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Rijk Zwaan chooses ICT Group to optimise production processes
ICT Group trusted advisor and system integrator for modernisation of automation landscape
- 23 July 2024
Ambitious programme
Since early 2000, Rijk Zwaan has been working with an industry-specific ERP package to control the processes for processing and packing (vegetable) seeds. From ERP to MES, SCADA and PLC, many functionalities are integrated into one, single platform. However, this platform is outdated and unsuitable for further development. This is the reason why Rijk Zwaan was looking for a partner who could not only provide them with broad support to modernise but who also had the same quality mindset. The initial request to ICT Group was to set up a future-oriented programme, replacing the existing ERP system without disrupting business processes. The new system had to be immediately deployable for the new location with an automated warehouse. In short, a complex programme with high ambitions.
Roadmap for complex operation
Hubertien Doldersum, Operations Manager at Rijk Zwaan: "The main initial objective is to replace our current system in an operationally secure way. At the same time we are building the foundation that will allow us to realise our ambitions for the future. Rijk Zwaan is growing. For Operations, we are currently building a new site that will allow us to expand processing and storage capacity. This also allows us to spread the risk, which is an important pillar for the continuity of operations. Naturally, risk avoidance and continuity require reliable and well-secured processes, and this goes hand in hand with the implementation of a new IT landscape. A solid foundation will ensure that we can continue to develop in the future, take advantage of upgrades and optimise our primary processes. We are working with ICT Group on the entire roadmap within the MOM domain, while we are also implementing a new MES as well as an Advanced Scheduling application. In addition, we are renewing our WMS. The new applications offer a wide variety of options that we currently don’t have. However, we will only use these options once the foundation is in place. Even though we have all kinds of wishes and ideas, we will stick to the scope."

Modern automation landscape
Peter Verstegen, Group Information Manager at Rijk Zwaan, describes the change strategy: "The need to modernise our automation landscape has been present for some time, from the perspective of IT as well as from a business perspective. In the future, we want to measure more process data and make it available for analysis. Thorough data analysis contributes to more insight into our processing and supply chain, allowing us to extract even more value from our primary processes. The quality of our final product is already very high, but what matters is that we continue to deliver at least that same quality with fewer losses throughout the chain. ICT Group has been advising us, participating in our thought processes and guiding us with the implementation, right from the start of the programme."
Complex and ambitious
Mark van Lanen, ICT Group’s Sales Director of the Vital Infra & Industry Division, has been involved in the programme since its inception: "In early 2023, we started with a number of exploratory talks and functional workshops. Thanks to our expertise and experience in the food & beverage industry and logistics we could make a good assessment of the complexity and scope of the programme. Our team consists of experienced consultants, project leaders and experts in the areas of MES/MOMS, WMS and planning, and they were able to design and successfully implement the transition for the entire process automation and supply chain. This is precisely why we can advise Rijk Zwaan and relieve it of all its concerns. We can continuously provide the required expertise and capacity."
Impact for the organisation
The programme has a great impact on the Rijk Zwaan organisation. Hubertien: "To start with, the ongoing processes and deliveries to our customers must not be affected in any way. In addition, the programme has a large change component. We have been working in a specific way for over 20 years, hundreds of employees have been fully trained in our processes and procedures, and they are very capable and experienced users. Besides ICT Group, a large number of Rijk Zwaan colleagues are represented in the various project teams. It is crucial that they can think and work with us in all steps of the roadmap. We pay a lot of attention to communication and change management in the programme in order to prepare employees for the new systems and changes in processes.
Long, fruitful collaboration
The collaboration with ICT Group is based on mutual trust. Peter: " We have had an open relationship with each other right from the start. There is room for feedback, their people are knowledgeable, cooperative, listen well and do what they say. We have learned a lot from ICT Group, for example about the importance and application of the ISA 95 standard." Mark shares this sentiment: "At Rijk Zwaan, we see a high level of internal commitment. We have the same mindset. I am convinced that this agreement creates the foundation for a long, fruitful collaboration that will enable Rijk Zwaan to realise its ambitions and strengthen its position as one of the market leaders. As their trusted advisor and system integrator, we are happy to contribute to that."
About Rijk Zwaan
Rijk Zwaan is an international, independent family company specialised in the field of fruit and vegetable breeding. They develop high-quality fruit and vegetable varieties for the professional agri-food sector. With more than 25 different crops and over 1,500 varieties, they offer high-quality seeds to growers all over the world. Seeds are at the starting end of the food chain. Rijk Zwaan's aim is to offer a wide range of fruit and vegetable varieties for different markets and consumer preferences. In this way the breeding company makes a worldwide contribution to healthy fruit and vegetables.
Read more about Rijk Zwaan