JFC builds vertical farms that supply 24,000kg of fresh produce weekly to customers around the UK. The company grows fresh produce through its vertical farming methods and uses automation.
The AI software solution, called the Aveva Advanced Analytics Module, is said to enable JFC to make real-time changes to growing conditions, including temperature, humidity, nutrient mix and water quality to produce a higher yield at a lower energy cost. The solution is part of the Aveva Flex subscription, supplied by Aveva Select UK and IR, which creates an automated model for data analysis.
According to Schneider, vertical farming is an energy-intensive process by nature, using controlled environments and growing vast amounts of fresh produce. In the current energy market environment, Jones Food Company must ensure that every kilowatt of energy input returns the maximum output.
Schneider has helped JFC to achieve this by using AI to detect and adjust the growing environment to the optimum temperature. As a result, the yield produced has more crops grown to specification dimensions, reducing food waste and handling time in the sortation stage.
Mark Yeeles, vice president of industrial automation at Schneider Electric, said: “Real-time, rich data is essential for JFC to create the foundation upon which they can develop and meet ambitious growth targets.”
JFC founder James Lloyd-Jones said: “Schneider Electric’s advanced technology and premium service level has meant we can continue to innovate at breakneck speeds. At the same time, our employees learn from Schneider’s support team, expanding their knowledge of the technology at our disposal.”