A comprehensive cost mapping of digital technologies in greenhouses

Conventional greenhouse producers face significant challenges in integrating advanced Industry 4.0 technologies into their production processes. One of the main obstacles is the lack of clarity regarding the components of technological costs. This article develops a cost mapping of the implementation of such technologies in the context of greenhouses. The mapping distinguishes between capital expenditures-CAPEX and operational expenditures-OPEX, categorizing the key technological components and their financial implications. Based on general findings through the literature review, a number of cost areas can be identified and classified, respectively: material acquisition, installation and retrofitting, integration and customization, software services, and operation and maintenance costs. This cost structure will be a basis for future economic analyses and cost-benefit (CBA) models, promoting strategic decision-making and a more informed and precise selection of digital technologies.