How Landcraft Environment LTD Streamlined Operations with GrowPoint Nursery Software
In the nursery/grower industry, efficient management of inventory, crop production, purchase orders, and scheduling is vital for success. Landcraft Environments Ltd, a thriving wholesale greenhouse business, initially managed these tasks using an Excel system coupled with QuickBooks. This system worked for them until expansion demanded a more sophisticated solution. The company faced the challenge of consolidating data for multiple locations and finding a software solution that aligned with their needs without unnecessary complexity.
Landcraft Environments, Ltd. began in 1982 as a specialized design/build landscape firm, which emphasized outstanding seasonal color through the use of unusual and exotic plant material. At that time, the availability of said unusual plant material was limited, which led to the decision to open a wholesale greenhouse operation in 1992. Landcraft has continued to grow with market demand year after year. In 2021, Landcraft acquired a second greenhouse operation on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Landcraft Growers, LLC. Landcraft produces unusual annuals, tropicals and seasonal bedding plants to a wide portfolio of customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and North Eastern markets.
How They Chose a New Grower Nursery Software
They wanted a solution that could manage inventory, turnaround times for order acknowledgement, order entry, purchase orders for crop production, scheduling, knowing what is coming in, fast turnaround, crop history, and would have the data in one spot and could be accessed by anyone in the company in different locations.
After doing a Google search, they trialed 10 different software options. They encountered platforms that either had unnecessary features or tried to dictate how they should run their business and charged them for items that they did not need. After trials with the ten companies, they identified GrowPoint as their ideal match. Why? Because it met their requirements, they utilized 90% of what GrowPoint has to offer, ensured no extra payment for unused features and offered an avenue for future improvements.
Onboarding The New Software: Assigning Roles and Responsibilities
During onboarding, Landcraft Environment would have daily meetings with Rick or Jon from AGS showing them what GrowPoint could do. They quickly learned that the data is only as good as the data you put in, so they worked hard to put in good data. Soon, they got more focused on what each person would manage. They had three main users who each oversaw specific areas fostering accountability and ensuring each team member had a clear focus.
GrowPoint Software User Experience
Nick Van Orden from Landcraft Environments Ltd expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We were impressed with the versatility of the program. We did not have to change the way we operate our business because GrowPoint formats to us.”
Coming from a background of using Excel, they found the transition surprisingly smooth, thanks to GrowPoint’s user-friendly interface. The flexibility of GrowPoint allowed Landcraft Environments Ltd to match inventory by location, a crucial feature for their multi-site operation. They quickly adapted the software to suit their unique needs, eliminating the potential steep learning curve associated with other options.
Final Thoughts
Customer service played a pivotal role in Landcraft Environments Ltd’s positive experience with GrowPoint. Rick and Jon from AGS not only facilitated the transition but also accommodated customized changes to meet the specific needs of their business. Nick Van Orden praised the team’s responsiveness, saying, “Rick and Jon are always willing to help us and try what we want. They like our suggestions because they are software developers and like to bring Landcraft’s vision forth. It is fun to work with both Rick and Jon. Their customer service and responsiveness are spot on. We have never had to email Rick or Jon twice. They get back really quickly. The support is excellent.”
We are proud to have helped Landcraft Environments Ltd’s on their journey from struggling with disparate systems to seamlessly managing their operation. The successful integration of GrowPoint is a testament to the software’s adaptability, user-friendly interface, and exceptional customer service. As they continue to explore new possibilities with the software, their partnership with AGS exemplifies a synergy between developer expertise and agricultural vision.
If you are looking for a a nursery software to manage every aspect of crop production seamlessly, contact us for a free no-obligation demo.