BELFAST based software development company Output Digital has invested in research & development (R&D) to develop Growflo, a bespoke enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for the horticultural sector which is assisting it to grow sales in Ireland, Britain and the US.
Growflo is tailored for wholesale horticulture nurseries, designed to create efficiencies by helping them manage sales, stock, orders, and other nursery operations.
Alan Brown, managing director at Output, said: “Since 2013 we’ve been selling successfully into GB.
“To build on this success, we did some market research which confirmed we had the potential to break into new markets by enhancing our Growflo platform and support horticulture wholesalers to improve efficiencies.
“Invest NI was our first port of call for advice and support. Its grant for R&D has helped us to develop our Growflo system and extend its functionality with an Android app which we have sold to growers across the UK, Ireland and the US.”
The new app allows customers to manage plant stock in real time as they walk around the nursery, so stock is instantly available on the ERP online ordering system, making it faster and easier to sell their products.
The app also includes task management functionality, which saves on time and paperwork.
Output Digital is now looking to extend the system’s capabilities with further functionality and exploring export potential in Australia and Canada.
Since 2017, Invest NI has offered the company £136,101 of support towards R&D to develop and enhance the Growflo platform.
Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s director of innovation, research and development, said: “Having spotted a gap in the market for a purchasing and supply chain management platform for the horticultural wholesale market, Output Digital’s Growflo product is providing it with a unique selling point.
“Our R&D support has assisted it to develop its Growflo product and adapt it to market demand, particularly with its new app function.
“Coupled with our advice on trade in international markets, it has also taken advantage of business opportunities globally.
“We’re pleased to continue to work with Output Digital as it innovates and moves into more new markets around the world.”
