GSP has received an award for its computerised forestry management system (ForMS)
Agribusiness investment manager, Great Southern Plantations, has been recognised for innovation in managing its diverse plantation estate through unique new technology. The company’s computerised forestry management system (ForMS), developed in partnership with information technology provider NGIS Australia, has won the Natural Resources category of the prestigious Asia Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards (APSEA) for 2005.
The system has also been announced as a finalist in the WA Industry and Export Awards, in the CY O’Connor award category for excellence in engineering and technology, with the winner due to be announced on 14 October 2005.
ForMS assists Great Southern in managing its plantation estate by providing a centralised system for inputting, storing and tracking all plantation management activities.
Specifically, the tailor-made system empowers Great Southern’s plantation managers with access to detailed business intelligence on community and environmental guidelines, and all plantation activities such as tree planting, maintenance, fertilisation, harvesting and haulage.
Importantly, the technology provides an easy and auditable record of the company’s compliance with its considerable regulatory requirements as a responsible investment manager and exporter, with a stake in the environment.
Agribusiness Information Manager for Great Southern, Steve Quain, worked closely with NGIS in developing the award-winning technology to support the company’s rapid growth.
“Even though our tree plantations are spread across vast locations, ForMS ensures they are all managed consistently by staff regardless of location,” he said.
Great Southern’s forestry team partnered with NGIS to create a system to meet both the company’s needs, and those of the local communities and environments in which the plantations are located.