Technologies

SDF offers customised data management solutions for farmers and contractors. Working with standard file formats is important. A great advantage for farmers and contractors: data exchange of e.g. master data, work tasks, application maps, track lines and field boundaries between different end points is made significantly easier and with one solution. SDF works with open and standardised file formats , ISO-XML, compatibility with other manufacturers. This ensures transfers between among different data sources (machine,implements,weather station, field sensor,) and office application. SDF Data Management is Agrirouter designed and certified .

Agrirouter
The Agrirouter – a joint development by SDF and many renowned implement manufacturers – is a universal data exchange platform that allows farmers and contractors to exchange data between machinery and agricultural software applications from a wide range of manufacturers.
The Agrirouter transfers data, but never stores them. It simplifies data exchange and therefore work processes, reduces office work and improves economic efficiency. As a neutral instance, the new data exchange platform resolves a core issue of digitalisation in agriculture: It allows farmers and contractors to exchange data between machine applications and agricultural software applications from different manufacturers. Each user can create his own free personal Agrirouter account and configure it individually. The paths on which the data is transported are defined only by the user in the settings centre.
With the Agrirouter account, all SDF machines can be connected to all applications and machines from Agrirouter partners.

Running a business often requires complex actions. SDF therefore wants to help farmers to optimise their operations and increase efficiency. The connectivity solutions from SDF keep farmers connected and always at the centre of the action. The digital connection between different end points allows significant increases in productivity. Linking machines, the office and any other external sources simplifies work processes, allowing convenient management of relevant data. SDF Connected Farming Systems offers two modules for this which can be installed to suit the farmer’s requirements: the Basic Telematic Module (BTM) that enables bluetooth connection to farmer’s smartphone, and the Communication Telematic Module (CTM), with an integrated e-SIM card to have instantaneous and continuous connection to the internet.

Connectivity enables monitoring of telemetry data, and transferring of other important information, e.g. task data from the iMonitor, to the central office tools.

To serve different customer needs, SDF proposes two levels of service:

SDF Fleet Management Lite – mobile first solution
SDF Fleet Management Lite offers an entry level for transmitting machine data to a mobile device in the simplest possible way. The BTM (Basic Telematic Module) transmits the telemetry data to a smartphone conveniently via Bluetooth. Information such as fuel consumption, utilisation and productivity can then be viewed conveniently through an app.

SDF Fleet Management - online advanced fleet monitoring
SDF Fleet Management provides all important data of your machine at all times. The map view shows position and status of individual machines or an entire fleet in real time. The location history provides useful information. Farmers or contractors can also view all performance data of their machines, including fuel consumption, operating hours, engine utilisation or warning messages. This allows maximum utilisation and optimised fuel saving, resulting in reductions in running costs for farmers and contractors. On request, so-called virtual fences can be set up so a warning message is displayed if a machine leaves the defined area. This is based on the GPS position of the machine with the respective location progress.

Steering systems are becoming increasingly established as a standard in tractors and combines on many farms. The advantages are obvious: saving resources, increasing convenience and productivity as well as reliable, repeatable precision. The farmer can rely on high accuracy even in difficult working conditions such as fog or night time.

Many precision farming applications are based on satellite navigation. The SDF receivers use free, internationally available signals which offer different accuracy levels depending on the correction service and the receiver model.

With three different kinds of receiver, each farmer can decide which system best meets his requirements. The innovative GNSS receivers from SDF are regularly adapted to new situations with firmware updates.

AUTO-TURN makes turning easier

This function allows tractors or combine harvesters to perform automatic turns on the headland. The driver decides which track to turn into. Additionally, different patterns are available – whether for skipping tracks or for filling plots. Apart from the added convenience, this process is also gentle on the headland and makes follow-up runs simple and time-saving Due to faster turnings, farmers and contractors can easily increase their productivity.

The iMonitor3 is the central control element for all important applications in tractors and combine harvesters. This includes tractor settings, automatic steering systems, ISOBUS implement control and data management.
All settings and functions are clearly displayed on a user interface. State of the art touch screen operation, optionally with external MMI control – conveniently integrated into the armrest – make the iMonitor3 a highly practical interface between tractor, implement, driver and office. Integrated functions, such as quick guides and symbol explanations, and a clear menu structure ensure very simple operation. If any questions on operation should still remain open, the driver can also obtain support through a remote service.
Depending on the tractor type and level of options , two monitor sizes are available: the largest tractor terminal on the market with 12” diagonal and a slightly smaller version with 8”.

XTEND expands the display to mobile devices
Although all functions are already clearly displayed on the iMonitor, some tasks such as the operation with several functions of an ISOBUS implement require implement to be monitored simultaneously. As an alternative to a second monitor, the XTend function can be used to easily connect external devices such as tablets to the iMonitor with a WLAN connection. The XTend app can be used to either display the guidance application or for full control of all ISOBUS-UT functions. Another benefit: the WLAN connection allows the tablet to be taken outside of the cab, e.g. when conducting a calibration test on a seed drill.

Remote Support
If the farmer needs support quickly, e.g. for function settings directly on their machine, the dealership can simply use Remote Support to log into the iMonitor with the driver’s permission and provide support for optimising the settings. This allows to minimize down-time by having fast support to set functionalities and check correct operations on the tractor.