WARMINSTER, PA, JUNE 20, 2024 –
With technological advancements of all kinds, the pace of innovation in agriculture has increased hugely over the past few decades. Nowadays, there are a multitude of game-changing technologies and methods available to agricultural companies looking to level-up their business strategy and improve workflow efficiency. In particular, technological solutions such as docking stations can be integral to enhancing productivity and to improving workflow efficiency in demanding agricultural environments.
The Use of Technology in Agriculture
Over the years, agricultural practices have changed significantly due to technological innovation. Modern agriculture now operates much differently than it did just a few decades ago and often includes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and GPS.
With these advanced technologies becoming more widely available, business leaders in the agricultural industry are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve workflow efficiency whether this be in terms of harvest/output optimization, breeding more disease-resistant varieties or finding better ways to irrigate crops.
The Benefits of Agricultural Technology
The benefits of technology use in agriculture are numerous and wide-ranging. In cases where existing workflows are not conducive to the achievement of maximum efficiency, technology can be of huge merit. With the implementation of technologies such as docking stations, focus can be put on eliminating any workflow inefficiency stemming from issues such as human error, repetitive tasks and time-consuming manual data entry.
The Challenges of Technology Use in Agricultural Settings
However, despite the many benefits technology can bring to agriculture by way of efficient workflows, cost savings and beyond, its usage can also bring a number of challenges. For instance, unpredictable weather conditions and other factors such as dust, debris and spillages mean that additional steps must be taken to protect any technology used in agricultural settings.
The Role of Docking Stations in Agriculture
As mentioned, many different technologies are now utilized in agriculture, one of which being docking stations. For many reasons, docking stations have become integral to workflow improvement and efficient workflow overall for many agricultural businesses.
However, as suggested above, adequate device protection is crucial. In particular, docking stations used in agriculture solutions should be ‘IP-rated’ in order to be fully suitable for use in harsh and unpredictable environments such as these.
What is IP Rating?
Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system outlines the grade of resistance and protection that a solution provides against liquids and dust.
In industries with harsh environments (i.e: agriculture), it is crucial to ensure valuable technology is protected from the intrusion of water, dust or debris. This is important as it minimizes the chance of costly or irreversible damage and consequent device downtime. In turn, this added protection and durability also helps to maximize the longevity of the technology, thereby helping to reduce costs in the long run.
Havis IP-Rated Docking Stations
As an industry-leading provider of ruggedized technology mounting and mobility solutions, Havis understands the importance of IP-rated products. As a central part of Farmwave’s new complete system, Havis’s IP-rated docking stations are expertly designed for the Dell 12″ Latitude 7230 and 10″ Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablets. Havis IP-rated docking stations provide unbeatable device protection across many different agricultural use cases and are a proven way to improve workflow efficiency.
The Benefits of Havis IP-Rated Docking Stations
Seamless Compatibility
With decades of engineering expertise, Havis is proud to have created a full line of IP-rated docking stations which seamlessly integrate with Dell devices. Expertly designed for the Dell 12″ Latitude 7230 and 10″ Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablets, these docking stations allow for seamless compatibility. This means no wasted time or money spent on modifying other solutions to fit one’s chosen Dell device. From the moment of installation, Havis docks help all kinds of agricultural businesses to streamline operations and enhance workflow efficiency.
Mobility
The versatility of activities within agriculture is matched by Havis’s IP65 docking stations. The innovative two-piece design and easy one-handed removal allows users to easily undock the device to go mobile whenever and wherever required. The docking stations can be securely installed within a wide range of agricultural vehicles (eg: tractors, combine harvesters, crop sprayers, farm trucks and beyond). This means that devices can be safely used while on the move, anywhere in the field, which again helps to avoid wasted time and to improve workflow efficiency.
Innovative Connectivity
As mentioned, the agricultural industry has undergone a number of shifts over the years and it is said that data and connectivity in particular are now driving the current transformation. According to a 2020 report by McKinsey & Company, the successful implementation of connectivity in agriculture could see an additional $500m of value added to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
With this in mind, it is understandable as to why so many agricultural businesses are now seeking to implement technologies which harness the power of this data and connectivity. As the industry leader, Havis’s IP65 docking stations boast excellent connectivity while also ensuring rigorous device protection. Users can benefit from various connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet and power interfaces while resting assured that valuable technology is protected from the dangers of harsh agricultural environments.
This unhindered connectivity means that agricultural workers have operational fluidity between various tasks, from the field to the warehouse, thereby improving workflow efficiency. There is no time wasted on re-connecting the technology and getting back online. Agricultural employees can complete their required tasks and access relevant information/resources whenever and wherever is required.
Uninterrupted Data Flow
Following the above point, Havis docking stations also help to improve workflow efficiency by ensuring uninterrupted data flow. Given the advancement of technology and digital solutions, agriculture is increasingly driven by a constant stream of data. Whether it be real-time analytics of crop irrigation levels or AI-driven recommendations for fertilizer use, access to timely information is essential for agricultural workers seeking to optimize processes and achieve maximum efficiency in their day-to-day activities.
Rigorous Testing & Proven Results
From unpredictable weather to dusty storehouses, agricultural technology has a lot to withstand. In light of this, Havis subjects all docking stations to rigorous testing to ensure that they meet and excel industry standards for durability, reliability and workflow efficiency. Havis’s longstanding commitment to quality means that these rugged docking and mobility solutions will stand up to the test of time and to the daily rigours of agriculture.
Longevity
Having undergone substantial testing (crash, vibration, environmental and cycle testing), Havis docking stations are built to last. These IP-rated docking stations can endure repetitive tasks and allow for efficient workflow no matter the environmental conditions.
By increasing the longevity of devices and reducing the need for repairs or replacements, Havis docking stations also help to both reduce costs and to reduce electronic waste, thereby fostering a more environmentally-friendly approach to technology management in agriculture.
Enhanced Device Protection
Expertly designed and manufactured for optimum device protection, Havis docking stations are built to last. For those in agriculture, going one step further and choosing an IP-rated docking station means peace of mind that Dell devices will be protected no matter what the day throws at them. With a rugged, two-piece design, Havis docking stations help to achieve efficient workflows while ensuring devices are protected from liquids, dust and other kinds of debris.
Minimized Downtime
Given the enhanced protection that docking stations provide for technology, farmers and other agricultural businesses can implement these docks as an effective way to minimize device downtime. In a world where technology is becoming more and more integral to agricultural processes, device downtime is likely to be extremely disruptive to efficient workflows and as such, very costly.
With this in mind, the decision to implement rugged hardware solutions such as IP-rated docking stations is both a beneficial and strategic one. Agricultural businesses can avoid costly disruption and wasted hours by ensuring technology is always protected and ready to be used by farmers and other team members.
Cost Savings
Considering the benefits discussed above, it is clear that docking stations can provide worthwhile cost savings for agricultural businesses. The inherent durability and ruggedized nature of Havis docking stations and ruggedized tablets such as those from Dell helps to prolong the lifespan of the overall solution. By reducing the likelihood of repairs or replacements, users can expect considerable cost savings in the long run.
Accessibility
Turning now to functionality, efficient workflow also hinges on technology being easily accessible and ergonomic to use. Ensuring that all functions can be accessed easily lowers the need for human intervention and time wasted trying to access specific device features. As such, Havis docking stations are designed so as to provide unhindered access to all buttons, ports, cameras and beyond, no matter whether the device is docked or undocked.
Enhanced Productivity
Combined, the above benefits result in enhanced productivity and workflow efficiency for agriculture. Docking stations are inherently versatile and can be utilized for a number of different agricultural use cases whether field-based or desk-based. Plus, with Havis’s unique two-part docking station design, users can easily switch been docked or undocked use cases without delay or a negative impact on workflow efficiency.
In turn, the IP65 rating of these docking stations also contributes to productivity and workflow efficiency. By providing full protection from liquid, dust and debris, the use of Havis docking systems means there are no wasted hours if the weather is unfavourable. In these instances, agricultural workers can simply continue with their outdoor tasks without fear of damaging the technology.
Conclusion
For modern agricultural businesses, technology is undoubtedly of huge merit. As this blog post has explored, technology and digital tools such as docking stations can be a major advantage for agricultural businesses seeking to improve workflow efficiency.
To learn more about Havis’s comprehensive range of docking station solutions, visit our website here.
For more information Havis’s partnership with Farmwave and Dell, read our recent press release here.
ABOUT HAVIS
Havis, Inc. is a privately held, ISO 9001-certified company that is the leader in providing robust and reliable end-to-end technology mounting and mobility solutions in demanding environments. The Havis legacy dates back over 80 years as a trusted designer and manufacturer of critical equipment that ensures critical technology is accessible, secure and reliable.
Havis’s engineering and manufacturing teams are committed to consistently researching and developing unique products and solutions for a range of industries worldwide. With headquarters in Warminster, PA, and additional locations in Plymouth, MI, Burnsville, MN, and in the UK, Havis currently employs more than 400 team members. For more information on Havis, please call 1.800.524.9900 or visit http://www.havis.com.
