Priva Connext fits perfectly into automation strategy
03 may 2010
Priva Nederland (EN)
New challenges in the horticultural sector demand a process computer that is suited to present developments and equipped for future developments. That process computer has arrived - Priva Connext, available for international markets this year. One of the first computers will find its home in the company Ter Laak Orchids, located in Wateringen, the Netherlands.
Ter Laak Orchids, owned by Richard and Eduard ter Laak, is currently building a new Phalaenopsis production nursery. John van der Wilk, Priva project consultant: ‘At the beginning of a project we create an automation strategy so that the best possible climate prevails in the greenhouse. The Priva Connext fits neatly into that strategy: it will connect, manage and optimise all aspects of the orchid nursery such as temperature records, workflow, crop steering and harvest scheduling.’
That is also important: management of the climate in a greenhouse is a process that must satisfy an increasing number of requirements. With increasing knowledge of crop methods and plant physiology, it is possible to cultivate within ever-smaller bandwidths. Outside of the greenhouse, development has not stalled either, and horticulture is increasingly integrating itself into other environments. Controls are not limited to the greenhouse itself, but are linked to other systems, for example when it comes to the supply of industrial residual heat and geothermal energy. The same goes for heat supply to residential areas.
Wish list
The process computer, the heart of every horticultural company, must satisfy the needs and requirements of every grower. In light of this, Priva has begun extensive international market research to find out what growers expect from their process computer. The information from this research has been used to compile a wish list. On the basis of these wishes and many years of development, a new process computer has been created to succeed the Priva Intégro.
A major benefit of Priva Connext, and a frequently expressed requirement, is the modular structure of the system. Growers do not need to transfer to the new process computer in one step, but can choose a pathway that is most suitable to their company. By continuously installing new Connext modules, the system will grow with new developments.
Extended life span
Priva Connext is a major step forward. The hardware of this process computer is completely new. The existing process software and Priva Office Direct, the highly improved and user friendly operation of the Priva process computer, has been modified to fit Priva Connext. To ensure that all controls remain fully up-to-date, new applications are continuously being added. In other words: Priva Connext will undergo continuous improvement.
With this new development, the life span and extension possibilities of existing and new systems are being extended by many years. By using the latest technologies, the system is prepared for future complex developments in horticulture. Existing Priva Intégro process computers can also be hooked up to this new hardware and can benefit from the associated advantages too.
Ready for the future
Richard and Eduard Ter Laak expect quite a lot from their brand new Priva Connext. They aim to reduce production costs in particular. The automated transport of containers introduces a significant reduction in labour costs, especially during the last stage of the production process. Another completely new innovation for Ter Laak is the bus communication system, which interconnects various technical devices and allows communication with one another without extensive cabling.
Would you like to learn more about Priva Connext process computer?
Contact your local Priva dealer,visit the Priva website or send an e-mail.
