Question: Below is the given case study. Approach the following tasks from an Operations perspective. Please add references and in text citation where ever required. Please
Below is the given case study. Approach the following tasks from an Operations perspective. Please add references and in text citation where ever required. Please answer in detail and give me logical answers.
This Canadian family farm produces several high-quality organic vegetables (leafy greens, micro greens, herbs and more) in their indoor greenhouse facilities using both hydroponics and minimal soil growing methods. Their process avoids using traditional outdoor planted crops and maintains peak freshness by having the product continue to grow while in its unique packaging (supplied by a third-party manufacturer) and on store shelves. In essence, it is a living product until it reaches the consumer.
They are certified organic using non genetically modified seeds and no pesticides or herbicides. They market their product as a healthier, safer and more natural food.
Digitizing a Business Most online definitions of 'digital transformation' or 'digitizing a company' will result in a description that talks about conversion from analog to digital - or conversion from paper and manual processes to an electronic information system that collects, transmits, stores, processes (manipulates), communicates and outputs data, often in the form of information. Since data is key to all data-driven technologies, some that we explored this term, the digitization process is of huge interest to citizens, business, government, and the economy. In Canada, many businesses remain in analog, or could use a modernization of their technology and processes. Just recently, Canada announced the Boost Your Business Technology program for small to medium size businesses. "Boost Your Business Technology can help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost, or digitalize your business's operations. These grants are designed to help Canadian businesses become more competitive. ...helping your business scale up its technology and become more resilient..." $15,000 for a consultant and to develop a plan + up to $100,000 in interest-free loans to implement the plan + other workforce assistance subsidies.
The Challenge/Opportunity
Pennington Family Farms have grown significantly in the last ten years with a large number of retail road-side stands, fresh markets, and within the last few years, selling to two major Ontario grocery chains. They also supply a number of restaurants in Ontario and northern United States. Since PFF have introduced more exotic 'baby' vegetables (those harvested before maturity for smaller size and tenderness), several European countries have expressed interest in the products as they are expected to survive the shipping much better than other types of produce.
Because PFF are focused on planting, growing and harvest, upgrading of machinery and technology has been neglected. Their current processes are labour intensive, and as demand has grown quickly in the last few years, they are at a tipping point. Now is the time to look at the organization holistically and invest in digitization and modern technology that allows them to meet objectives and take the company to the next level. PFF wishes to explore the Canadian government program to enhance operations and take advantage of the financing options available.
Q1: Digitization involves data. Data leads to opportunity. These opportunities include accessing new data-driven technologies that may not have been previously available, and compatibility with modern systems and devices. Discuss the many benefits (five or more) of digitizing and adding data-driven tools/technology to Operations for this company. Arrange your thoughts into paragraphs that describe the specific benefit to this company, the technologies that would relate to that benefit, and how the benefit is obtained. Start with the benefit and not the tech.
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