Seed Terminator successfully received funding to scaleup and export a weedkilling device.
Background
Seed Terminator focuses on addressing the pressing issue of weed management in agriculture, prominently driven by herbicide resistance. Developed collaboratively by farmers and engineers, the Seed Terminator device effectively destroys weed seeds during the harvesting process, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Since its inception, the company has garnered recognition for its innovative and practical solutions. By integrating technology with grassroots experience, Seed Terminator has made significant strides in enhancing farming productivity and sustainability. Their mission is to empower farmers with efficient, cost-effective tools that promote sustainable practices for future generations.
Challenge
Seed Terminator faces a significant challenge in scaling production from 150 units to 700 units annually, a leap that demands systematic changes in their manufacturing process. Key issues identified include inefficiencies in the design release cycle, which often leads to delays and a reactionary approach in the manufacturing system. The company has also struggled with coordination across a fragmented supply chain, compounded by lengthy lead times and an over-reliance on outsourced manufacturing processes.
Approach
To address these challenges, experts from the AMC Network undertook an onsite co-design workshop with the company, with a specific focus on process improvement and resource optimisation.
Leveraging the expertise of AMC Network technical advisers, a flow chart was created to visually map the component usage within Seed Terminator's production process. This clear representation facilitated a better understanding of the operational workflow from both design and engineering perspectives.
A comprehensive strategy was then developed from the insights gathered. Recommendations included the adoption of a just-in-time inventory strategy, ensuring that components are used only when needed. This strategy aims to reduce upfront stocking, minimise waste, and enhance overall efficiency, thereby becoming critical as production scales up. Additionally, a structured stage-gate design release process was proposed to ensure proactive management of design changes, further strengthening the manufacturing capability.
Additionally, AMCN advised on the introduction of a modular, standardised packaging system aimed at speeding up the packing process and reducing resource consumption. Enhanced vertical integration was also recommended, to bring critical manufacturing processes in-house, thus improving control, reducing lead times, and safeguarding intellectual property. Above all, an Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) system integrated with ERP was suggested to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency.
Outcome
The strategic recommendations have established a strong foundation for Seed Terminator’s ambitious goal of scaling production efficiently. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced production flow management, improved inventory strategies, and the overall reduction of cycle times for product design and manufacturing processes. Through these initiatives, Seed Terminator is on a promising path toward transforming its production capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
In recognition of their innovative approach, in January 2025 Seed Terminator was awarded $3,099,887 under the Industry Growth Program’s Commercialisation and Growth grant scheme for their project “Australian Made Ag Tech scaled up and going global.” This funding will significantly bolster their efforts towards achieving the target of producing 8,000 units annually by 2031.