GreenMaster visited Jens Kool of Bouman Anthuriums. Every year, Bouman Anthuriums grows 3 million cut anthuriums. The company is part of Anthogether, a partnership of six anthurium nurseries: Spekflowers, Oosterzon, Bouman Anthuriums, Wijnen, Hubers and Evanty. Together, they produce 101 different varieties of anthuriums under 23.5 hectares of glass.
The Anthogether group started using GreenMaster software more than 5 years ago. Over the past 1.5 years, a lot of customization has been done to achieve a 100% matching program, which is the basis for this case study.
Stock management and digitization
Jens increased digitalization to simplify and speed up processes. He took inspiration from fast food chains, where screens tell you when your order is ready. Why? With the old system, too many mistakes were made when processing orders. Now, large screens in the nursery show what needs to be done at the sorting and packing stations. In addition, each packing station has a tablet with data from GreenMaster.
Jens says: "The old system often produced incorrect stickers, or stickers got lost, or the wrong products were picked or sorted. Stock had to be checked and corrected on a daily basis. By digitalizing this packing process and showing it on a big screen in the greenhouse, we can work much more efficiently. With this idea, I approached GreenMaster, and together we were able to realize this."
Order processing system live
The system has now been live for a year. Two other growers within the Anthogether group, are also introducing this system. Currently, they are running a 'light' version. The system provides clarity, and only shows information that matters.
"It's perfect," says Jens. "The graders, through the screen and the tablets at the packing table, only see the main tasks, directly from GreenMaster. For example, 20 stems with diameter 11. The packer then only sees which packing belongs to it. Showing less information also eliminates confusion and unnecessary walks. The new order processing system saves time, eliminates errors and is directly connected to all the data in GreenMaster," says Jens.
Efficient stock management
Bouman Anthuriums processes 250 thousand barrels annually. "Previously, we had to use two stickers for custom orders or direct customer. The stickers were used to stick on the barrels to keep track of stock. Now, only one sticker needs to be used. With the new customized system, we spend two hours less on operations and save on stickers. On an annual basis we save a lot of stikcer rolls. Moroever, it makes work in the shop more efficient," Jens explains.
Future vision
The ultimate goal is to achieve full transparency in the greenhouse. Currently, only the packed and sorted stock is visible in GreenMaster, not what still needs to be cut. Integrating the cut stock as well, allows the company to better plan and estimate what remains to be cut. Historical data contributes to this, allowing GreenMaster to predict, for example, the sizes and quantities needed. "It would be ideal if the GreenMaster eventually could automatically adjust prices based on supply and demand, ensuring sales are always optimal," Jens concludes.
For more information:
Bouman Anthuriums
Jens Kool
[email protected]
www.bouman-anthuriums.nl
GreenMaster
T: 085-2100195
[email protected]
www.greenmaster.nl