Evaluating urban mini plant factories: Engineering and software cost perspectives for agriculture sustainability

Abstract

Precision agriculture serves as a crucial solution to address the challenges of food security and agriculture sustainability. It provides significant benefits and enables effective monitoring of agriculture throughout the entire supply chain using a technology-driven approach that prioritizes internet connectivity and leverages big data. A noteworthy application of precision agriculture is the Mini Plant Factory, where plants are cultivated in closed systems with artificial lighting. The development of the Mini Plant Factory requires an economic feasibility analysis as a determinant of technology viability before widespread implementation, aiming to promote agriculture sustainability. The Software Cost Estimation Model (SCEM) assesses software development's cost and time requirements. Engineering economics evaluates economic feasibility using metrics like NPV, BCR, IRR, PBP, and BEP methods. Function Point Analysis for UMPF software development estimates a cost of Rp 33,052,414, equivalent to 1,311 man-hours. Investment feasibility analysis considers the utilization of UMPF as viable, with an NPV of IDR 46,938,615, BCR of 1.08, IRR of 28%, and projected profitability within four years. Precision agriculture strategically addresses complex agricultural challenges, fostering sustainability with innovations such as the UMPF. The SCEM and engineering economics confirm the feasibility and rationale for implementing UMPF technology, providing essential insights for sustainable agricultural practices.