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Making a difference for farmers: Powertec Communications and Cumulocity IoT
Technology Category
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
Applicable Industries
- Agriculture
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Farm Monitoring & Precision Farming
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
Farms in Australia are vast, averaging around 100,000 acres, with almost a billion acres being farmed in total. The majority of Australia's population is concentrated around the coastline and capital cities, leaving the agricultural land sparsely populated. This lack of population density results in limited Internet connectivity, hindering farmers' ability to adopt the latest technological developments that could help protect their crops and herds. The larger and more remote the farms, the more challenging the internet access and communication. The smallest undiscovered problem can create major issues with crops or herds. Powertec Communications, a service provider, works closely with farmers to ensure they are connected and can communicate, no matter where they may be.
About The Customer
Powertec Telecommunications is a company that delivers solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide that help them stay connected. Since its inception in 1995, as a one-man team on the Gold Coast, the company has grown into an international operation with offices across Australia and New Zealand. Powertec has been involved in the machine-to-machine distribution business for about ten years and entered the Internet of Things market about two years ago. The company works closely with farmers to ensure they are connected and can communicate, no matter where they may be.
The Solution
Powertec invented a connectivity model - a device that can connect to everything and pick up anything, anywhere. This solved the immediate concerns about connectivity, but the farmers wanted more. They wanted better insights from the data that was coming from their sensors, to give them more control over conditions across the farm. Powertec installed LoRaWAN and connected the existing devices so that they could communicate with each other. Then it rolled out new devices and a single platform that offered a holistic view of all the farm’s devices – from water monitoring soil acidity level in the soil, weather including micro climates and wind levels. In the case of the water pumps, the farm now receives alerts if the pumps are working or not - and can send the runner out only if one needs attention.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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