FAQ | pat. Horticulture Software

Frequently asked questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions about our software system.

01.

PAT is an all-in-one ERP software built specifically for horticulture. Unlike a generic ERP system, every module and workflow reflects real-world processes in plant production, distribution and genetics, based on more than 30 years of industry experience.

PAT is used by plant growers and producers of all kinds, including:

Young plants and finished plants
Commercial growers with retail programmes
Vegetables and fruits
Trees and perennials
Seed production
Laboratory / tissue culture

Because PAT already speaks the language of your industry, you benefit from faster implementation, less customisation effort and tools your team understands from day one. Whether you run a single nursery or an international group with several production sites, PAT scales with your business and adapts to the way you work – not the other way around.

Explore the industry fields

02.

Which business processes does PAT cover?

PAT supports your entire value chain – from genetics to delivery. All core business processes are covered in one system:

Planning & forecast: sales-based forecasts, production plans and capacities
Sales management: quotations, orders, pricing, availability and reservations
Production: planning, scheduling, confirmations and batch administration
Inventory management: live stock levels, locations and batch tracking
Mobile operations: scanning, tasks and stock updates directly in the greenhouse
Integration & connectivity: accounting, climate computers, machines and partners
Purchasing: purchase orders, suppliers and goods receipt
Delivery & logistics: tour planning, packing and trolley plans, customs and phytosanitary documents
Invoicing and management information: statistics and PAT BI

Specialised areas such as mother plant administration, seed production and laboratory planning are available as well. All modules work on one unified data model, so every entry is instantly reflected across the system with full traceability. From the first sowing or cutting to the final invoice, your teams work with the same live numbers.

See how it connects

03.

Which PAT package is right for my business?

That depends on your business model and the scope you need – not on the size of your company. PAT is available in four packages that differ in functional depth:

BASIC: digitise essential sales and delivery workflows quickly, with ready-made horticulture master data and templates
PLUS: add production and purchasing essentials, stronger sales controls and PAT BI dashboards
PRO: advanced production planning, multi-site operations, a complete sales suite and EDI connectivity
ENTERPRISE: fully tailored processes, full connectivity, enterprise governance and a choice of SaaS or on-premise

Because PAT is modular, you start with exactly what your business needs today and add further modules or add-ons whenever your requirements grow.

Not sure where to start? In a short call we look at your current processes together and recommend the package and modules that fit, including a clear path for future growth.

Compare our packages Talk to our team

04.

How much does PAT cost?

The price of PAT depends on a few clear factors:

The package you choose: BASIC, PLUS, PRO or ENTERPRISE
The selected modules and add-ons
The number of users

Because every horticulture business works differently, we put together an individual offer based on your processes – transparent and without hidden costs.

The easiest way to get started is a free demo: we show you PAT with your own workflows in mind and answer all your questions about pricing and scope.

Request a free demo Explore our packages

05.

Is PAT available as a cloud solution or on-premise?

PAT is built with a strong focus on cloud-readiness. Depending on your package and IT strategy, you can choose the operating model that suits you best:

SaaS (cloud): PAT runs in the cloud and your team works with it without maintaining its own servers
On-premise: PAT runs on your own infrastructure, including installation and commissioning by our team

The choice between SaaS and on-premise is available for Enterprise customers. Contact us to find out which operating model fits your package and IT setup – we will gladly advise you.

Compare our packages

06.

Which devices and operating systems does PAT run on?

PAT runs on Windows, Android and iOS, so your team can use the devices that best fit each task. With PAT Mobile Workspace, the work moves directly into the greenhouse:

Smartphones and tablets for everyday tasks
Industrial handheld scanners for intensive scanning workflows
Barcode scanning and photo capture right on the spot
An offline mode that syncs automatically once a connection is available again

This creates a live connection between the greenhouse floor and the office, reduces paperwork and keeps your data up to date in real time.

Explore Mobile Operations

07.

Can PAT connect to our existing systems?

Yes. PAT is designed to work with the systems you already use and offers several ways to connect:

Open APIs for direct system-to-system integration
EDI connections, unidirectional or bidirectional
File-based data exchange

Typical connections include accounting and bookkeeping software, Excel and Outlook, climate computers, irrigation systems, weighing scales and machines such as robots, seeding lines and conveyors, as well as your suppliers and customers.

When both partners use PAT, the PAT2PAT connection enables direct data exchange between the two systems, without any manual steps in between. New interfaces can be added at any time, so your system landscape can grow step by step.

Explore Integration & Connectivity

08.

We work within the Microsoft ecosystem. Does PAT fit in?

Yes. PAT's backend is built on Microsoft .NET, so it fits naturally into Microsoft-based IT environments:

Direct connections to Excel and Outlook
Technology your IT team already knows
Smooth integration into your existing Microsoft infrastructure
A reliable, widely used technology foundation

You keep the tools your teams rely on every day, while PAT takes over the horticulture-specific processes that standard office software cannot handle.

At the same time, PAT is not tied to one ecosystem. Through our interfaces we connect the systems you already use, and if you decide to move away from Microsoft in the future, we simply integrate PAT into your new environment. Your investment in PAT stays protected.

Explore Integration & Connectivity

09.

Does PAT support multiple sites, companies, languages and currencies?

Yes. PAT is designed for businesses that operate across several locations, legal entities or countries. It supports:

Multi-site: several production sites in one system
Multi-company: several legal entities and company structures
Multi-language: for international teams
Multi-currency: sales and purchasing in different currencies

Each location can be configured independently, while all data remains reportable and comparable from a central view – ideal for international businesses and multi-brand set-ups.

Multi-site & multi-company Stock across all sites

10.

How long does an implementation take?

The duration depends on the size of your company, the selected modules and the required interfaces. Moving to PAT is a structured implementation in three phases, while your daily operations keep running:

Building the foundation (2–4 weeks): together we map how planning, availability, dispatch and production actually run, and set up items, customers and traceability requirements
Launching the core workflows (4–8 weeks): planning, availability and order management move into PAT and your team starts working in the new system
Fully connected operations (4–8 weeks): barcode scanning, integrations and reporting are added step by step

Ready-made horticulture master data and templates help smaller businesses get started quickly, while larger projects are planned together with you. For example, Florensis rolled out PAT across all of its sites worldwide within one year.

See the three phases in detail

11.

What training and support do you offer?

We make sure your team gets the most out of PAT – from the first training to everyday support. Our services include:

Certified courses and trainings
Ticket-based support and live chat
An AI assistant for quick answers

Depending on your package, you also benefit from dedicated support management, a dedicated service delivery manager and a service level agreement (SLA).

With locations in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, our team is always close to our customers. And because our people know horticulture, you talk to experts who understand your daily work – not just the software.

Service per package Contact our team

12.

How often is PAT updated?

PAT is continuously developed together with leading horticulture businesses. New functions and improvements are delivered in software releases twice a year.

When a new release reaches your system depends on your package: