September 2023 - 18

MANAGEMENT
in the industry. By harnessing the
power of AI, horticultural businesses
and greenhouse growers can unlock
new opportunities and achieve
greater success.
Alex Kantor, owner at Perfect
Plants Nursery in Monticello,
Florida, noted that the supply chain
challenges greenhouse growers are
currently facing can be described as
relatively moderated compared to the
last two years. However, availability
has not fully returned to the prepandemic
state.
" To address these challenges, we
Abby Auner, grower for Village Farms Fresh in Marfa, Texas, shown here on a lift,
12-feet high. Photo courtesy of Village Farms Fresh.
with real-time visibility and data analytics capabilities.
These platforms enable growers to monitor inventory
levels, track shipments and optimize production schedules,
resulting in improved efficiency and reduced waste.
When it comes to promising tools and technologies for
horticultural businesses and greenhouse growers, artificial
intelligence (AI) is showing considerable potential. AI can
be leveraged to automate certain tasks and streamline
processes, ultimately enhancing efficiency and productivity
By implementing a
comprehensive tracking
system, growers can
monitor various aspects of
their operations, such as
production levels, inventory
and resource usage
18
- Alex Kantor, Perfect Plants Nursery
SEPTEMBER 2023 GPNMAG.COM
have implemented several solutions, "
Kantor said. " Firstly, we have
enhanced our supply level tracking
system to closely monitor inventory
and ensure optimal stock levels.
Additionally, we have increased
communication and collaboration
with our suppliers to maintain a
steady flow of goods and address
any potential disruptions proactively. These measures
have proven effective in tackling the supply chain issues
we have encountered. "
Kantor recommends adopting a robust tracking system.
" By implementing a comprehensive tracking system,
growers can monitor various aspects of their operations,
such as production levels, inventory and resource usage, "
Kantor described. " This provides them with accurate data
and insights, enabling more informed decision-making. "
Another valuable tip is to emphasize data analysis. Once
data is collected, it is essential to analyze it thoroughly.
" By looking for trends, patterns and potential areas of
improvement, growers can make proactive decisions and
identify opportunities for optimizing their processes, "
Kantor said. " Continuously optimizing processes is
also key to improving efficiency. Regularly assessing
workflows and identifying areas that can be streamlined
or automated can lead to significant time and resource
savings. By integrating new technologies growers can
enhance productivity and reduce manual effort. "
Additionally, fostering collaboration and knowledge
sharing can help growers stay updated on the latest
trends and best practices in the industry. Engaging with
industry networks, attending conferences and connecting
with other growers allows for sharing knowledge and
gaining fresh perspectives.
Sara Silver, industry director of horticulture for Velosio,
a Dublin, Ohio-based cloud application partner, noted
http://www.GPNMAG.COM
September 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2023
