48 / SEEDWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019 ARE YOU REALLY wealthy enough to build and maintain your own proprietary plant breeding software? Even if you are, does it make sense to do it by yourself? After recognizing the need to imple- ment new software, the next crucial decision is to decide whether to build a proprietary program or to buy of- the-shelf software. Large organizations frequently think they can do a better job than an outside vendor to meet their breeders’ unique requirements. In reality, it’s not that easy. The do-it- yourself companies discover that building software solutions includes long-term risks and places a potentially huge burden on other ongoing activities. Then, when the program is ready, the company may find its needs have changed and its breeding program has new requirements. In other words, the software has become obsolete before it is launched. This starts a never-ending development snowball perpetually roll- ing downhill as software developers try to stay ahead of breeders’ continually changing needs. Some breeders think that their pro- cesses are unique and no software could possibly fulfill them. Actually, good breeding software implements extensive configurations supporting all modern processes used by commercial seeds companies. No company would consider developing its own ERP or CRM systems, so why breeding software? We have watched large companies with deep pockets spend millions of dol- lars to develop a proprietary breeding software program and then abandon it because it did not perform as expected. Financial managers may question if such a ‘journey’ is the right way to go. Is this a failed ambition and who’s fault is? Implementing a solution developed by a third-party vendor provides a totally different experience. Users receive a mature software package that covers most or all of the breeders’ needs from day one. Development cost, if any, will not be a sunk cost as they will be addressing updates to a proven working solution. Technology is commonly upgraded by the software developer. Improvements, maintenance, support, security and back- ups are all provided by the vendor. Translating complex breeding activi- ties into software requires unique exper- tise in both software and breeding, which only a professional provider can have. The core business of breeding companies is breeding, not software development. Are You Really Wealthy Enough to Do It Yourself? YANIV SEMEL, CEO, PHENOME NETWORKS.COM yaniv@phenome-networks.com • phenome-networks.com IT’S NOT ROCKET science, but it’s close. Applying today’s seed treatment technologies requires sophisticated equipment and know-how. Additionally, competition in seed processing is fierce, the products are expensive, and custom- ers are demanding more value added to the seed with consistent quality year- round. Seed treatment equipment operators must be up on the latest seed enhance- ment technologies and understand how and when to apply a number of products, such as pesticides, fungicides, nutrients, biologicals, inoculants, functional coatings and colorants. How do you learn the skills necessary to unlock your equipment’s potential and optimize seed treatment technologies? There is a way. Now, independent consultants can bring training and expertise to the compa- nies that require them, anywhere in the world. These specialists can train staff, troubleshoot application issues, test prod- ucts, customize recipes, methods and equipment and provide impartial advice on all aspects of seed treating and equip- ment. In fact, an independent consultant can examine the whole seed treatment process at your operation. Whether you’re new to seed enhancement technologies, have identified areas to improve in your existing processes or want to build expertise in- house, a consultant is the most economical and efficient way to go about it. These professionals are always test- ing new products, technologies and equipment, and they know what’s in the pipeline; they’re at the forefront of science — and they can help you get there too. I believe if you’re only competing in the marketplace on price and product you won’t last because today’s consumers want value. Improving your processes or technologies can produce that value. Providing a consulting service to our customers was a natural step for NoroGard. Our in-house expert, who specializes in the application of all types and brands of seed treatment technologies, methods and applied products for coating and pelletizing has been working in all areas of seed treat- ment for 25 years, and travels around the world helping seed processors. After all, there’s no point selling top-of- the-line seed treating equipment if opera- tors can’t use it to its full potential. An independent consultant can ensure your equipment serves you, and not the other way around. How to Easily Benefit From and Gain Expertise KETTY NILSSON NOROGARD PRESIDENT @NoroGardAB • Ketty@NoroGard.com • NoroGard.com