Potted and bedding plant growers face daily decisions that can significantly impact their business returns. Traditionally, many of these choices have been guided by intuition. However, a new program called Greenplan, developed by Delphy, aims to provide growers with data-driven insights to optimize their operations.
Introducing Greenplan
Greenplan is a sophisticated crop management program that focuses on two key areas: planning and financial analysis. According to Klaas van Egmond, manager of Delphy Digital, and Erik de Rooij, an advisor for potted and bedding plants at Delphy, the program offers a comprehensive tool for growers to manage their crops from start to finish. It covers everything from cuttings and labor to energy consumption.
What sets Greenplan apart is its dual focus on planning and providing an accurate financial overview. Growers can input all necessary details for each phase of cultivation, including labor, materials, machinery, and energy. This allows them to determine the exact cost of each batch and its potential yield, providing an automatic calculation of potential returns.
Development and Adaptation
Erik de Rooij played a key role in adapting Greenplan for the Dutch market. The program was initially developed in Denmark by Delphy’s sister company. “We recognized its potential for the Netherlands and collaborated with Delphy Digital to tailor it to the needs of Dutch growers,” Erik explained. The new cloud-based version is now being used by three companies in the Netherlands.
Space Management and Cost Analysis
One major challenge in potted plant cultivation is managing the complex use of space and various growth phases. Greenplan addresses this by visually indicating when the greenhouse is full, where space is available, and when it is needed. Growers can even plan backward from a sales order, such as one for Mother’s Day, to determine precisely when to start potting.
Furthermore, Greenplan leverages climate tables and historical data to determine the cost price for different times of the year. By inputting gas expenses, the system calculates the cost price for specific months, which can vary significantly.
Scenario Planning and Sales Integration
Greenplan also offers scenario planning, allowing growers to explore different cultivation scenarios and their financial impacts. For example, growers can determine the potential yield if they replace one crop with another. This capability helps them make well-informed decisions.
Additionally, Greenplan integrates with sales channels, tracking when crops are harvested and connecting to platforms like Floriday or online shops. This feature provides a clear overview of what has been sold and serves as an ideal foundation for an ERP system.
Moving Beyond Intuition
Many cultivation companies still rely on Excel spreadsheets or standalone tools, which often lack a clear connection between planning, cost pricing, and sales. Erik pointed out that no other program provides a complete overview, leading growers to make decisions based on intuition, which can be misleading. “Growers might assume a particular pot size isn’t profitable, but Greenplan analysis may show it to be the most lucrative option,” he said.
Practical Experience
One company that has recently adopted Greenplan is the Dutch palm nursery Hartog Palmen. Owner Dirk van Rijn explained that they deal with long-term cultivation involving around forty different pot sizes. “In the past, we relied on manual calculations and intuition, which risked selling below cost price,” he said. Greenplan has helped improve their planning and provided more precise insights into actual cost prices.
Dirk noted that the system requires thorough preparation and an understanding of its underlying concepts. “After six months, we’ve begun to see its added value. The cost price calculations are becoming more precise each month, and we’re definitely pleased with the results,” he said.
Implementation and Support
Implementing Greenplan requires a company-wide commitment, according to Klaas van Egmond. “It involves adjusting your processes and having a determined motivation to engage with it,” he said. Delphy advises growers to actively engage with Greenplan from the beginning to become proficient in its use. Initial experiences have been encouraging, with growers discovering that some crops are much more profitable than they initially thought.
Applicability
Greenplan is suitable for various types of cultivation, from pot and bedding plants to young and mother plants. Erik noted that the greatest benefit currently lies in pot and bedding plant cultivation, where financial insights are often the least clear. “Greenplan helps provide better justification for important decisions,” he said.
