The Challenge
Pohlmans Nursery is one of Queensland’s largest plant nurseries, with Coles and Woolworths among its client base. The business spans a large site with greenhouses, varied terrain, and infrastructure made of glass and steel, all of which create the most challenging conditions for WiFi connectivity.
Staff were relying on a low-cost WiFi system that struggled to provide consistent coverage across the nursery. Dead zones were common, especially in dips across the uneven landscape and inside the greenhouses.
This meant workers couldn’t reliably use new handheld technology designed to scan and track plant stock in real time.
Without stable WiFi, staff had to scan stock manually, then return to a docking station to upload data; a time-consuming process that created double-handling, frustration, and inefficiency.
The nursery needed a robust WiFi solution that could keep up with modern agricultural technology and improve productivity.
Comtel’s Solution
Comtel worked closely with Pohlmans Nursery to design and implement a WiFi system tailored to its challenging environment.
- Site survey: Using a “product AP on a stick” tool, Comtel conducted a detailed site survey to map WiFi coverage across the property. This showed exactly where the signal dropped out and where additional access points were needed.
- Ruckus WiFi solution: Comtel installed a Ruckus WiFi network, engineered to perform reliably in tough conditions such as steel and glass greenhouses and across uneven terrain.
- Tailored rollout: The project was implemented ad hoc as the nursery’s requirements evolved, ensuring the solution was practical and cost-effective.
Comtel’s approach gave Pohlmans the confidence that their WiFi network would provide coverage where it mattered most, supporting both day-to-day operations and future technology requirements.
The Result
The new WiFi solution has transformed how Pohlmans Nursery operates. Staff can now use handheld devices to scan and track stock in real time, eliminating the need for manual double-handling and significantly improving productivity.
Key outcomes include:
- Increased efficiency: Real-time data entry saves time and reduces errors.
- Improved productivity: Staff spend less time walking back and forth to docking stations, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.
- Reliable connectivity: Even in greenhouses and challenging terrain, staff now have access to strong, consistent WiFi.
Pohlmans’ frustrations with poor connectivity have been replaced with a reliable, scalable system that supports their growing business. Their IT team manages the network day-to-day, with Comtel providing support as required.
The success of the project was underpinned by Comtel’s technical expertise, transparent site survey process, and the trusted relationship built with the Pohlmans team.
See Comtel’s full telephony & network communications solutions.
