The Rise of High-Tech Solutions in Agriculture

The agricultural sector is currently undergoing a significant transformation as consumers become more informed and technology firms offer innovative solutions utilising the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data. One such company, the Flexi Versa Group (FVG), recently partnered with a client who had developed a high-tech livestock tracker for chicken farming and sought to expand its market presence.

The livestock tracker incorporates sensor elements and IoT connectivity to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, ensuring the well-being of the chickens and the overall quality of products. In a span of just four months, production of these trackers escalated to over 3,000 units, with potential for further growth.

To realise the client’s concept, FVG undertook the prototyping and design, completing approximately two thirds of the project. The manufacturing partner was responsible for design for manufacture, ensuring the product’s reliability, suitability for mass production, and cost-effectiveness. They also focused on creating an ingress protection to IP76, critical for the product’s performance in a damp and harsh environment, as well as mechanical design considerations to facilitate easy assembly and field service. Continuous improvement of the design was also emphasized as crucial for the product rollout.

A notable aspect of the project was the client’s aim to reduce supply chain dependence on China, considering previous and potential disruptions. This concern has been growing for years, heightened by recent events such as trade tensions between the U.S. and China and the prolonged global supply chain disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Geopolitical factors, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the potential escalation of tensions between China and Taiwan, have further prompted companies to reassess their manufacturing footprint and enhance supply chain resilience.

In response to these challenges, the company sought a more resilient and flexible manufacturing footprint, moving away from overreliance on China. This shift aims to provide greater supply chain resilience and flexibility in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

The project also underscored the demand for integrated design and manufacturing solutions that encompass various disciplines, including PCB assembly, plastics, rubber gaskets, electromechanics, testing, and box build. The rapid integration of these processes was crucial to ensure the shortest possible time to market.

Vertical integration of multiple manufacturing processes was crucial to the project’s success. This approach not only streamlined the solution for the brand but also provided a single point of contact for all processes. It also ensured consistent quality and communication throughout the supply chain and manufacturing process.

In summary, the collaboration between FVG and its client exemplifies the growing trend of embracing high-tech solutions in the agricultural sector. With increasing demand for IoT and big data applications, companies are innovating to integrate technology into traditional industries, leading to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.