How Hoogendoorn Growth Management deals with the Coronavirus impact | Q and A

We've asked our GreenTech exhibiting companies to answer questions on how the current Coronavirus pandemic had impacted their business.

About Hoogendoorn Growth Management

Hoogendoorn Growth Management is known as the most innovative supplier of process automation solutions in the horticultural industry. For over 50 years we have been striving to optimize greenhouse climate, increase crop yields, and manage costs and risks in greenhouse horticulture. Our automation solutions contribute to the sustainable use of water and energy and are available in several languages. Hoogendoorn products are supported by our customer portal Hoogendoorn Online, user training, 24/7 helpdesk, and reliable maintenance service. These services are provided via our local offices and worldwide partner network.

What is the biggest challenge (in which part of the chain) for your company, during this pandemic?

Our biggest challenge is to keep projects going and keep providing excellent service and support while keeping our colleagues, customers, and partners safe. Our colleagues work from home as much as possible and are all still available via email and by phone. Also, our helpdesk remains available 24/7 to support customers where needed. Visits to projects abroad are not allowed by governmental regulations, but we are and remain in close contact with our customers and partners worldwide to support them. We have taken additional measures to optimize remote assistance. This way we hope to keep everyone safe, and still provide the best possible service and support to our customers.

How can companies assist each other at this moment?

At Hoogendoorn, we believe the key to surviving this crisis is cooperation. Cooperation with customers and partners can lead to knowledge development. We can learn from each other, and the various insights can trigger new ideas that can lead to the development of innovative solutions. We currently also use this approach in the Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge, in which we are competing with a multidisciplinary team, consisting of members from four different companies, so nothing would be overlooked. So far the results look good, which is only possible because of good cooperation.

How could robotics/automation support human workers during a crisis such as this?

Due to the measures taken to combat the Coronavirus, fewer people are allowed to be present in greenhouses at the same time. However, you want to know what is happening in your business at all times. This opens the door for data-driven growing techniques. Our data analysis platform, for example, provides you insight into the current situation, without entering the greenhouse. With the Plant Balance RTR module, you can steer on the correct balance of light and temperature. You enter the ideal ratio of light and temperature for your crop, and you can immediately see how good or aberrant your climate was. In addition, the Climate Monitor provides insight into the quality of your greenhouse climate. You can see when certain limits are exceeded. Based on the information from both modules you can make adjustments in your climate control, to improve your climate strategy and achieve a balanced crop.