Six Technology Trends That Will Drive Future Grower Success
January 9, 2024 
Dynamic LED lighting involves a lighting system capable of adjusting zones through software, applying customized light recipes with dynamic intensity and spectra. Photo: Sollum Technologies
The next wave of innovation in greenhouse technology has already started. Here’s how it might impact your business moving forward.
Climate Control
“Growers continue to use automation equipment in the greenhouse to save labor. We’re seeing more integration of climate controllers with weather stations. These stations monitor outside conditions and relay that data back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the greenhouse environment based on the weather forecasts by initiating tasks such as the opening and closing of vents or screens. This saves the grower time and labor, while providing them with more precise control over the greenhouse environment.” — Keith Bemerer (Inside Sales Coordinator-Commercial) and Jerry Bleckley (Regional Sales-Commercial), Prospiant
Dynamic Lighting
“The transformative technology with the greatest potential for the floriculture industry is dynamic LED lighting. This technology involves a lighting system capable of adjusting zones through software, applying customized light recipes with dynamic intensity and spectra, and utilizing intelligence to optimize factors such as ambient light levels, weather forecasts, and energy costs. This is particularly significant in the floriculture business, where growers often work with various species and production stages, each with unique requirements.” — Sam Soltaninejad, Chief Horticultural Specialist, Sollum Technologies
Adding Heat to Lighting
“A setback commonly associated with converting to LEDs is the adjustments of environmental controls and growing processes to accommodate the lower heat output. The solution: add heat. While this may sound like an oxymoron, we’re finding more and more North American and European growers implementing a hybrid set-up in their greenhouses. Combining HPS and LED enables growers to use heat emitted from HPS lights during the colder months. This helps reduce HVAC operating costs and makes it easier to maintain consistent humidity levels, while still benefiting from the efficiency and longevity that LEDs provide.” — Ryan Kirwan, CEO, Aelius LED
Using Data for Holistic Decision Making
“I think the biggest technology trend that will have the most impact on a grower’s success is the holistic application of strategic leadership coupled with software and technology systems that support improving growers’ capabilities in terms of data capture, data analytics, data automation, and decision support. When this potent combination is applied to the grower problems of forecasting and planning, production and inventory management, and maintenance, sales, shipping, and logistics, as well as invoicing and payments, insights are gained, problems come to the front quicker, communication improves, and decisions can be more holistic, driving success for the grower.” — John Beauford, President and Chief Technology Officer, Advanced Grower Solutions
Customized ERP Systems
“The future of software technology in horticulture will be a shift from complex ERP systems to modularized, user-friendly ERP setups. This transition gained momentum in 2023 and we expect it to be a prevailing trend. Instead of dealing with one-size-fits-all tools, where core operational functionality is built on an accounting system, imagine a customized toolkit of mobile applications, desktop applications, and Internet of things (IoT) devices you can integrate rapidly to meet your greenhouse business needs. This approach empowers horticulturists to respond to market demands, avoiding prolonged implementation timelines.” — Adam VanWingerden, Head of Business Development, Silver Fern
Better Analytics Tools
“A key tech trend for growers to thrive in 2024 and beyond involves the strategic utilization of business reporting and analytics tools that empower growers to discern operational trends and adapt for better business efficiency and health. Moreover, mobile tech is no longer just new — it’s crucial. It’s helping growers streamline operations and collect data easily, keeping them ahead in innovation.” — Ben Marchi-Young, Senior Product Owner, Velosio
Subscribe to eNewsletter
