In this newsletter:

– Where to meet ABS during the coming period?
– ABS 25 Years, ABS Towards .NET, SaaS and Apps
– ABS service desk – Changes in the service desk software Portal
– Seed Meets Technology conference overview
– Euro seed Conference overview and industry focus
– The use of an API to enhance ABS Breeding software

Where to meet ABS during the coming period?

• World Seed Congress Istanbul Turkey 19 – 21 May 2025

History 25 years ABS : Towards .NET, SaaS and Apps (part 4)

As per the beginning of HAPit and throughout many years we have used MAGIC as our development platform for the ABS Seed. Around 2015 the developers of ABS felt more and more the limitations of MAGIC while at the same time we also gained more insights of other suitable platforms. A change of platform was subject to a thorough approach. And after an intense research period, trials and checks, ABS made its choice for .NET as well on how to realize the conversion of ABS Seed. Only by the end of 2019 we, as an organization, were ready to make the jump towards the .NET development platform. After a long period of trials and preparation till the beginning of 2021, we were ready to convert the ABS Seed software into a .NET application by the release of Version 12.00.

The reasoning behind our choice was in the first place to get a better control over the deep technical behavior of the software. But it also gave several advantageous side effects for our customers such as additional tools where we could analyze the behavior of the software much easier. Also, we could measure a much quicker responsiveness of the database. More tooling for error finding during development. So after several years, we can conclude that this was been a good move.

The adoption of .NET is also in line with our views on how the IT landscape has changed towards cloud-based solutions, like we have in place for ABS Breeding, a full SaaS solution. Also, the re-development of ABS Fresh is based on a full SaaS solution. We are convinced that these changes will keep our ABS solutions sustainable for the longer term.
To address the growing demand for mobile accessibility, we have developed a suite of apps designed to support field operations, warehouse management, laboratory tasks, and sales activities. By integrating these mobile solutions into our offerings, we aim to further streamline workflows and enhance overall productivity.

Over the past 25 years, we have evolved from a simple software idea into a globally recognized software house with a presence on three continents. Our unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has propelled us to the forefront of the agro industry.
Looking ahead, we’re even more excited than ever about the opportunities that lie ahead. With your continued support, we’re committed to delivering even greater innovation, services, and quality in the years to come. Thank you for being a part of our story so far. Here’s to the next 25 years!

Changes on ABS Service Desk

Some significant changes were made recently to the ABS Service Desk. New functionality was added, the performance has been improved and the ABS Service Desk is more user friendly now. Some items to highlight:

Release notes

The planned and released ABS versions can be found in Download center – > Releases. The expected release dates can be useful to plan future upgrades. Release notes for each ABS version can be found by clicking Show/hide release notes next to the released ABS version.

The System requests link will give an overview of all system requests which are released in the related version. If the version is still in development, the overview shows the completed and planned system requests prior the official release notes are created and published.

Searching in calls, request for changes and system requests

In the menu Helpdesk, the options Search calls, Search RFC’s and Search SR’s are available. These can be used to find some calls/RFC’s/SR’s by using filters on dates, module name and texts in subject, description and events.
• Use the Date from and Date until to improve the performance and narrow down the number of results.
• Use multiple lines in the text box to find multiple texts in one search query.
• For an overview of all closed calls, use the checkbox Don’t search on texts.

Creating new calls from another call or event

When there are multiple questions, issues or suggestions, it’s better to have a separate call instead of only one call. The events are then clearer and more relevant to the first event of the call.

If a new event is created with another question, the option Create new call (located at the right side of the event) can be used to create a new call. Some fields are already filled in, based on the current event, and can be adjusted if needed.

When a call is closed, it’s possible to re-open the call. But after 7 days, it’s not possible anymore to re-open the call. Use the option Create new call and update the description and priority with up-to-date information.

ABS Seed Wiki

The ABS Seed Wiki contains a lot of information about ABS, such as release notes, manuals, FAQs and system information. This Wiki is only available for ABS customers. In ABS, press F1 (or go to Help -> Help) and click the Wiki hyperlink.

Seed meets Technology 2024

Revolutionizing Seed Production: A Glimpse into the Future

The recent Seed meets Technology conference, held from September 24th to 26th, 2024, offered a captivating glimpse into the future of seed production. It became abundantly clear that technology is rapidly reshaping the industry.

Drone-Powered Precision and AI-Driven photo Insights

One of the most striking trends emerging from the conference was the increasing adoption of drone and photo technology. Equipped with advanced sensors, these aerial images are revolutionizing plant breeding and phenotyping. By capturing high-resolution images and data, researchers can identify superior plant varieties with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.

In tandem with drone and AI technology “Big data” management is becoming more and more important for companies managing global production and seed security.

Smart Machines and Automated Solutions

The conference highlighted the growing importance of automation in seed production. Smart machines, equipped with advanced sensors and actuators, are streamlining operations and reducing labour costs. From breeding, production, processing and ultimately delivering the best seed to the end user, technologies are enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Software: The Backbone of Modern Seed Production

Software solutions are the backbone of modern seed production. From field management and traceability to supply chain optimization and data analytics, software is empowering seed companies to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency.

ABS: Driving Innovation in the Seed Industry

As a leading provider of software solutions for the seed industry, ABS is at the forefront of technological innovation. With a focus on delivering cutting-edge tools, ABS is helping seed companies navigate the complexities of modern Seed productions. Our suite of mobile apps and software solutions empowers you to manage your operations efficiently, improve decision-making, and ultimately, deliver high-quality seeds to the market.

The Seed Meets Technology conference was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible potential of technology to transform the seed industry. As we look to the future, it is clear that innovation will continue to drive growth and sustainability in this vital sector.

Thanks to all the familiar contacts in the industry, with each our own specialty, it is always nice to see you! Thanks to all the new contacts, such a pleasure to meet you! And thanks to all our clients visiting our booth, it is always a pleasure to exchange! Also, it was great to see you all showcasing your trail fields and latest variants!

Euroseeds Conference in Copenhagen, 2024

At this year’s Euroseeds Conference, a wide range of critical topics were addressed, from food security, food quality, and health to jobs, growth, sustainability, and environmental protection. These discussions highlighted the growing need for innovation and investment in production tools by field crop companies to meet the challenges of climate change and increasing global demand for yields.

Food Quality and Health
Plant breeders and researchers play a pivotal role in offering diverse, plant-based food options that meet consumer expectations. As one of the most effective pathways to improved nutrition and global health, plant breeding continues to push boundaries in providing sustainable solutions for better diets.

Our Contribution: Production App 3.0
At Agro Business Solutions, we understand these challenges and are proud to contribute through our innovative Production App 3.0. Designed to tackle the complexities of modern field production, this powerful tool helps optimize yields, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs.

Backed by our cutting-edge software and ERP solutions, we’ve made remarkable strides in improving field crop performance. With better control over production contracts and yield management, our clients have seen significant improvements in outcomes, helping them stay ahead in a competitive industry.

A Memorable Conference Experience
As always, this year’s conference was an excellent opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss vital issues impacting the industry. We were delighted to meet so many of you in person, share insights, and forge meaningful connections.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and seeing you next year in Edinburgh!

The use of an API to enhance ABS Breeding software

ABS Breeding is excited to announce a new tool to streamline data flow: The Application Programming Interface (API).”

The ABS Breeding team has recently been working on a significant development: an Application Programming Interface (API). If you’re unfamiliar with APIs and their potential applications, this article provides a general overview.

So, what exactly is an API?
An API is a software intermediary that facilitates communication between different applications. It acts like a translator, enabling data exchange between systems that wouldn’t otherwise be able to interact directly. Previously, data sharing between third-party software/devices and the Breeding software required manual export and import of CSV files. With an API, this process is automated, allowing for direct communication between systems.

What can the API be used for?

An API can be used to connect with various third-party services and devices. For instance, you can:

• Exchange data with reporting tools.
• Utilize statistical tools for advanced data analysis.
• Directly import genetic marker data into the database.
• Enable any other data exchange between ABS Breeding and external systems.

When will this functionality be available?

The development of the API has been divided into two parts: import and export. The export functionality is already live, with successful connections to several programs. The import functionality is planned for release by the end of the year. With this revised import process, the manual CSV import will also be updated and improved.

How can I establish a connection?

For users with administrative rights, two new menus, “API” and “API Keys,” are now available in the admin section. In the “API” menu, you can define a data standard. This involves specifying the desired export format (HTML table, CSV, or JSON) and defining the data to be exported using a SQL query. Once the settings are saved, an API URL will be generated, forming the first part of the connection URL.

In the API Keys menu, you can generate a security key for a specific device or program. Each active key can be used for only 1 instance, and each key must be associated with an API to access the corresponding data. The generated security key completes the API URL. This security key ensures a secure connection without requiring standard login credentials.

In conclusion, the API represents a significant step towards automating data flows. It opens doors for third-party software, potentially leading to new and innovative software synergies.