Greenhouse operators looking to cut labour costs and boost efficiency have a new tool at their disposal. South Korea-based ag-tech company ioCrops has launched Ation, a data-driven labour management system designed to help growers optimize workforce productivity.
Labour is one of the largest expenses in greenhouse operations, and finding ways to streamline it can significantly impact profitability. Ation aims to address this challenge by digitizing and analyzing work performance. “Farmers using Ation have reported up to a 10% improvement in labour efficiency by combining data monitoring with incentive programs,” said JinHyung Cho, CEO of ioCrops.
The system includes a smartphone app for workers, QR codes placed on growing gutters to log tasks, and a web dashboard for managers to track real-time progress. By collecting and visualizing data on task volume, work hours, and speed, Ation helps identify inefficiencies and ensures resources are allocated effectively.
In addition to cutting waste, the system can also boost worker engagement through data-driven incentive programs. “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,” said Cho.
Already in use in Korea, Ation is expanding to markets including Japan, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Australia, and Turkey. North American growers can now access a free demo through ioCrops’ website. Training and onboarding are available remotely, with potential partnerships for local support.
