Novasoft: "The leniency scheme has given us more space"

Software supplier Novasoft has been working on 100% Digital and linking their software package to Floriday via the API link, since the beginning of 2020. A number of software suppliers are getting closer and closer and have almost completed the links. In this update, Novasoft explains where they stand at the moment, how the roll-out with the growers went, and what they expect to encounter in the future. Read more in the update!

For software supplier Novasoft, 2020 was mainly taken up with developing the API connection with Floriday. 100% Digital, an important focus for the floriculture sector, has posed a major challenge for Novasoft, which links the following modules to Floriday: catalogue, sales orders and direct delivery.

Rollout of API link to growers

Novasoft was ready to roll out the API link from mid-December 2020. From that moment on, customers could easily download the update. All growers using the Novasoft package were notified and were able to start using the new version. "Fortunately, this went without too many problems, which we’re really pleased about," says Martien, Novasoft’s owner. "We’re currently working with offers instead of the familiar delivery forms in our system. At Novasoft, we’ve tried to limit the difference in working method for growers as much as possible. We’ll start working with the clock module in February, so that this can be linked to Floriday as well. Direct trade is a lot more complicated, because the growers ultimately depend on the buyer and the digital transactions they make," Martien explains.

100% Digital leniency scheme

Novasoft is reasonably positive about the leniency scheme for 100% Digital. "I think it's good that the whole sector has been given more time to get everything right. It's a tall order for everyone to be ready before 31 March, and this has given us and the sector more breathing space," says Martien. Novasoft has a lot of seasonal growers in its portfolio who will probably only really start working with the link to Floriday in April. Martien hopes that once these clock growers get started, they will join Floriday and this new way of working. "For the clock growers, there’s only one way of working; the working method will differ less for growers compared with direct sales," Martien expects.

Meanwhile…

Novasoft gives growers two options for direct trade; the new way (100% Digital) and the old way via connect EAB. After 31 March, the old way will only be an option at a higher rate. "I’m letting the growers know about the new way and encouraging them to take it up. Unfortunately, there are still some issues with growers, because buyers are saying that they are not yet ready for Floriday and are not yet using the new method. We’re making sure that trade can continue, and that the link’s roll-out goes smoothly. I’m going to further expand the instructions for how to use the link, so that all growers understand how they can send supply to buyers and that the change seems less challenging," says Martien.

The 100% Digital challenge

That people will ultimately pay via Floriday makes sense in Martien’s view, and he thinks it's good that it’s taking place in this way. However, he does feel that the change for some growers is quite a big ask, because it takes a lot of time and because we are dependent on each other. He also thinks the pace of 100% Digital is very high, and that this brings inevitable challenges. The auction is a means by which the grower sells their products and, as a software supplier, they are supporting this. This is, and remains, the most important factor for the software suppliers.