Over time, there hasn't been a significant change in the facilities. However, work efficiency has improved by 10%. Workers covered 10% more area in the same amount of time compared to before. What exactly happened?
South Korea's high-tech greenhouse 'Parmfarm' cultivates tomatoes in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do. Last August, the data-driven workforce management solution 'Ation' was introduced to 'Parmfarm 2 Greenhouse'. This 7,800-pyeong greenhouse, with four managers and 20 workers, has seen many changes. We spoke with Seong-eok Kim, head of Parmfarm, who led the implementation of new technologies and data-driven management in the greenhouse, to hear about their journey.
Adopting data-driven workforce management solution
"The field of facility horticulture is rapidly advancing, and greenhouses require a variety of technologies. However, the fundamental aspect of agriculture remains 'farm work'. Therefore, no technology should be adopted for its own sake. Enhancing productivity in high-tech greenhouses requires the same approach. Farm work must take precedence, with advanced technologies and various programs providing support," explained an insightful grower.
Monitoring work status with Ation (Source: ioCrops)
"Once stable farm management is achieved, it is time to advance to the next stage. At this point, 'data-driven workforce management' becomes essential. We anticipated that Ation could solve specific management issues experienced by our managers:
1. Enhancing workers' absolute efficiency in identical facility and crop growth conditions.
2. Enabling objective evaluation and rational rewards for outstanding workers based on data.
3. Providing an improved UX/UI that allows managers to quickly grasp the greenhouse's work status."
Efficient use
"The sentiments of managers and workers can differ due to their distinct roles in the greenhouse. Therefore, it is crucial to consider workers' onboarding reactions when introducing new technology. Initially, some employees were uncomfortable," acknowledged an insightful grower. "However, after experiencing positive moments with the solution, their interest and willingness to use it significantly increased."
Worker immersed in farm tasks (Source: ioCrops)
"Two things are paramount for workers: the belief that managers will evaluate them based on data rather than subjective opinions, and the rational expectation that those demonstrating excellent performance will be rewarded. Evaluation and workforce management are key topics and challenging tasks within the greenhouse. Currently, our managers use Ation to collect data-based evidence and conduct objective evaluations. Ation has made it easier and more convenient to manage workforce evaluations and reward outstanding workers."
Benefits of data-driven management
"The most satisfying features are the ability to view worker performance, real-time tracking of work status, and real-time harvest data monitoring," shared another insightful grower.
"The traditional method of managers directly supervising and evaluating workers' abilities introduces subjective bias and creates challenges in data management. With Ation, the farm's work status and workers' abilities are now represented through data. Data recording and management are prerequisites for improving greenhouse productivity. When this becomes convenient, the overall greenhouse operation improves."
Actual screen of Ation (Source: ioCrops)
"During the use of Ation, we observed continuous improvement in workers' performance. Our goal is to enable our employees to achieve greater crop management skills and higher yields. Managers must create a work environment where hard-working employees can work joyfully, achieve significant results, and receive appropriate rewards. Comparing before and after using Ation, there has been no major change in our facilities. However, work efficiency has increased by 5-10%. Workers covered approximately 10% more area in the same amount of time. Ation made this possible."
The impact
"Initially, the full impact of the technology wasn't apparent, as some workers felt uncomfortable with being monitored. However, a turning point soon arrived. Most workers wanted to be evaluated fairly," remarked another insightful grower.
Staff inside the greenhouse (Source: ioCrops)
"We strived to meet their demands sincerely. With the adoption of Ation, the greenhouse culture began to change. Now, all members of the farm are self-motivated with a unified mindset. We believe that through data, we are proving our value and advancing to a higher level, while also setting a good example of agricultural innovation through technology."
For more information:
ioCrops
Jangseon Yoo, Brand Marketing Lead
[email protected]
iocrops.com