What Is Digital Tracking?
Digital Tracking is a solution that tracks the productivity of existing plantation machines, specifically focusing on the tractors used for fertiliser application and herbicide spraying processes.
It is currently being developed by Group Digital in collaboration with KATSANA as part of a larger fleet management module, reflecting Sime Darby Plantation’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies.
What Does It Do?
Our goal is to ensure that each palm receives the nutrients it needs to produce the best yield. The Digital Tracking system has features that are tailored to help us achieve this and effectively address some of our operational needs, bringing more value to the plantation.
1. Historical Tracking Module:
Historical tracking captures and preserves the historical trajectory and location of a tracked object, such as a vehicle, at different points in time. The capability to record precise location and movement data from the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) device is crucial for evaluating the efficiency of chemical application equipment.
By delving into past data, assistant managers can glean valuable insights that enable them to make well-informed and data-driven decisions for better management of the fertilisation and herbicide processes.
Image A: The coloured lines indicate the route movement of the tractor during the application process.
2. Hectarage Module:
The hectarage module enhances resource efficiency by monitoring and offering insights into the targeted areas for fertiliser and herbicide application, as well as the ones that have been covered.
This detailed level of data contributes to safeguarding both the company’s financial investments and physical resources.
Image B: Analysed through SMART, the blue shaded area shows the area covered by the tractor performing the application.
How Does It Work?
1. The tractors are first equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors, collecting precise location data to enhance operational efficiency.
2. The gathered information is then seamlessly transferred to a comprehensive Data Lake, a centralised repository designed for efficient storage and management of diverse agricultural data.
3. In the third step, the stored data is extracted from the Data Lake, and this valuable information is utilised to develop two distinct modules: Historical Tracking, which analyses past tractor movements, and Hectarage, which focuses on field-specific data for accurate yield assessment.
4. Lastly, the Historical Tracking and Hectarage modules are integrated to form the Digital Tracking platform, providing a comprehensive solution for advanced agricultural management and monitoring.
Snippet A: The Digital Tracking in action.
Where Has This Solution Been Implemented?
As of now, we have successfully deployed 117 sensor units across 51 estates in the Peninsular regions, spanning the Northern Region (NTR), Central East (CER), Central West (CWR), and Southern Region (STR). These units are strategically installed in various machine types such as MTFA, MBS spreaders, ST GEO, and ImHS.
The extensive data collection initiative, began in February 2023, has yielded a rich dataset. Currently, ongoing efforts are dedicated to a thorough analysis of this dataset, aiming to extract valuable insights that will shape the future trajectory of our plantation management strategies.
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