Industry scale-up requires structural and social adjustments

The green sector is on the move. Anyone who has followed developments in recent years cannot but conclude that increases in scale are inevitable. However, this increase in scale requires both structural and social adjustments. Gardeners will have to adapt not only their operations but also their attitudes and skills. 

The modern landscaper today must be able to do much more than know plants and shrubs. The range of products and services has expanded considerably. In addition to traditional garden maintenance and design, specialized services such as the installation of swimming pools, canopies and advanced water management are increasingly in demand. This requires a broadening of knowledge and skills. Gardeners need to delve into disciplines such as construction, engineering and civil engineering (GWW). 

In addition, we see that the green sector is increasingly linked to macroeconomic factors and laws and regulations. Climate adaptation measures and sustainability are high on the agenda of policymakers. This means that landscapers must also be able to inform and enthuse their customers - individuals, companies and governments - about sustainable choices. Customers want to know more about the sustainability and origin of products used, which means good communication skills are crucial.

The increased complexity in business operations requires new, specific functions within companies. From designers and planners to sales and marketing staff, the need for specialized knowledge is increasing. Gardening companies will have to invest in training and possibly in hiring specialists for specific tasks. This presents challenges, especially in an industry where more than half of job openings are difficult to fill.

Specialization can provide a solution. Companies that specialize entirely in pool technology or garden design, for example, can operate more efficiently and effectively. This can lead to mergers and the creation of larger companies better able to meet changing demands. Smaller companies will have to start seeing themselves more as part of a larger whole or seek economies of scale themselves, such as through mergers or subcontracting.

Technological advances play a crucial role in scaling up the green industry. At Become-IT, we have seen how enterprise software can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of landscaping companies. Our solutions, such as Suite SME, provide landscapers with the tools to digitize and integrate their business processes with those of suppliers and customers. This not only saves time and reduces errors, but also improves communication and planning.

A good example of this is the product library we have developed. This allows landscapers to quickly and easily find current product information and use it in their quotations and orders. This system makes it possible to order directly from suppliers, which streamlines the entire process and prevents errors.

In addition to structural changes, social adjustments are also needed. The traditional autonomy of landscaping companies will give way to a more integrated approach. This requires a different mindset among entrepreneurs and employees. Participation and cooperation will become increasingly important. 

Scaling up in the green sector is not just a matter of increasing farm size. It requires a fundamental overhaul of both the structure and social dynamics within companies. Companies that are able to make these adjustments will be more responsive to the demands of the modern marketplace and ultimately more successful.

At Become-IT, we are proud to support landscapers in this transition. By providing innovative software solutions, we help businesses work more efficiently and effectively so they can continue to grow and prosper in a changing world.