Challenges of the agri-food industry: technological solutions

Here we show you which systems make it possible to improve the quality, safety and traceability of food, as well as to optimise production processes and adapt to new trends. But in this article, we are not just looking at the industry's challenges. We want to go a step further, so we are going to look at technology solutions, such as ERP, AI or IoT, that help companies overcome today's challenges.

Agri-food industry: present and future challenges

The agri-food industry faces various challenges that are not only shaping its present. Rather, we are seeing challenges that are forcing these businesses to implement long-term technological solutions. That is, future-ready platforms, capable of adapting to what is yet to come. Let's take a brief look at the sector's challenges for the present and the coming years.

Sustainability

Sustainability in the agri-food sector means producing food in an efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly way. This requires reducing the environmental and social impact of farming, improving food quality and safety, and adapting to consumer and market demands. Consumers expect this, and it is part of the demands of current legislation.

Innovation

Implementing innovative systems effectively is not simple. That is why we say that innovation is a key challenge for the agri-food sector, which must incorporate new technologies and processes to improve its competitiveness and sustainability.

Digitalisation

Digitalisation has been improving the profitability of large corporations for years. However, contrary to what many people think, technological solutions also add value in the agricultural sector. Implementing them translates into a strong optimisation of the entire process from farm to table.

Internationalisation and financing

Another challenge faced by companies in the primary sector concerns expanding their markets and diversifying their destinations, taking advantage of the competitive advantages they have in their country or region. Exports are key, although managing them is sometimes not an easy task. On the other hand, it is clear that access to the appropriate sources of financing to make investments is a challenge for most businesses.

Price fluctuations

Finally, we must look at a challenge that is ever-present, although depending on the political, social and environmental scenario it may be more acute. We are talking about price fluctuations. The rising price of energy, fertiliser and feed drive up the cost of production and reduce the profit margin. Other factors, such as droughts, drive up food prices. All of this also affects demand and exports.

SEIDOR's value proposition. Technological solutions to meet the challenges of the agri-food industry

For all these challenges facing the sector, at SEIDOR we have developed a vertical solution specially designed to address these issues. Below, we will break down the most relevant aspects of this SAP ERP suite and AI solutions for achieving greater traceability.

Full control of all business areas

Management needs within the agricultural sector are very complex. SEIDOR's set of technological solutions for the agricultural sector is capable of covering the entire production cycle, from farm to table.

A more agile response will be provided, thanks to an integrated information system, with control over the status of the activity at all times and with all areas connected. No more communication silos; information will be centralised and accessible.

All capacities and processes in the value chain are considered:

• Field. Plans are in place to adapt to climate change, reduce emissions and care for the environment. The use of water and plant protection products is optimised, and the activity is planned according to property and land registry data.
• Production. The reception of the products is controlled, the work and labelling is personalised for each client and the deterioration of the facilities is prevented. Water and energy consumption is managed efficiently. Price fluctuations are also better controlled. All of this is thanks to the connection between the agricultural chain and the application of emerging technologies such as digital twin and predictive analytics.
• Distribution. Product tracking is ensured, warehousing and distribution processes are automated, and data is analysed to improve decisions and optimise the production-distribution cycle through predictive demand analysis. Here, sustainability is also monitored through the control of energy use and emissions generated.
• Consumer relations and other actions. Quality and food safety is ensured throughout the process thanks to full product traceability. In addition, the solution includes everything related to administrative and back-office management in aspects such as investments and subsidies, collaboration with entities such as food banks, and allows for the promotion of innovative initiatives.

These are just some of the tasks that are carried out efficiently with a complete digital platform.

Crop health

Technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics have provided tools that can guarantee crop health, as well as more sustainable agricultural activity. SEIDOR and IKOSTECH, a technology company specialising in the application and development of the set of technologies and processes that encompasses agriculture 4.0, have developed a solution gives farmers a complete overview and full control of their crops, as well as providing them with accurate information to make informed decisions and anticipate potential problems.

With these tools, we will also be able to anticipate, for example, the outbreak of pests, and have the means to apply the appropriate measures.
It is important to note that IKOSTECH and SEIDOR are not just developers of technological solutions. We offer the necessary support for any company to embark on and adapt to the era of Agriculture 4.0.

New mechanisms for innovation

The production chain benefits from Artificial Intelligence applications that allow, in addition to the automation of many of the tasks, continuous learning for both the optimisation of the use of irrigation and raw materials, as well as the processes themselves.

All of this is done by monitoring and traceability of the aforementioned product, which allows for a full connection of each link in the chain and efficient data collection. Data becomes valuable knowledge for decision-making.

Integrated solutions

It is clear: different technologies working separately do not provide real solutions. Instead, the challenges in this sector are overcome by platforms that integrate several mechanisms. Thus, AI, external devices and sensors complement each other perfectly with SAP ERP software. The result is much more powerful management in all areas.

The benefits of integrating technological solutions in the agri-food industry

The benefits of integrating technological solutions in the agricultural sector are as follows:

• Economic. Greater efficiency is achieved by saving on raw materials and travel and by optimising production processes. It is also easier to predict drastic changes to the markets and price fluctuations.
• Agricultural. Crop yields and quality are improved by adapting irrigation, fertilisation and plant protection practices to field conditions.
• Environmental. Reducing the ecological footprint of agricultural activity is achieved by reducing water consumption and avoiding fertiliser contamination. This enhances the company's brand with distributors.

Choose SEIDOR's reliability in the agri-food industry

It is clear that the agri-food industry has enormous challenges ahead. In a context of economic and political instability, in addition to a change in mindset focused on sustainability, it is essential to count on reliable partners. The proposal we have outlined in this article is our response to the challenges facing the sector.

At SEIDOR, we have been helping companies in the agri-food sector to achieve their objectives for more than 10 years. We have a team of experts specialising in the sector and its problems. We offer your business our commitment to innovation and more than 20 offices and Agro competence centres throughout Spain. Our specialist consultants are ready to take your business to the next level. It is time for the agri-food industry!