Connected Operators

John Deere has developed a new job management tool which is integrated into the Operations Center and helps contractors as well as arable farmers to better organize and execute their tasks in a clean and paperless manner. From a manager’s perspective the feature can be accessed in two ways: as an integrated tool within the Operations Center Job Menu from their office, or as on-the-go utilizing a dedicated App for tablet computers and smartphones (soon to come). Machine operators will have an own dedicated “MyJobs” App version specifically designed to match their needs.

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The job management tool frees up time for contractors and farm managers to better focus on their core business needs and make the complete process from job planning, work order delivery, data recording, customer invoicing and reporting much easier, faster and better. The job information that can be transmitted includes task type, customer/field name, the needed product application (i.e. seed/fertilizer and application rates) and the required equipment combination. Clear instructions eliminate miscommunication while in return unclear operator job reporting or even data loss is replaced by reliable and solid documentation data.

Especially for contractors it is critical to provide their customers with comprehensive, correct and immediate data that can be exported from the Operations Center and serve as a solid basis for final invoicing.

In a second release an add-on to the job management tool will become available, which will also include a collaborative navigation system specifically designed for agricultural applications. It displays all agricultural roads and potential utilization restrictions on public roads, so a driver can find the fastest track to the assigned field entry point. Also, it will allow operators to view the real time position of other machines of select colleagues, so logistic chains can be optimized. The work progress can be monitored at all times and machine fleet coordination can be optimized.

An integrated rain radar system also enables the principal to prioritize work orders in case weather conditions change which might require task alterations. Having the complete real-time overview of fleet and jobs always at hand, the contractor/farm manager is flexible to accept, plan and assign new orders. A calendar view function displays all machines and their job assignments, so scheduling several days or a full week ahead is possible and flexible assignments can be made.