Bluetooth Connectivity: Critical to the Future of Machine Data in Crop Production

By CropLife

Recent issues with a client’s Bluetooth connectivity brought to light the importance of this connectivity standard that exists in everyday life, and is becoming essential in connecting handheld computers to machine systems in crop production as we rely more and more on machine data for post-planting, post-spraying, and post-harvesting analysis and decision making, writes Stephen Redmond at CropLife.

The client, his brother, and father are all capable and share in the operation of the combine as the harvest season progresses. The client works off-farm for an agriculture technology company and understands the importance of gathering the data for post-harvest analysis.

The problem arose during harvest when the client’s iPad continued to develop connectivity issues with the combine. (Note: I am being careful not to mention the technology involved as I believe that this can happen to anyone with any color machine and a Bluetooth-enabled device).

The Bluetooth issue made me realize how dependent we are on this technology without really knowing how the technology works and what is happening in the background to move information back-and-forth between devices.