Telematics: Getting the Most Out of Your Machinery

If you are particular about the quality and maintenance of your field machinery, then you should consider incorporating telematics into your fleet operations. Telematics has begun to make its way into the farming industry as a method of improving overall efficiency and production.

In general, telematics involves sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices. Information is sent from the field via cellular network to a computer with special software that reads and processes the data.

This technology offers many possible uses and benefits for farmers that go way beyond simple vehicle location. Farmers can track fuel levels, vehicle performance, engine temperature, and hours worked in the field. Special sensors placed throughout the machine can also alert farmers about the breakdown of parts and components, even before it happens. Some systems further allow for the remote setup and control of machinery. All this monitoring is conducted in real-time from a remote location, such as a home office.

Aside from the obvious benefits, telematics technology is also becoming more affordable for the average farmer. The necessary hardware, including devices, wiring, and antennas, will run about $400-$600. There is also a small daily service charge. Equipment can be purchased directly from equipment dealers or retrofitted by third party companies.

Agrievolution Conference Reveals World-Wide Trends in Agricultural Machinery

According to presentations made at the first Agrievolution summit that was held last month in Rome, evolving and growing economies are increasing the global demand for agricultural equipment. As a result, equipment manufacturers and dealers are experiencing a world-wide shortage in farm machinery supplies.

The summit included several major farm machinery manufacturers from around the world who convened to address the issue of producing more food for thriving world populations by analyzing economic and industry trends as well as new technologies.

The summit focused on six regions that are significantly effecting the world market: Europe, Brazil, China, India, Russia, and the US. A common theme among these regions is that farmers are looking for bigger, more powerful machinery. There was also a unified call for open trade and the exchange of ideas across boarders.

In short, there seems to be a bright future ahead for the global agricultural industry.