Too much information
Process computers, tracking registration systems, energy information systems, plant protection products overviews, new sensors, weather reports – you name it. Growers are flooded with information. "All these separate systems provide a wealth of information. This information is evaluated per part. Then a decision is made whether to carry out a corrective action," says Martin Helmich of Hoogendoorn. "That can be done better. This information must be linked together." Martin is convinced that this development will have a major impact on the management of the cultivation companies.
One of the initiatives for this is LetsGrow.com, just like Hoogendoorn is part of the Batenburg group. LetsGrow.com is the management information platform for cultivation and company comparison. This platform provides one dashboard where the information sources can share their data. "This way, one can look at all information through one medium and compare the various sources of information," Martin says. Companies that provide systems where data is generated can easily enter their data in LetsGrow.com and possibly retrieve other data. This will enrich their own product with additional information. "Everything of course under the supervision of the grower, who determines who gets what rights. The additional information thus generated, allows growers to manage more accurately and achieve better results."
Martin Helmich (Sales & Marketing director of Hoogendoorn) and Peter Hendriks (General Manager LetsGrow.com) in the space where stand-up meetings are held. Hoogendoorn uses the SCRUM method. Key features of this method are short development cycles and efficient assembly. By leaving out the chairs, a smooth interaction happens during these meetings.
Where is management needed?
In addition to the LetsGrow platform, Hoogendoorn itself is busy with the emergence of wireless sensors. Its usage leads to a very specific indication of where greenhouse adjustment is required. As it were, a greenhouse map is made, showing actual information on temperature, RV, disease pressure and pests. "Condition for this direct controlling is that the technical installation is suitable for this."
A group of progressive growers in the Netherlands is already involved with Hoogendoorn. To and fro, input is given to build up these new developments. Martin Helmich: "We are on the eve of a spectacular development in Precision Growing in the greenhouse. It won’t take that long. Growers will get a complete overview of how their company is doing"
At the R&D department it is quiet. Researchers are very focused. They’re making calls, attending meetings and brief consultations take place elsewhere, allowing people to focus fully on product development.
For more information:
Hoogendoorn Growth Management
Westlandseweg 190
3131 HX Vlaardingen
Postbus 108
3130 AC Vlaardingen
T +31 (0)10 460 80 80
www.hoogendoorn.nl
info@hoogendoorn.nl