customers.
Pricing
Pricing policies are fundamental to aligning your product, positioning, and sales strategy with profitability and competitiveness objectives.
We conduct a detailed cost analysis of each article to formulate a pricing policy that is profitable for your company.
We examine competitors' pricing policies to understand the competitive landscape and determine the optimal pricing position.
This approach enables us to develop pricing strategies that meet market expectations and maximize profitability while maintaining competitiveness within the industry.
Production
We carry out a productivity analysis, focusing on identifying and reducing operational inefficiencies. Through a detailed mapping of the operational programs in the wet-end and finishing departments, we develop tailored solutions to optimize production processes.
Our goal is to reduce operational inefficiencies and increase the quality and consistency of the final product.
Production and processes
We adopt the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach for continuous improvement of workflows and processes. We map each production phase, analyzing workflows to identify areas for improvement.
We develop solutions that optimize resource utilization, reduce waste and ensure compliance with quality and sustainability standards.
Information Technology
We analyze the management software in use and provide consultancy for the implementation of specific solutions for the tanning industry.
We focus on the digitalization of information throughout the entire production flow:
- loading of the raw materials (hides and chemicals) into the digital warehouse
- digitization of the recipes for wet-end and finishing departments
- unloading of hides and chemicals from the digital warehouse
- recording of the production phases
- shipping of the finished product
Management system standards
We provide assistance and support for the implementation of management systems compliant with international ISO standards and Leather Working Group (LWG) guidelines.
We assist your company in the certification process, helping you improve operational, environmental and social practices.
Smart Tannery Consulting provides development and management of Research and Development projects for the tanning industry, focused on technological innovation of both products and processes.
The consultancy activity consists of:
1. Definition of R&D Objectives:
- Identification of the key areas for product and process innovation, in line with market trends.
- Alignment of R&D projects with the company's Vision, Mission and ESG Policy.
2. Full Project Management:
- Detailed planning with the definition of a roadmap and related milestones.
- Continuous monitoring and management of critical issues.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Sustainability:
- Assistance in complying with national and international regulations.
- Implementation of sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
4. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:
- Post-implementation analysis to assess the results achieved.
- Identification of opportunities for further improvements and innovations.
Bridging the gap between ideas and materials
Smart Tannery Consulting brings 30 years of expertise to support brands, designers, and creative studios in the development of leather articles. The goal is to transform concepts and inspirations into technically sound, industrially viable solutions that reflect the identity of the final product.
🎯 Who it’s for
• Leather goods and footwear brands looking to develop distinctive articles with strong aesthetic and technical value
• Designers and creatives seeking hands-on technical support to turn their ideas into tangible materials
• Interior designers and architectural studios working in the living and luxury hospitality sectors, who want to highlight leather as a signature design element
🔧 What we offer
• Creative translation of design concepts into clear technical specs for tanneries
• Selection of the most suitable processes, including mixed or experimental techniques
• Assessment of technical feasibility, costs, and reproducibility
• Support in finding the right tannery to carry out the project
• Supervision of development, prototyping, and pre-production
• Assistance with industrialization, helping bridge the gap between style, prototyping, and serial production
🤝 Why choose us
• In-depth knowledge of both the fashion and tannery industries
• Ability to interpret creative vision and translate it into precise technical input
• Bespoke solutions tailored to the client’s needs — no pre-set collections
• A collaborative approach with design and technical teams, facilitating dialogue with tanneries and solving critical issues
📍 Areas of expertise
• Special projects
• Capsule collections
• Development of iconic articles and image-driven materials
• Branding initiatives focused on leather
• Restyling of existing collections
• Custom leather concepts for hospitality and interior design
• Industrialization of leather articles, supporting the transition from prototype to production
A unique point of contact
Whether you're crafting a bag, a shoe, a lounge chair, or a custom interior, Smart Tannery Consulting offers expert technical and creative guidance to enhance leather as a living, expressive, and strategic material.
Understanding Leather
This course offers an in depth, hands-on learning experience focused on the entire tanning process: from raw hides to finished leather. Through real samples, exclusive video content and direct insight from the field, participants gain a clear and structured understanding of how leather is made and how to work with it more effectively.
Designed for brands, design studios, manufacturers and creatives who use leather in their work, the program combines industrial know how with practical guidance, making even complex concepts accessible and relevant.
Key Benefits
✅ Greater confidence in selecting and using leather
✅ Clearer communication with tanneries and suppliers
✅ Better understanding of cost, quality and performance trade-offs
✅ A broader perspective that connects material, technique and design
Format
📍 The course can be delivered on-site or in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions with multimedia content and sample kits.
📦 Each session includes a curated selection of physical samples representing the key stages of leather processing.
📘 A complete training handbook supports the learning process, offering clear reference points and technical guidance.
🎥 Videos filmed inside working tanneries provide an immersive experience — even for remote participants.
🕓 Course duration is flexible and tailored to the needs of each team.
Who It’s For
• Professionals in product development, sourcing, quality, cutting, prototyping and manufacturing
• Pattern makers, cutters and technicians who work hands-on with leather
• Production and quality managers seeking to improve processes and results
• Designers and professionals in the fashion industry
• Architects, interior designers and players in the living and contract sectors
• Professionals in upholstery and furniture manufacturing who handle leather applications
Training with Passion and Expertise
The course is a complete virtual tour of the tannery, offering a front-row view of every stage in the leather processing cycle.
Even complex technical content is explained clearly and accessibly, with passion and expertise, actively engaging participants.
This training experience is a practical tool to help participants work with leather more consciously and effectively.