Digitalisation & connectivity in agriculture by HorschConnect
Average reading time: 7 minutes
Whether at the Agritechnica 2019 or at a demonstration machine: You have perhaps already wondered what hides in the grey box you can see on more and more HORSCH machines or what is behind the term HorschConnect?
Smart technologies characterise the developments and innovations in the agricultural engineering sector. Steering systems or the transmission of machine data like engine utilisation, fuel consumption or position – digital technologies are already quite common in the sector of self-propelled tractors. With HorschConnect digitalisation also finds its way into the sector of mounted implements. In this respect the main emphasis is on the intelligent networking and the data exchange of the user and his machines.
Digitalisation jungle: What are the functions and the advantages of HorschConnect?
Smart farming, autonomy or Internet of Things: to classify terms from the digitalisation sector correctly or to recognize the difference between dreams of the future and what is already possible today, partly can become difficult with regard to the jungle of information, functions and systems. Whereas a lot of exciting approaches in this sector still have potential for development to actively support farmers, HorschConnect already disposes of concrete and applicable functions the farmer can benefit from:
The focus is on the operation of selected machine functions via the smartphone. With the new MobileControl app several functions in the sectors seed drill, Maestro and crop care can be carried out intuitively, safely and fast via the smartphone. With regard to the seed drills for example the whole calibration process can be controlled via the smartphone. The MobileControl app transmits all entered data like application rate or weighed quantity directly to the machine. Thus, the driver can move flexibly around the machine and saves time. Via the nozzle test in the HORSCH Leeb sector or the row test in the HORSCH Maestro sector it will also be possible to comfortably control and monitor other machine functions via the app in the future.
In addition to the applications on the smartphone the documentation of machine data plays a major role. The farmer can review his machine that is equipped with HorschConnect in the HORSCH Telematics Portal. In addition to the current position of the machine, speed, application rate or the cultivated area can also be displayed. These information are used for documentation purposes and can be consulted as a support when it comes to decide about further measures. Data like software version, serial number, cultivated area and messages of the machine allow for reviewing and administrating all relevant machine data centrally in the HorschConnect Telematics Portal.
How do machines that are equipped with HorschConnect change?
To be able to use the MobileControl app or the Telematics Portal, the HORSCH machine has to be equipped with a special technology. The centrepiece of the hardware for HorschConnect is the SmartCan with various integrated components. A wireless LAN modem for example allows for connecting the machine and the smartphone or a GPS modem allows for using telemetry data. To guarantee the functionalities of HorschConnect even in regions without a reliable network coverage, it is equipped with a SD card where data is buffered automatically.
Already exisiting machines can be retrofitted with the SmartCan.
Another software for my farm?
Because of cultivation and measure planning, documentation, filing of applications and the burden of proof farmers spend a constantly increasing part of their working hours at the desk in the office. Different software and online programs support them for example in the sectors documentation, machine management or with regard to the preparation of application maps for site-specific cultivation.
Especially in the past few years the available tools have increased enormously. Which farm management systems are used depend on the respective farm. And the following question is quite justified: With HorschConnect Telematics do I have to use and manage another software?
The answer definitely is: No!
On the one hand HorschConnect is an intuitive software which automates the documentation of machine data. After the machine was registered once, the system places information at the disposal of the farmer without making him enter data into the system. Thus, HorschConnect is also ideal for farms which want to take the step into digitalisation in an uncomplicated way and without additional effort.
On the other hand, HorschConnect is no isolated application in the already existing software world. There are various ways to connect the most different tools and to exchange data. Direct connections to external systems are possible. In this respect the agrirouter plays a major role as a cross-manufacturer data exchange platform. Thus, the connectivity with external systems can also be guaranteed.
And what happens with my data?
HORSCH, of course, attaches great importance to data protection and takes this topic very seriously. Personal data for example is only collected, processed and used in accordance with the applicable Data Protection Act, especially the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and the European General Data Protection Regulation (EU-GDPR).
Like all digital sectors, HorschConnect, too, is subject to a dynamic further development. We will keep you informed about the functions that will be added in the future!
Find more information on the topic of HORSCH Intelligence here.