PHOTO: 365FARMNET
their signals using an energy-saving Bluetooth protocol. These beacons transmit their signals over a radius of just under 30 metres. The signals are detected and decoded by a compatible app on a smartphone, tablet or computer. When a Bluetooth-compatible device comes within range of the transmitter the data are collected and processed. If installed on equipment, tractors, combine harvesters, lorries or at a loading point, they allow a vehicle or device to be clearly identified. The crop’s route from the field to the barn is documented seamlessly. Every vehicle, whatever its age, manufacturer or purpose, can be fitted with one of these beacons. Beacons can send a position relative to the receiver. However, they cannot send an independent geographic position. An app collecting, networking and transmitting the signal sent by bea- cons can add a geographic position to the data by using an integrated positioning system such as GPS.
Automatic documentation of all machinery 365Farmnet – developer of the farm management platform by the same name – created a practical application of such a smart IoT system consisting of Bluetooth beacon, app and FMIS. The 365Active system is made up by 365ActiveBoxes containing beacons, the 365Active app and a smart application in the platform offering booking proposals and detailed analyses. As shown in Figure 1, the system is an IoT application that works by networking all connected components: The boxes can be installed on any farm equipment such as plough, manure spreader or cultivator but also on buildings, for example at a loading point for manure.
How does the system work?
1. The beacon is activated and permanently paired with the app, then installed
2. If the Bluetooth-enabled device with the associated app on the tractor comes within range, they pair. Now both the position of the tractor and the duration of shared activity are collected and saved in the FMIS.
3. The information is available to all users authorised for the account in the farm management software.
4. All authorised users can track work in the farm management software.
The device then continuously transmits its ID from that position. When a Bluetooth-enabled device such as a tablet installed on a tractor comes within range, the transmitter and receiver pair with each other using the app. Both the position of the tractor (via the mobile device) and the duration of ‘shared’ activity are collected and saved in encrypted form in the Cloud, a backup data server. The app collects the data even when no internet connection is available and synchronises with the platform once connection is available again. Thus, the documentation is automated and comprehensive once the system is installed and the app is activated. Farmers can document automatically while working in the field. Also, farmers can at any time see real-time information about the location and route travelled by the machines. A great benefit of this form of automatic documentation is that it ena- bles thorough task verification and safeguards valuable data. Thus, al- lowing for easy proof of measures and setting the basis for meaningful analysis. Recording and analysing working hours, downtime and travel time can for example reveal potential savings in machine utilisation. Additionally, calculating machine costs facilitates precise cost posting for different stages of operation. Using smart IoT solutions such as the presented system can operate as a turnkey for Agriculture 4.0. It is a simple, cost-effective, robust and se- cure technological solution and can be used to digitise analogue and mixed machinery incrementally. Through universal applicability and low investment costs the system is open to all agribusinesses, the family farm and agricultural cooperatives alike.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 25 May 2018
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