Business Challenges
The reporting landscape at Meijer Potato’s’ R&D facilities was fragmented, characterised by decentralised data management that relied heavily on on-site computing and Excel spreadsheets. This lack of structure and data accessibility led to valuable strategic insights being overlooked. Amidst this fragmentation, Meijer faced a pressing need to centralise data governance, streamline processes, and promote a more cohesive approach to information management and utilization. Efficient management and integration of this vast and complex data into a coherent system were critical to speeding up the breeding cycle and ensuring accuracy in developing new varieties.
The reliance on a few key individuals with specialised knowledge to select the optimal "source potatoes" for breeding made the process vulnerable to human error and limited its scalability. Meijer needed a solution to capture and standardise this expertise, making the process more efficient, transferable, and less dependent on individual creativity. With a breeding cycle that can take nearly ten years, any delays or errors posed significant risks to Meijer’s ability to deliver new, market-ready varieties on time. To remain competitive, it is essential for Meijer to reduce the time required for developing new varieties and to increase overall efficiency.
Keys to success
One of the pillars of the success of this project relied on the seamless integration of data from multiple sources into a unified system. By implementing Boomi as the core integration platform, Emixa connected diverse data sources, such as DNA sequences, sensor data and drone imagery, into a cohesive system. The Boomi Master Data Hub served as the single source of truth, ensuring that all data on current and potential new varieties was accurate, up-to-date and easily accessible.
A critical component of this solution was the creation of a cloud-based data platform on Microsoft Azure. This platform included a high-performance computing (HPC) cluster, which allows Meijer to perform complex DNA analysis in-house – a task previously outsourced to external research partners. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of the HPC infrastructure enables Meijer to handle demanding calculations without the need for a dedicated HPC team. Additionally, the development of the 'Crossing Potatoes' app using the Databricks Lakehouse technology and Mendix low-code platform provided valuable new insights during the breeding process. This app allows users to input desired traits and use advanced data models to determine the "perfect cross" for developing new potato varieties. By integrating the app with the data platform via the Boomi iPaaS platform, Meijer ensured an optimal, event-driven architecture that is both scalable and adaptable to future needs.
The key to the project’s success was Emixa’s shoulder-to-shoulder approach, prioritising collaboration at every stage of the transformation. By delving deep into Meijer Potatoes’ fundamental business processes and systems, Emixa gained a thorough understanding of organisational needs. Leveraging these insights and their expertise in cutting-edge data solutions, Emixa advised Meijer Potato to choose Databricks, a modern data lake house compatible with Microsoft Azure. This platform facilitates rapid data analysis, modelling, and extraction, empowering Meijer Potato to efficiently derive strategic and actionable insights.
Results
The implementation of these digital innovations has the potential to yield significant results for Meijer Potato. By insourcing strategic data processes and reducing reliance on external partners, Meijer has improved its data quality and data processes. Moreover, it realised substantial cost savings and enabled more efficient resource management.
Most importantly, the creation of a decoupled and scalable environment ensures that Meijer can continue to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions, laying the groundwork for future AI-driven developments in potato breeding. By leveraging cutting-edge technology alongside meticulous research and collaborative teamwork, Meijer Potato has built a robust foundation for a data-driven future. This is evidenced by Meijer’s ambitious IT roadmap, where new and exciting projects are implemented in quick succession, and the Meijer Data Platform is still being expanded.
This success not only safeguards the resilience of its operations but also strategically positions the company to thrive in the ever-evolving potato landscape. Overall, this project demonstrates the power of combining advanced technology with the strategic expertise of Emixa to drive innovation and efficiency in even the most complex processes.
This platform offers Meijer Potato improved possibilities in developing the best potatoes of the future.
Creating a decoupled and scalable environment ensures that Meijer Potato can continue to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions
Meijer potato