This is a blog by Rudolf de Vetten, Chief Product Officer of Blue Radix.
AI technology is making a breakthrough in greenhouse horticulture. An autonomous greenhouse consists of many components and domains, like robotics, sensors and data-driven installations, all of which must ultimately work together. Data is the connecting factor here and is therefore very valuable. But who actually owns the data? And how do you reach agreements on this as a grower? The question about data ownership is a very logical question, one which many growers ask me when they start growing autonomously with Crop Controller.
Data business models
There are different business models regarding data. There is also a lot to be found about this topic in the literature. For example, the pioneers in this field have described three data-driven business models:
- Companies that use customer data to make money in other areas. For example, by reselling the data or offering additional services which are based on the customer’s data.
- Companies that use customer data to help the customer achieve better results in their own business process.
- Companies that use data to improve the chain in which the customer is located through better inventory management, optimal logistics processes and a good understanding of the end customer’s wishes.
Blue Radix explicitly opts for the second model: using the customer’s data to improve their operating results. The data is and remains the customer’s property, so that they can be sure to benefit from the value of their own data. The crop strategy data is the company’s DNA, thus helping the company strengthen its competitive position in the market. Blue Radix does not make any concessions in this. The data belongs to the grower!
The data you now have as a grower is of great value for improving your operating results. By making clear, legally established agreements with your service provider, you as a grower can safely use your data to implement the power of AI so that your company can benefit from fewer errors, improved predictability and better cultivation results. After all, that’s what you do it for, isn’t it?