How planning planting brings more assertive investments to production

Ensuring greater productivity with reduced costs is what every company aims for. Within agribusiness, technological innovations have made agricultural efficiency higher and with more assertiveness in investments. With prior planning of planting, before starting production, it is possible to calculate costs of inputs and the time of operation of the machines, and also their effects on the cost of labour. Understanding variables and predicting scenarios allows appropriate and timely adaptation to a more effective production environment.

In Hexagon's Planning & Optimisation solution, we have HxGN AgrOn Plant Planning, which optimises the renovation and planting strategy to achieve long-term goals. Using historical data in conjunction with the configuration of criteria and operational restrictions, it is possible to better diagnose the needs and qualities of the area to be planted. The system analyses the production areas, selects which should be reformed each harvest, and indicates the ideal varieties for planting, thus generating a greater return to the producer. This means knowing, more precisely, what to plant, how much, when, and where.

Another reason for the importance of planning is the reduction of costs and excesses in subsequent processes. The scheduling algorithm by constraints tests all possible solutions and finds the one that optimises the total result meeting the informed criteria and capabilities, calculating the inputs, resources and areas needed, in addition to recommending the ideal strategy for reform and planting with the lowest costs. This allows a new look at the possible opportunities for better use of the cultivation area.

In the first planning stage, in which the criteria and constraints are defined, it is possible to stipulate the formation and management of seedlings, adapt the soil to what will be planted, calculate the productivity curves and adjust the capacity for reform and planting. This form of planning allows us to consider or even simulate unforeseen events or challenges that may arise during the execution of activities in the field.

In addition to anticipating these possible obstacles, the generation of this optimised planning makes it possible to correct mistakes made in previous harvests. Knowing the history of the area before starting a new cycle will avoid unnecessary costs and help in the diagnosis to prepare the company's inventory and cash. Control of the renovation and planting is in the hands of the manager, who can thus hit more even with fewer resources.

Bernardo de Castro
President
Hexagon’s Agriculture Division