Digitization and Automation Digitization and Connectivity - Cross Manufacturer data exchange as basis for automation

The year 2022 was characterized by challenges for agricultural technology. The shortage of electronic components and semiconductors [1] meant that machines could only be delivered at great additional effort. Despite the adverse circumstances with material shortages, consequences of war and personnel bottlenecks, agricultural machinery manufacturers carried out intensive activities for the digitalization and networking of agriculture and agricultural machinery. Today, telematics is part of the standard scope of every modern agricultural machine. Meanwhile, not only tractors and self-propelled machines are equipped, but also simple machines such as mowers, tedders and rakes [2].

The performance spectrum of agricultural software and its degree of networking with agricultural machinery has increased significantly. Farm Management and Farm Management Information systems serve farmers, machinery rings and contractors for the automatic documentation of relevant measures and offer support for the planning and organization of complex agricultural work chains. Data exchange between systems has been standardized and the degree of networking of all machines involved by means of software solutions is now a basic requirement in agriculture. Networking and powerful software solutions are also the basis for robotics, autonomous machines and drone technology.