How Business Tech Essentials Can Boost Farm Productivity
If you traveled back just 20 years, you’d see how much the world has changed. Almost everything we rely on now has “smart tech.” You may long for dials or buttons to push, but more often, you’ll find yourself swiping on a screen instead of flipping a switch. Behind the scenes, wires are increasingly replaced by computer chips that communicate with a central control, connecting our surroundings as never before.
Tractors, planters, combines and many pieces of farm equipment have followed the same trend. As a result, we’re adapting to this farm technology through hands-on learning and the expertise of specialists we consult daily.
Have you looked closely at your farm shop, office, home or on-the-go workspace to see if your technology has kept up with what’s inside your cab? Oftentimes producers with top-tier cab tech may be missing out on business technology, or “business tech.”
Just as cab tech provides valuable information to help save time, increase profits and reduce operator error in the field, business tech can enhance your management capabilities back at the farm. What’s an example of business tech that can save time or money? Think about a recent repair or maintenance task on your farm where you might have used an instructional video created by someone with first-hand experience or an expert from the manufacturer. This type of business technology is invaluable for training on operating your current equipment. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a smartphone.
Most farms have no trouble using this kind of business tech, but here are some additional tools that could be beneficial on your farm:
• High speed wireless internet
• A reasonably fast, reliable printer
• Modern smartphone
• Document scanning capabilities
• Computer with ample document storage and security
• Video conferencing capabilities
• Conference call capabilities
• Smart screen or smart TV
• Organized access to business or industry applications
• Hands-free options for phone and video calls while driving
• Online banking access
• Remote deposit, bill pay and e-payment options
• Online access to business records
• Up-to-date grain marketing and cost-of-production tracking programs
• Grain basis tracking and pricing information for various delivery locations
• Electronic storage for emailed purchase orders, receipts, invoices and repairs
• Organized and complete electronic address book of business contacts
• Remote weather stations
• Connected camera or voice-camera systems
• Backup power source
• Business continuity plan for possible disasters
These are just a few examples of farm business technology, and I’ll continue to add to this list as time goes on, just as you may expand on your own. You might be surprised to find that updating your business tech is often a fraction of the cost of equipment tech. Saving time and money is crucial right now.
For farms that don’t yet have many of the above items due to time constraints or limited expertise, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified expert to help get your business tech on par with your cab tech.
And don’t forget to check out Compeer Financial’s online digital tools, which allow you to access your information anytime, anywhere. From online and mobile banking to secure document exchange through DocuSign, we dedicated to providing you with personalized service that fits your needs.
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