Smarter Greenhouse Operations: Agile Systems’ IoT Platform

Executive Summary

Client: Agile Systems

Industry: AgriTech

Engagement: End-to-End Product Development

Country: United States

Project at a Glance

Agile Systems needed a modern way for greenhouse owners and horticulturalists to manage daily operations without relying on constant network connectivity. Existing on-site workflows were manual, time-consuming, and limited because of unreliable internet connectivity.

VOLO partnered with Agile Systems to deliver an offline-first platform spanning an Android tablet app, a web portal, and a supporting backend. The solution enables real-time monitoring, task management, and issue detection, with secure background sync when connectivity returns. Designed as a modular, IoT-ready stack, it integrates cleanly with on-site hardware and cloud services, reducing on-site dependency and accelerating data-driven decisions.

100%

offline-first (operations continue without internet)

10+

IoT sensors integrated (real-time monitoring of climate, irrigation, and equipment)

35%

reduced on-site manual effort (streamlined task workflows and automated data sync)

25%

faster issue response (real-time alerts enabled quicker decisions)

About the Client

Agile Systems is a U.S.-based engineering company focused on AgriTech, IoT, and consumer products. The company delivers end-to-end solutions that combine custom hardware–software integration, system-level engineering, and production-ready product development for complex environments.

With deep experience in offline operations, on-site data acquisition, and scalable system design, Agile Systems engaged VOLO to build an offline-first greenhouse monitoring and management platform aligned to their customers’ real-world connectivity and usability constraints.

The Challenge

Greenhouse operators lack a reliable way to monitor irrigation, ventilation, daily observations, and issues without being physically present at all times. Manual, on-site processes slowed response, created gaps in record-keeping, and made coordination difficult across teams and shifts.

The product also had to function in low-connectivity environments, synchronize data securely when back online, and integrate with on-site IoT devices.

VOLO needed to deliver an offline-capable platform on a tight timeline while keeping the interface simple for staff working in demanding greenhouse conditions.

Key Challenges

Enable offline operation with reliable data synchronization
Provide real-time visibility and task management for on-site and remote users
Seamlessly integrate mobile, web, and hardware components
Deliver an intuitive user experience suitable for greenhouse staff
Maintain security, compliance, and reliable performance

These challenges required VOLO to engineer a resilient, offline-first IoT platform that keeps greenhouse operations running seamlessly in any connectivity condition.

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Our Solution

VOLO delivered a greenhouse management platform that balances field usability with enterprise reliability. An eight-person cross-functional team – mobile, web, and backend engineers with DevOps, QA, and UX specialists, coordinated by a VOLO project manager, worked in agile sprints to ship an offline-first Android tablet app and a role-aware web admin portal, both orchestrated by a localized edge data service at each site.

The platform follows a hub-and-edge architecture with event-based synchronization, authenticated APIs, end-to-end encryption, and automated CI/CD for repeatable multi-site deployments. The stack combines Kotlin for native Android, React/JavaScript for the web, Python for backend services, and PostgreSQL for databases. The system is modular and IoT-ready for future sensors and controllers.

Mobile App 

The native Android tablet app lets on-site staff monitor conditions, record observations, and complete daily tasks even without connectivity. Local caching keeps work uninterrupted, and data syncs with the central system once connectivity is restored. QR code scanning speeds identification of greenhouses, zones, or equipment, and task workflows keep daily operations on track.

Web Admin Panel 

The web portal gives managers remote access to live performance, task assignments, and historical data. Role-based dashboards and structured reports make it easy to track productivity, spot issues early, and make informed decisions from anywhere. Permissions and audit logs preserve accountability across teams and shifts. 

Client Data Management Service 

VOLO implemented a lightweight backend service at each greenhouse to handle device communication, store data locally, and synchronize securely with the cloud. This design maintains continuity during outages, reduces network dependency, and scales cleanly across multiple facilities with consistent configuration. 

Key Features

The system includes QR code scanning for fast greenhouse identification, task scheduling and progress tracking, user account management, and offline-first operation. A smart update mechanism ensures the app stays current without manual intervention. These features ease the operations and reduce the need for constant on-site supervision. 

The Impact

The platform unified greenhouse operations into one system for monitoring, task execution, and issue response – online or offline. Field teams record observations, complete workflows, and scan QR codes in the tablet app; managers track live conditions, assign work, and review history in the web portal.

By solving offline reliability, multi-component integration, and remote updates, VOLO delivered a resilient hub-and-edge architecture that supports both on-site and remote users. The modular design enables easy scale-out to new sites and straightforward IoT expansion.