DataConnect, a new precision farming application from Claas, 365FarmNet and John Deere, is flagged up as the first direct cloud-to-cloud data exchange solution for ag engineering.

Up to now, farmers and contractors with a mixed machinery fleet can only record, process and document their data using the respective equipment and web portals of the individual manufacturers.

With DataConnect, Claas, 365FarmNet and John Deere have created a direct, manufacturer independent cloud-to-cloud solution, which allows customers to exchange their data via a common interface as well as control and monitor their entire machinery fleet using their favourite system.

The new concept also allows users to choose their preferred data platform from a specific manufacturer while also being able to transmit data from other machines via the new interface. This means that the data is still available in the three companies’ portals, but can be exchanged in real time from one cloud to the other.

The key benefit to the user is that all the necessary machine configurations are available in one system, which enables the exchange of all important machinery data, including current and historical machine location, fuel tank level, current working status and forward speed. Transmission of agronomic data is also being planned.

With DataConnect the companies involved also wish to share their experience of cloud-to-cloud communication with ongoing Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation projects. This is why the architecture of this new interface is designed to support existing industry standards.

Any interested agricultural machinery manufacturers and software providers as well as associations and standardisation committees are welcome to help develop the existing interface.

A first insight into the operation of DataConnect will be possible on the Claas, 365FarmNet and John Deere stands at Agritechnica in November. The official launch is scheduled for summer 2020.