How do horticultural companies like Ter Laak Orchids embrace digital transformation? What role can advanced ERP software, machine automation, greenhouse systems play in the future? Digitalization plays a pivotal role in their pursuit of sustainability and efficiency. Ter Laak Orchids CFO John Barendse tells us more about it.

Horticultural industry is undergoing a transformation

With increasing societal scrutiny, Ter Laak Orchids, along with the entire industry, faces pressing questions and demands. Addressing concerns regarding water usage, chemical pesticides, waste management, biodiversity preservation, gas consumption, plastic usage and the treatment of labor migrants is crucial. Ter Laak Orchids has set a bold target to become a circular production company powered by natural resources by 2030.

Frontrunner

John Barendse: "Our view is that sustainability is more of a collective responsibility than a competitive advantage. Collectively, we can drive meaningful change by actively engaging in collaboration with other industry companies." Ter Laak Orchids partners closely with Mprise Agriware's advanced ERP Software to streamline business processes including operations, automation, planning, and strategy.

Digitalization plays a pivotal role in Ter Laak Orchids' pursuit of sustainability and efficiency. They embrace 3 levels of digital transformation: digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation.

1. Digitization involves converting physical information into digital formats (digits), enabling better data management.
2. Digitalization focuses on implementing digital technologies and information into various processes (combining data-sources).
3. Digital Transformation entails fundamental changes in business operations, chain-management and business model.

Ter Laak Orchids understands that sustainability is not a competitive advantage but rather a collective responsibility.

"We have identified several key areas in our digital transformation journey", explains Barendse. "These include smart pricing strategies, process automation, robotics integration, autonomous cultivation, and advanced selection and breeding techniques. By leveraging these technologies, we aim to streamline operations, improve product quality, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity."

Leverage real value from Business Intelligence

Technology continues to develop. By doing so, you will be able to answer increasingly complex business questions. However, this is not enough, according to John Barendse. "People must be supported by technology. In order to leverage real value from Business Intelligence, data must be a central part of the organizational culture. In digitalization, this is the human factor. Shorter chains and solutions from stock to delivery are demanded by the market. In order to increase predictability, integrated software plays a crucial role. The organizational culture also changes along with the technology. It is often the frontrunners within the organizations who raise data mindset awareness and help the pack along."

Streamlining business is about improving processes for business efficiency – including operations, automation, planning and strategy. As a result of Agriware's integrated ERP software, Ter Laak Orchids can manage their business more efficiently and make more informed decisions.

About Ter Laak Orchids

With 17.5 hectares of land spread across three locations in the Netherlands, Ter Laak Orchids produces a staggering 8.7 million plants per year, encompassing 200 varieties. The company employs a dedicated team of 250 colleagues and even has a branch in Guatemala, known as Ter Laak Americas, spanning 1.2 hectares and producing 750,000 plants annually for both local and international markets.

About Mprise Agriware

Mprise Agriware delivers powerful, integrated software based on Microsoft Dynamics for the horticulture industry that ensures efficient and effective management & operation. Since 2004, we enjoy helping our customers to achieve improvements in planning, purchasing, sales, finance, inventory management and production.

‍