By connecting the physical world to the Internet, The Internet of Things (IoT) is creating lucrative opportunities for major industries.

One area where IoT solutions are having an impact, and have positive future prospects, is in the greenhouse horticulture sector. Connectivity and data analysis can be utilized not only in the greenhouses themselves but in all parts of the supply chain. Below, we have outlined three key areas where IoT technology is having a major impact in the greenhouse horticulture sector.

 

Climate Control

By using smart devices in the growing process, it is possible for growers to collect data on humidity, temperature, air composition, and light intensity in real time. Innovations in automation and machine learning allow the electrical infrastructure of greenhouses to respond directly to changes in the aforementioned variables.

This allows growers to have far more control over their produce than with standard horticultural techniques, greatly increasing efficiency, yield, and eventually profit.

 

Logistics

In combination with already existing technologies like GPS and radio-frequency identification (RFID), IoT allows growers and suppliers to track and monitor goods from the greenhouse to the customer.

IoT sensors allow supply chain managers to collect more information on the location of the produce during transportation and storage than with standard tracking techniques. This extra information facilitates scheduling and gives growers, suppliers, and customers greater faith in the integrity of the supply chain.

 

Food Safety

The impact of IoT on both the growing and transportation process has a positive effect on food safety. Due to the perishable nature of fruits and vegetables, tracing the status of products through production and processing is a central concern when it comes to food safety.

Sophisticated sensor networks that collect data on temperature, air quality, and air toxicity can be added to the manufacturing process. The data collected from these networks will serve to optimize the quality and safety of horticultural produce.