Prometey has announced the launch of large-scale digitalization and the introduction of artificial intelligence in its operations. The reason for this step is the acute shortage of qualified personnel that has arisen amid the full-scale war in Ukraine, as well as the desire to optimize business processes.
"If there are no personnel, there will be artificial intelligence. We are not just responding to the challenges of the times, we are creating a new model of agribusiness," says Rafael Goroyan, the company's owner.
The company plans to introduce AI in the security, accounting, logistics, and even trading systems in the near future. In particular, the company's elevators, which currently employ 10 to 18 people, will have only 4-6 employees, including security guards, in the future. In the future, there will be none.
"We plan that in a year and a half, the elevators will operate fully autonomously, without human intervention. This is a realistic plan," explains the company owner.
The security functions will be performed by cameras with built-in AI that can recognize faces, detect suspicious behavior, and automatically call the police. Theft of such cameras is excluded, as the territory will be patrolled by robotic dogs with video recording. The system of sirens and motion sensors will be complemented by a centralized control room, which will also be placed under the control of artificial intelligence in the future.
According to preliminary calculations, the cost of such a security system is about $5,000 per elevator, which, according to the owner, is much cheaper than maintaining a staff of security guards and administrative staff.
Accounting, Trading, and Electric Vehicles
AI will also be implemented in the accounting system. Today, the weighbridge already has motion sensors that transmit information directly to the main database. If now the accounting is done by 3-5 employees, with the help of artificial intelligence, only one person will be able to manage this process. In the future, this person will not be needed.
The company also plans to launch a robot laboratory assistant that will check the quality of grain and determine further actions: storage or shipment. Artificial intelligence will also be involved in operations such as concluding sales contracts or processing bill of lading.
At the same time, the company is switching to electric transportation. All company vehicles, except for trucks, will be replaced with electric cars powered by solar panels, which will be installed at Prometey's facilities.
Survival strategy: innovation instead of downsizing
The company does not hide the fact that today it is not only about efficiency, but also about survival in the market. Amid the war, staff shortages, and high competition, the company is focusing on automation.
"The main reason for the company's automation is the war. We are faced with a shortage of the staff we need. But instead of stopping, we are moving forward. Where there is a problem, we look for opportunities," emphasizes Rafael Goroyan.
The agricultural holding says that Prometey is constantly working to reduce the break-even point: the company has already reached the level of 2000-4000 tons, which is half that of its competitors. And the use of technology will allow the company to further reduce costs and maintain its leadership position. Prometey's goal is to reach a break-even point of 500 tons.
The future belongs to those who think big
The reality that human resources are becoming scarce is pushing the agricultural sector towards a revolution. Prometey is not waiting for better times - it is building them itself.
"I believe that in 2-3 years, AI and robotization will take over the world, and we need to prepare for it now. The introduction of AI, drones, robotic dogs, video surveillance systems, and full automation of accounting is not a distant future, but the present. And this is just the beginning of a new era in the Ukrainian agricultural sector," says Mr. Goroyan.
