Data-driven workforce management revolutionizes productivity

South Korea's high-tech greenhouse 'Parmfarm' cultivates ripe tomatoes in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do. Last August, the data-driven workforce management solution 'Ation' was introduced to 'Parmfarm 2 Greenhouse'. This 7,800-pyeong greenhouse, with four managers and 20 workers, has seen many changes. We spoke with Seong-eok Kim, head of Parmfarm, who led the implementation of new technologies and data-driven management in the greenhouse, to hear about their journey.

▲ Question for the Insightful Grower 1

What was the purpose of adopting the data-driven workforce management solution, and what were the most important factors you considered during the evaluation process?

*** Monitoring work status with Ation (Source: ioCrops)

The field of facility horticulture is rapidly advancing, and greenhouses require a variety of technologies. However, the fundamental aspect of agriculture remains 'farm work'. Therefore, no technology should be adopted for its own sake. Enhancing productivity in high-tech greenhouses requires the same approach. Farm work must take precedence, with advanced technologies and various programs providing support.

Once stable farm management is achieved, it is time to advance to the next stage. At this point, 'data-driven workforce management' becomes essential. We anticipated that Ation could solve specific management issues experienced by our managers:

1. Enhancing workers' absolute efficiency in identical facility and crop growth conditions.

2. Enabling objective evaluation and rational rewards for outstanding workers based on data.

3. Providing an improved UX/UI that allows managers to quickly grasp the greenhouse's work status.

▲ Question for the Insightful Grower 2

Activities tracking and performance monitoring were implemented through the solution. What were the initial reactions of the workers? What steps were taken to ensure both managers and workers could use it effectively?

*** Worker immersed in farm tasks (Source: ioCrops)

The sentiments of managers and workers can differ due to their distinct roles in the greenhouse. Therefore, it is crucial to consider workers' onboarding reactions when introducing new technology. Initially, some employees were uncomfortable. However, after experiencing positive moments with the solution, their interest and willingness to use it significantly increased.

Two things are paramount for workers: the belief that managers will evaluate them based on data rather than subjective opinions, and the rational expectation that those demonstrating excellent performance will be rewarded. Evaluation and workforce management are key topics and challenging tasks within the greenhouse. Currently, our managers use Ation to collect data-based evidence and conduct objective evaluations. Ation has made it easier and more convenient to manage workforce evaluations and reward outstanding workers. 

▲ Question for the Insightful Grower 3

Which features of Ation are the most useful and satisfactory? What are the benefits and specific effects of the data-driven workforce management solution?

*** Actual screen of Ation (Source: ioCrops)

The most satisfying features are the ability to view worker performance, real-time tracking of work status, and real-time harvest data monitoring.

The traditional method of managers directly supervising and evaluating workers' abilities introduces subjective bias and creates challenges in data management. With Ation, the farm's work status and workers' abilities are now represented through data. Data recording and management are prerequisites for improving greenhouse productivity. When this becomes convenient, the overall greenhouse operation improves.

During the use of Ation, we observed continuous improvement in workers' performance. Our goal is to enable our employees to achieve greater crop management skills and higher yields. Managers must create a work environment where hard-working employees can work joyfully, achieve significant results, and receive appropriate rewards. Comparing before and after using Ation, there has been no major change in our facilities. However, work efficiency has increased by 5-10%. Workers covered approximately 10% more area in the same amount of time. Ation made this possible.

▲ Question for the Insightful Grower 4

Growing together with the farm and its people is the brand value of Ation. How do you feel data-driven workforce management has influenced the culture, work atmosphere, and relationships among workers?

*** Staff inside the greenhouse (Source: ioCrops)

Initially, the full impact of the technology wasn't apparent, as some workers felt uncomfortable with being monitored. However, a turning point soon arrived. Most workers wanted to be evaluated fairly.

We strived to meet their demands sincerely. With the adoption of Ation, the greenhouse culture began to change. Now, all members of the farm are self-motivated with a unified mindset. We believe that through data, we are proving our value and advancing to a higher level, while also setting a good example of agricultural innovation through technology.

# Data-Driven Labor Management Solution, Ation

■ Request an Ation Introduction: support@iocrops.com

■ Book a Free Demo of Ation: https://bit.ly/4c0hB3c

■ Visit the ioCrops Website: https://bit.ly/3Reu3o1

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