Managing a modern horticulture business often requires juggling multiple software tools, each designed for a specific purpose.

Which is why ABC Software is increasingly being approached by growers and packers looking for a full solution from one provider.

ABC Software’s on-farm software, ABCgrower, focuses on labour and inventory management; ABCpacker is a single packhouse solution from bins in to pallets out, and being an on-premise installation is fully customisable. Complementing these core products is an electronic spray diary, ABCspray – and the latest addition, ABCquality, an online QA/QC system.

Founder and chief executive Sharon Chapman is careful to qualify “we do a lot, but not everything, and that’s by design”.

“Instead of trying to cover every possible business function, we focus on the areas that deliver the greatest value,” Sharon says.

“ABC Software’s core goals are to improve efficiency and visibility across the farm and packhouse, covering the supply chain essentials,” she says.

While ABC remains focused on delivering depth, Sharon acknowledges there is always innovative technology coming to market.

“We are always open to integrating with other platforms.

Why shouldn’t our clients have the best of both worlds?

Depth where it matters most, and connectivity elsewhere.”

ABCquality is gaining recognition not only for its ability to capture defects and measurements, but for its ability to integrate with other systems.

Grader batch information, such as grower and block variety details, can be pulled not just from ABCpacker, but from any packhouse or ERP software.

Greater efficiency and improved accuracy are compelling reasons for horticulture businesses to make the switch to ABCquality.

With a reputation for providing superior support, ABC become part of their clients’ teams.

Joshua Franceschi, chief executive of The Avocado Collective says “ABC Software has been inherently a part of our business and our success, they're part of our whole supply chain”.

Scalability is also important – as Sharon says “our solutions grow with you”.

Kirsty Fontanini, owner of Fontinini Fruit & Nuts, appreciates this approach, saying: “with ABCpacker, I was able to start as small as I wanted, and I can add on the features as I want them”.

“We develop our products with, and for, horticulture. You’re getting specialised, field-tested tools which are continually refined with input from growers and packers,” Sharon explains.

Latest enhancements to ABCgrower include supporting employers in meeting the PALM scheme requirement of offering a minimum of 30-hours per week, averaged across four weeks.

As well as recording time and task for work done, ABCgrower records hours offered to workers, but not taken up by them.

A new forecasting report shows whether workers are on track to meet the 120-hour minimum in their four-week window. If a shortfall is likely, the system highlights it in advance, giving growers time to manage rosters or plan top-up payments accordingly.

A new history report proves compliance in a few button-clicks.

Further, ABCgrower offers clear visibility to top payments if these are required to be made.

Instead of manually crunching numbers at payroll time, or risking underpayments, growers can be confident their team is being paid fairly and legally.

“We share our clients’ visions of building fair and sustainable workforces, especially in an industry which relies so heavily on seasonal labour.

“With ABCgrower, growers can focus on getting the job done, knowing their people are being looked after and their records are in order.”

Current projects include ABCpacker’s packaging module being significantly expanded into a procurement module, and ABC Software’s cloud-based products being migrated to a new login system.

“It should go without saying cybersecurity is at the forefront of everything we do,” Sharon adds.

For fit-for-purpose tools built on industry expertise, talk to ABC Software about investing in today’s needs, and being ready for tomorrow’s opportunities.