Automation is playing an increasingly important role in greenhouse horticulture. The tight labor market makes it more difficult to find enough staff, while labor costs continue to rise. At the same time, there is a growing need for scalable and error-free processes that perform reliably day in and day out. Additionally, the increasing competition, both within the Netherlands and from abroad, further intensifies the pressure on efficiency and cost. In this context, automation offers a powerful way to remain competitive and future-proof.
Which processes can you automate?
- Moving products or trays
- Sorting, buffering, or stacking
- Inbound and outbound logistics
- Registration and tracking of production
Example: A buffer module that automatically stores and releases products between two departments based on capacity.
Automation doesn't have to be big and drastic all at once. It's actually smart to start small, in an area where you are already investing a lot of labor or frequently encountering errors. Choose a process that you are sure will yield immediate benefits in time, cost, or quality through automation. It's also important to think ahead: even if you initially automate just one component, make sure that the solution can easily be connected to other systems or expansions later on. This way, you build step by step towards a future-proof and flexible whole.
Choose custom solutions that grow with you
- Greenhouse horticulture is not a standard environment
- Flexibility is crucial (format, crop, layout)
- A good system adapts – not the other way around
A robot or conveyor line must also continue to operate when you change or scale up your working methods.
What does it yield?
- Less dependence on staff
- Consistent quality and pace
- Lower margin of error
- Better insight into your process (via data)
Automation doesn't have to be big or complicated. Often, it starts with one smart solution that makes an immediate difference. Curious about what is possible in your situation?
👉 Start a conversation with us or check out our customer cases.