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Why Digital Records Are the Way to Go

Why Digital Records Are the Way to Go

Increased Efficiency, Accuracy, and Data Accessibility

Digital records can streamline data entry and retrieval processes, making using them faster and more accurate compared to manual record-keeping, especially in a sector like agriculture where employee turnover rates are high. Digital entry reduces errors associated with handwritten or paper-based systems. Having the ability to search for all current and past employees with a couple of keyboard strokes is much more efficient than digging through the old filing cabinet or, worse, a garbage bag full of punch cards.

Authorized personnel can also access digital records simultaneously and remotely. On 2nd Sight’s portal, you can make several users for each portal account, with each user assigned different roles. This facilitates collaboration and decision-making across different departments or locations, leading to more informed and timely decisions.

 

Data Analysis and Compliance

Digital records make it easier to analyze large data sets. Agricultural companies can use data analytics tools to gain valuable insights into crop performance, resource utilization, and overall farm efficiency. This, in turn, enables data-driven decision-making and precision agriculture practices. 2nd Sight labor tracking systems such as FairPick and FairTrak allow the user to add trackable metrics such as block, variety, location, and many other customizable options that allow administrators to dig into their processes and analyze their data.

Additionally, many agricultural operations are subject to regulatory requirements and reporting obligations. Having digital records can simplify compliance by automating the documentation process and ensuring that all necessary information is readily available for audits or reporting purposes.

Traceability and Inventory Management

Having access to digital records enables better traceability of products throughout the supply chain. Being able to track items throughout the process while simultaneously recording this information on an online portal is not only convenient, but is crucial for meeting quality standards, ensuring food safety, and responding quickly to recalls or quality issues.

Digital records make it easier to manage and track inventory levels, helping agricultural companies optimize their stock of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, etc.), manage harvest output, and monitor nursery stocks.

Cost Reduction and Scalability

By automating record-keeping processes, agricultural companies can reduce the time and resources spent on manual data entry and paperwork. This can lead to cost savings over time. For example, products such as FairPick, our automated harvest scale, often pay themselves off in as little as one season! This quick ROI results in year after year cost reduction in labor and maintenance for paper records.

Digital records can be easily adapted to changing business needs and can scale with the growth of the agricultural operation. New data sources and technologies can be integrated seamlessly. Often price is the upmost concern. 2nd Sight recommends incorporating one or two systems first to see the plethora of benefits that we offer. Once consumers can see the benefits firsthand, they can scale up quickly and affordably.

 

Conclusion

Consequently, the adoption of digital records in agriculture can enhance operational efficiency, provide valuable insights, ensure compliance, save money, and contribute to sustainable and precision farming practices. For more information regarding 2nd Sight’s labor and inventory tracking systems feel free to contact a representative at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Investing in the Off-Season

Investing in the Off-Season

Time to Implement and Reduced Risks to Current Operations

Investing in new technology or implementing major changes to your business is a big step for any business, but it can be a step in the right direction. Doing the inventing during the off-season rather than the midst of harvest provides several advantages.

There is always a learning curve when implementing modern technologies. Software systems take time to implement and get comfortable with. The off-season provides adequate time to focus on integrating new technology, training the staff, and troubleshooting without the constant pressure and stress associated with active farming. We have seen people try to implement our technology on the first day of harvest, and let’s just say, it isn’t pretty.

Employees need time to embrace new processes. Many businesses already have a set way of operating. Making drastic changes during harvest poses risks to ongoing current operations, but experimenting with new systems or technologies during the off-season doesn’t disrupt the established workflows of harvest.

Luckily, 2nd Sight is here to help. Offering a plethora of Labor Tracking, Inventory Tracking, and Traceability products with the goal of helping farmers maximize their investments. We offer constant support and free Zoom trainings to help staff get up to speed, fast.

The Learning Curve and Adjusting

With big changes comes a big learning curve. During the off-season farmers and their team have the time and resources to help familiarize everyone with the new tools, and gradually integrate them into their workflow without affecting productivity. As we all know, the learning curve varies from employee to employee, and having the ability to learn at their own pace and use given resources and training will help everyone be comfortable and efficient when the harvest begins.

Every system has some tweaks and adjustments to fine tune it to each customer’s personal processes. Making sure the system is a perfect fit for your specific business takes time and effort on both sides. The off-season allows testing and fine-tuning of the new systems or processes created from the investment. Testing allows employees to then identify and resolve issues or inefficiencies before the farm’s critical phases – planting, cultivating, and harvesting – begin.

Planning, Strategy, and Availability of Support

There is no better time to plan and strategize for the upcoming harvest than immediately following the previous one. Investing in a new labor or inventory tracking system post-harvest allows you to align your strategies with the capabilities and insight that a new system might offer. For example, increased access to productivity metrics such as the “Pay Period Report” or the “Employee Receipt” found on the 2nd Sight Portal. Having access to data at your fingertips and being able to track overtime and worker productivity can help you more successfully plan and strategize your operations moving forward.

Many technology providers such as 2nd Sight offer support and training during implementation as well as support after. Access to this assistance is much more readily available during the off-season when we have fewer ongoing demands from our client base.

Conclusion

Over the years, several phrases have developed for those who need something but end up procrastinating too long. (I’m guilty of this myself). I am sure everyone has heard, “You snooze you lose,” or “The early bird gets the worm.”

Addressing potential and getting organized and properly prepared for your upcoming harvest can make all the difference. The off-season is a fantastic time to address weak points, maximize your workforce, or replace equipment that is approaching the end of life. We specifically created systems specialized for the agricultural niche and have a team of staff who not only are knowledgeable, but eager to help. If you want to maximize your future harvests, the best time to begin is now.

For more information regarding 2nd Sight’s labor and inventory tracking systems feel free to contact a representative at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

See You at the Show

By the way, if you are attending the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference next month, stop by booth #724. I’d love to see you and chat about your growing challenges.

Maximizing Your Resources
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Maximizing Your Resources

Proper Allocation of Resources and Reducing Manual Work

Labor and inventory tracking systems such as 2nd Sight’s FairPick, FairTrak, InstaCaliper, and StockTrak can help your business allocate resources and labor more effectively. Our systems provide real time traceability and productivity data that enable your business to allocate your workforce to areas that need immediate attention.

2nd Sight’s labor and inventory tracking systems also automate many manual tasks, such as counting punch cards and data entry. This reduces the time and effort required to keep up with these tedious tasks and will free up your workforce to focus on more valuable and strategic activities.

Increasing Productivity and Preventing Staffing Issues

Productivity is of the utmost importance, especially in agriculture. With real-time data and automation, your workforce can respond quickly to changing conditions and customer demands. Having the ability to track productivity allows you to become more agile when demand changes and market fluctuations happen.

When using a labor tracking system like FairTrak, you will not only be tracking productivity, but also hours. This allows you to accurately forecast your current and future staffing requirements. By doing so, you can avoid higher labor costs due to overstaffing or unmet production demand due to understaffing.

Cost Reduction and Compliance

Moving onto everyone’s favorite benefit: Saving Money. Incorporating an automated or semi-automated labor or inventory management system will save you money by helping you avoid overstocking and stockouts within your inventory. You will also improve your inventory management. Additionally, by maximizing labor efficiency, you reduce manual labor costs. By cutting these costs, you will improve your business’s bottom line.

Moving onto the not so fun part of business: compliance. With rules and regulations constantly changing, it can be exceedingly difficult to keep up. Luckily, tracking systems ensure that labor and inventory data are accurate and readable accessible, which is crucial to abide by current regulations and standards. Incorporating a tracking system will help prevent costly errors and fines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cost is of the utmost importance, and saving money by maximizing your workforce and inventory through automation is a terrific way to start. Incorporating a tracking system may come with an initial investment as well as a small learning curve, but, after you incorporate the system into your process, you will see the savings rack up year after year. We are here to streamline your processes, save you money, and help grow your business to the next level.

For more information regarding 2nd Sight’s labor and inventory tracking systems feel free to contact a representative at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2nd Sight

823 N Crestline St
Spokane, WA 99202
United States

Phone: 509-381-2112
Email: sales@2ndsightbio.com