How ewiz commerce transformed on-site farm management and procurement with an integrated marketplace

Discover how ewiz commerce (A Powerweave brand) deployed a custom, efficient, and comprehensive digital solution, transforming the agricultural operations of a leading industry player, and paving the way for global expansion and enhanced farm management.

Summary

Our client*, a prominent figure in the agriculture industry, is renowned for its innovative approach to modern farming and trade practices. With a robust presence primarily in East Asia and ambitions to expand into Africa and India, they have established themselves as a forward-thinking leader in their field. Their operations span a wide range of agricultural activities, from traditional crop cultivation to advanced farm management techniques. They are not only committed to enhancing the efficiency and productivity of farming but also to empowering local farmers with the tools and insights needed for sustainable growth. Their expansive operational scope and commitment to integrating advanced technology into agriculture pose unique challenges, demanding tailored digital solutions to maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic world of modern agriculture.

ewiz commerce stepped in to address the unique challenges faced by our client in this fast-evolving sector. Focusing on a comprehensive digital overhaul, we explore the journey towards creating an integrated marketplace coupled with an upstream application, specifically designed to streamline operations and unlock new possibilities for global expansion and advanced farm management.

* Client confidentiality is paramount for us, and due to NDA commitments, some customer names cannot be disclosed publicly.

The Challenge

• Inadequate digital framework: An outdated digital system hinders efficient agricultural trading and farm management.
• Expansion barriers: The lack of scalable and adaptable digital solutions posed a major barrier to effective operation and growth.
• Limited visibility of farm activities: The lack of tracking and visibility across farm management impeded field operations and support services.

Before the introduction of the integrated digital solution, the organization's operational landscape was marked by significant challenges. Managing a complex network of agricultural activities across diverse regions without the aid of efficient digital tools led to numerous inefficiencies and missed opportunities. The reliance on rudimentary systems for trading and farm management, coupled with an ambitious plan to expand into new territories, underscored the urgent need for a digital overhaul.

Beyond the operational level, the challenges extended to strategic planning and market engagement. Inefficiencies in data handling and the lack of a unified system for farm management and trading meant that the organization was unable to leverage its full potential in the agriculture sector. This situation necessitated a solution that was not only comprehensive but also flexible enough to adapt to the varying needs of different regions and agricultural practices.

The Solution

Multifaceted solution - Integrated marketplace + upstream application

In addressing the complex challenges of the agriculture organization, we introduced a dual-component digital solution: an Integrated Marketplace Application and an Upstream Application. This holistic approach was pivotal in transforming their agricultural trade and management systems into models of efficiency and innovation.

An end-to-end marketplace solution

This platform was created to revolutionize agricultural trading. It provided an intuitive and user-friendly interface reminiscent of leading eCommerce platforms, making it easier for farmers and traders to conduct their business. Key features included robust admin and user interfaces, advanced analytics for actionable insights, and a versatile catalog management system. This marketplace became a one-stop solution for all trading needs, streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency.

Seamless integration with the Upstream Application

Tailored for farm management, this mobile application was a game-changer for field operations. It offered offline capabilities for data collection in remote areas, a critical feature for on-site farm management. The app included comprehensive tools for monitoring and scheduling farming activities, providing real-time data integration with the marketplace. This ensured up-to-date inventory information and facilitated better decision-making.

The implementation journey

The implementation began with an in-depth analysis of the existing agricultural operations. This analysis allowed for a customized technical approach, tailor-made to the specific needs of the organization. Following the customization, a thorough testing phase in a User Acceptance Testing environment was conducted, ensuring the functionality and reliability of the solution. The final phase was a strategic rollout across the organization's operations, accompanied by comprehensive training programs to ensure proficient usage and widespread adoption. This strategic and meticulous implementation marked a significant milestone in the organization's history, signifying a leap toward digital innovation and operational excellence.

The Result

Achieving unprecedented milestones by digitizing agricultural operations

Performance demonstrated over 2 years post-implementation

The introduction of the Integrated Marketplace and Upstream Application marked a significant leap in agricultural operations. The measurable outcomes of the project were both impressive and transformative:

Strategic impacts:

Enhanced farmer engagement: The digital solution revolutionized how farmers interact with agricultural processes, evidenced by over 2000 active farmers now using the system.

Diversification and market reach: With more than 15 product categories now efficiently managed and traded, the organization has significantly expanded its market presence and versatility.

Improved operational efficiency: The digital solution enabled centralized tracking and management of farms, cultivation activities, and inventory, leading to more streamlined operations and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Data accessibility and oversight : he solution provides 360-degree visibility of operations around the clock, leading to more informed decision-making and operational transparency.

Significant trade volumes: The platform's effectiveness is underscored by the sale of over 100,000 tonnes of produce, highlighting its role in significantly enhancing trade efficiency and volume.

This comprehensive digital overhaul has addressed the immediate challenges and also equipped the organization with robust tools to navigate future agricultural trends and market demands, setting a new benchmark in the sector.

Looking ahead

Embracing expansion and technological advancements

As the organization strides forward, the vision for the future is clear and ambitious. The focus is on two main strategic directions: expanding the marketplace's reach and enhancing the Upstream Application.

The goal is to extend the marketplace's presence into various geographies, adapting to the unique agriculture landscapes and market demands of each region. Concurrently, there will be a diversification of product categories and offerings. This expansion is not just about scale; it's about deepening the support for farmers and their families, providing them with a broader platform to showcase and sell their produce.

Significant enhancements are planned for the Upstream Application. A new Procurement Module will be implemented, designed to streamline the purchasing process for farmers, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, a comprehensive Cattle Management System is set to be introduced, offering farmers advanced tools for managing livestock. These enhancements will not only improve the functionality of the Upstream Application but also contribute to a more integrated and holistic farm management experience.

These future initiatives reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. By expanding the marketplace and enhancing the Upstream Application, the organization is poised to deliver even greater value to the agriculture community, empowering farmers with advanced tools and opportunities. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of agriculture technology, ready to meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture.