Whenever an applicator is not out in the field applying, the ag retailer is losing money.
And it’s not without consequence. Lost time often results in additional labor hours despite fewer acres completed. You may miss critical windows for applying sensitive chemicals. Incomplete or delayed applications can harm your relationships with customers, or end them altogether.
While some time-wasting factors like weather are out of your control, there are opportunities to improve productivity. Here are three common ways agtech software can help you maximize your time.
Optimize routes
Do you know how much time inefficient routes cost you? Based on data from 4.2 million acres in 2019-2020, we found that applicators lose 30 minutes per machine per day due to suboptimal routing.
Unfortunately, finding the most efficient route isn’t as simple as dropping a pin in Google maps.
Some roads may be off-limits for your equipment. You may need to stop for tank mix cleaning.
With the right software, it can take nuances like label requirements and weather into account, to get your applicators to fields as quickly as possible.
Reduce wait time on tender trucks
It happens all too often. Your applicator is in the field, ready to go, but doesn’t have the product. In fact, applicators spend 15% of their time waiting on tender trucks.*
It may be due to poor routing or a long line at the shed. While the latter may seem like a factor out of your control, the software can change that. For instance, it’s common to pair one tender truck with one applicator for the day. But it may be more efficient for tender truck B to refill for applicator C, while tender truck C gets in line for applicator A.
With real-time dispatching software, applicators can keep moving and reduce their wait time for tender trucks by 25%.
Quantify in-field downtime
Whether it’s dealing with a mechanical problem or adjusting the booms, there’s usually some time when an applicator isn’t covering the field. How much of that is avoidable?
While agtech software may not be able to completely prevent downtime, it can collect data on when an applicator stops and why. That can illuminate opportunities to reduce it. As the adage goes, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”
Reclaim your time
While software can do a lot to help maximize time, it can’t replace the most important factor: you. Only you understand the nuances of your business and what makes sense for your bottom line. Because sometimes the best decisions—like getting to your biggest customer’s fields right away—aren’t the most time-efficient.
That’s why Solinftec’s solutions are designed to be flexible. Our software makes suggestions for a smooth, efficient operation while giving you the power to stay in control.
Learn more about how Solinftec can help you save time and the impact it can have on your business financially.
*Based off of 4.2M applied acres in 2019, 2020
This blog is written by Laura Barrera
