The perceived challenges to technology implementation seem overwhelming. These include the cost of hardware, software and talent; the complexity of specialized applications; and the fear of change around committing to a new, innovative pathway rather than sticking with traditional methods.

But with the right technology partner, any industry can use artificial technology to maximize efficiency and take data-driven action, according to Jonathan Seckler (pictured, right), senior director of product marketing at Dell Technologies Inc.

“Eighty percent of companies out there want to use AI, they’re testing AI, they’re planning projects around AI applications, but when you ask them what’s in production, it’s an innovator’s game,” he said .

Seckler and Keith Bradley (pictured, left), vice president of IT at Nature Fresh Farms Inc., spoke with industry analysts Lisa Martin and Dave Vellante at the Dell Technologies World event, an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed perceived challenges around implementing AI, the role of AI in a greenhouse environment, and how technology can return work-life balance in a hands-on industry. (* Disclosure below.)

Greenhouse AI grows plants, profits and work-life balance

Some of the first machines and technologies were developed to make growing food easier, so it’s not surprising that AI and greenhouses go together like peas and carrots … or in this case, like tomatoes and peppers. Data-driven agriculture has changed the field for the growers at Nature Fresh Farms, according to Bradley.

“Technology changes the greenhouse industry; by adding technology, the expertise is in the growers and letting technology help them do more,” he said. “When we first started in the greenhouse industry, you’d need a senior grower for every 16-acre range. Now we have one grower that does almost a hundred acres of greenhouse.

With scalable, commutable and customizable products and expertise, Dell’s solutions have helped Nature Fresh Farms grow more than just plants.

“The technology gave [growers] that work-life balance that they didn’t have before,” Bradley explained. “Their life was inside the greenhouse because the plants grow 24/7. Now they can go home at five o’clock, and because of the VDI solutions and the AI that’s helping [the plants] grow, they can turn off instead of having to come in Sunday morning.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the Dell Technologies World event:

(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for Dell Technologies World. Neither Dell Technologies Inc., the sponsor for theCUBE’s event coverage, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE