Optimize labour costs and maximize profits with data-driven solutions

Ation's web dashboard displaying real-time task progress in the greenhouse (Photo: courtesy of ioCrops)

Reducing operational costs in greenhouses is a universal goal for all growers. Labour represents the largest expense in greenhouse operations, and its efficient management directly impacts profitability. While dramatically reducing labour costs isn’t always feasible, there’s significant room for optimization: making timely decisions about necessary farmwork, matching workers to their most efficient roles, and implementing performance incentives. However, many growers struggle with where to begin this optimization journey.

ioCrops addresses this challenge with Ation, a data-driven labour management system designed to optimize labor practices and improve productivity. “Farmers using Ation have reported up to a 10 per cent improvement in labour efficiency by combining data monitoring with incentive programs,” says JinHyung Cho, CEO of ioCrops.

Ation is a simple, yet powerful solution designed for greenhouses and farm operations. It consists of a smartphone app for workers, QR codes placed on each growing gutter line, and a web dashboard for managers.

Workers scan QR codes to log their tasks, enabling managers to track real-time progress and analyze task data. By digitizing and visualizing metrics such as task volume, work hours, and work speed, Ation identifies inefficiencies, helping growers achieve more with the same workforce while reducing unnecessary labour waste. “Labour costs are a significant expense for farms, and Ation helps improve efficiency by reducing work losses and boosting productivity,” adds JinHyung.

Ation’s web report displaying task progress, employee performance, and more (Image: courtesy of ioCrops)

Beyond efficiency, Ation fosters worker engagement. JinHyung explains that enabling data-based incentive programs motivates employees and enhances productivity. JinHyung notes, “Proper labour practices, such as plant structure steering, can sometimes have a greater impact on productivity than climate or irrigation controls. Ation ensures these practices are effectively managed.”

Greenhouse growers across North America can now access Ation’s free demo program through ioCrops’ website. Already deployed in Korea, Ation is expanding into other regions, including Japan, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Australia, and Turkey.

“We don’t restrict service by country,” explains JinHyung. “Onboarding and training can be conducted remotely, and we’re open to partnering with local companies for closer customer support.”

Key features of Ation, data-driven labour management solution

• Intuitive interface for everyone: Ation uses QR codes, eliminating the need for additional devices. Its simple and clear interface is easy for both managers and workers to use.
• Reliable real-time monitoring: Even when managers are not on-site, they can monitor all work activities and greenhouse issues in real-time and respond promptly.
• Affordable adoption with support: Ation is more cost-effective than similar solutions. It includes free training for workers and provides mobile devices if needed.
• Boost productivity with labour efficiency: Quantitative analysis refines task planning, reduces labour costs, and motivates workers through objective evaluations.
• Manager-focused features: Includes harvest management, pest reporting, task scheduling, and remote task instructions – everything a manager needs.

Official image for the demo program for greenhouse growers in North America (Photo: courtesy of ioCrops)

For an official demo, visit our program page.

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