2016 Precision Farming Dealer Summit — Roundtable #2

A Precision Farming Dealer Staff Report

ISOBUS isn’t the solution to all compatibility problems. While progress is being made on improving functionality between different ag components and equipment, it’s not always plug-and-play. As one dealer roundtable attendee says, “Current ISOBUS requires you to try and become an expert on every brand on the market or a jack of all trades and a master of none.”

Integrating new technology on older equipment can be challenging, and dealers say that trial and error is often the best course of action to solve problems that arise. However, this approach can be time consuming and frustrating.

“In many instances, we’ve developed our own kits to retrofit technology to older equipment,” says another dealer. “We’ve also had success offering incentives to customers to upgrade to technology that is more compatible.”

Test and evaluate software upgrades before installing them for customers. One recurring challenge dealers encounter is the availability of software updates that don’t necessarily improve functionality of precision components. In some cases, updates can cause more problems than they solve, which is why some dealers recommend a “wait-and-see” approach before automatically updating hardware.

“We’ll often stay 1 year behind on a platform version to allow all the bugs to be worked out,” says Bryan Peterman with Atlantic Tractor in Hartly, Del. “This gives us time to research the update and see if there are any additional changes the manufacturer might make, before we install anything on the customer’s equipment.”

Read full coverage of the Precision Farming Dealer Summit presentations, from how to recruit and retain precision employees, to developing a standalone precision business, to managing customers’ data, in the March 2016 issue of Farm Equipment.



Roundtable Discussion Topics

1. Keeping Precision Employees Productive Year Round
2. Troubleshooting Technology: Conquering Compatibility Problems (currently viewing)
3. Putting on a Successful Precision Ag Field Day
4. How to Structure Your Precision Internships
5. Strategies for Selling Used Precision Equipment
6. Making the Most of Online Sales Opportunities
7. Spreading Precision Workflow Across Departments
8. UAVs: Practical Precision Tools or Toys?
9. Tech Support: Where Can Manufacturers Improve?
10. Marketing: Where Will I Get the Most Bang for My Buck?