Nowadays, Kris van der Velden doesn't only focus on tomato greenhouses anymore. Kris has now turned his expertise into his own business: Veldvision. With this company, he helps greenhouse horticulture entrepreneurs increase efficiency and productivity by optimizing business structures.
Entrepreneurs are constantly developing their businesses, but due to their hectic schedules, they often lack the time to take a critical look at internal processes. "In many cases, certain habits just creep in, making things run less smoothly," Kris notes. "This is particularly important in greenhouse horticulture, where labor costs can account for 60-70 percent of total costs. An efficient approach can make a difference."
For this reason, he says, it is extra important for entrepreneurs to regularly take a critical look at their business structure and engage external expertise. An extra pair of eyes can help, Kris is that extra pair of crucial eyes. He offers in-depth analysis of business structures, with a focus on leveraging labor data for forecasting, budgeting, and KPIs. This allows companies to optimally use labor and make decisions with greater confidence.
What about labor registration?
To achieve greater efficiency and productivity, growers first should start using a labor registration system. Many growers already do, but far from everyone, Kris finds. "You don't just use such a system for time registration. It is a powerful source of information that offers much more. When you use the data properly, you can create more efficient processes and save costs."
Kris enjoys dealing with that data. However, he always takes a look in the greenhouse first to get insight in the work processes. "That way I can estimate the quality of the work. I then ask questions such as: Are you working with labor registration? What do you do with it? What can you do with it?"
Automation
According to Kris, the first step towards more efficient operations is to prepare a labor forecast. "It's crucial to translate that forecast properly to the shop floor," he adds. "This provides insight and helps growers with strategic decisions, such as considering automation."
With the current labor market challenges, such as finding enough qualified staff, Kris says automation offers a possible solution. "In my previous job, I saw how smart investments reduced the need for manual labor and brought down labor costs. Even though I do not yet have practical experience with harvesting robotics myself, I can accurately calculate the payback period of a robot, and thus help entrepreneurs make informed choices."
Mirror
Kris can also help growers to make an informed choice when it comes to choosing labor registration software. "Software programs often have different options and features. By identifying the needs of the entrepreneur, they can make an informed decision."
With a labor forecast, it is possible to look 52 weeks ahead. Of course, cultivation always remains leading. "That's why I always look at the crop planning with the grower," he says. Growers have to learn to work with the forecast. During the season, it is important to also keep an eye on the prognosis made, and use it to mirror practice. "That way you can make adjustments if necessary. If you only start comparing the results with the prognosis at the end of the year, you are too late."
Since January 2024, Kris can be found a lot in greenhouses. "I regularly walk with them through their greenhouses to ensure that changes are not only implemented but also sustained," says Kris. He is also concerned with starting up new companies, in those cases, he seeks to ensure the successful implementation of restructurings. "My goal is to ensure that companies improve sustainably so that ingrained habits do not recur."
An example of a labor forecast created by Kris, for a grower of cherry tomatoes in this case, can be seen here.
For more information:
Kris van der Velden
Veldvision
Tel: +32 4 79 70 90 23
[email protected]