Belfast based software development company Output Digital has invested in Research & Development (R&D) to develop Growflo, a bespoke Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for the horticultural sector which is assisting it to grow sales in RoI, Great Britain and the US.
The company’s Growflo product is tailored for wholesale horticulture nurseries, designed to create efficiencies by helping them manage sales, stock, orders, and other nursery operations.
Alan Brown, Managing Director of Output Digital said: “We did some market research which confirmed that we had the potential to break into new markets by enhancing our Growflo platform and supporting horticulture wholesalers to improve efficiencies. Invest Northern Ireland was our first port of call for advice and support. Its grant for R&D has helped us to develop our Growflo system and extend its functionality with an Android app which we have sold to growers across the UK, Ireland and the US.”
RELATED: Local software company aims to 'disrupt multichannel retail' following £1m investment
Mr Brown also added: “The new app allows our customers to manage plant stock in real time as they walk around the nursery, so stock is instantly available on the ERP online ordering system, making it faster and easier to sell their products. The app also includes task management functionality, which ultimately saves time and paperwork.”
Since 2017, Invest NI has offered the company £136,101 of support towards R&D to develop and enhance the Growflo platform, along with marketing activities, consultancy, and trade support. It has also received support from the Northern Ireland Small Business Loan Fund, part of Invest NI’s Access to Finance portfolio.
RELATED: Capco and Coherent partner to drive digital transformation
Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s Director of Innovation, Research and Development, commented on the new developments, stating: “When companies invest in R&D, they are better positioned to stay ahead of competitors and thrive in the global marketplace. Having spotted a gap in the market for a purchasing and supply chain management platform for the horticultural wholesale market, Output Digital’s Growflo product is providing it with a unique selling point.”
In recognition of Output Digital’s commitment to innovation, it has been awarded a Gold Level Innovator Certificate from Innovate NI.
Invest NI’s R&D support is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014–2020.
Sorce: Written from press release.
