Data is collected by a device or widget and in most cases, it is in an unreadable format. For this reason, it must be translated into something users can read and understand. To achieve this, most suppliers and their developers create software to convert the data into something that is easy to read, understand, and share.
This is done via dashboards and apps. These are accessed via a computer on a web-based browser and/or on a portable device screen such as a phone, tablet, or iPad.
Not all dashboard or app presentation is the same. Most providers will have a different look to their competitor for their output. Some providers may include map-based views, while others might display in a more analytical way with graphs charts or tables.
There may also be a need to have both a dashboard and an app. What works well in the office for extensive analysis may not be necessary or sensible in the paddock. Consider your needs and ask what is available in this space from each provider.
The same circumstance can apply to the backing up of data to maintain data security. Ask your provider to explain the data backup system or process.
Everyone has a different preference for what they prefer to see at any point in time and the way they wish to protect their data. So, previewing the dashboard or app at the pre-purchase stage is important.
In some instances, either a solution provider does not have a dashboard or app to support their offering, or a customer loves the device but does not like the dashboard or app. In this situation, the provision of a viewing space can be provided by a 3rd party supplier.
Sometimes farmers or businesses would like to be able to add historical data that they have collected in past – this is not always possible. Discussing this option with your chosen provider or 3rd party dashboard developer is important to understand the possibilities and ensure the proposed solution will be suited for your business needs.
Device Provider apps
Apps are usually linked to mobile phones, tablets and iPads and are great for using “on the run”.
A well-developed app can be quite expensive to supply. The cost can be doubled if the supplier needs to offer both an Android and Apple app. Some businesses are simply not able to justify this cost and so offer the less expensive option of a dashboard. To access your data in real time via the phone app, you will need to be connected to the internet or using your phone network.
Here are a few features of apps to consider:
- Some apps only update and operate in mobile service areas.
- Not all suppliers have an app for both Apple and Android devices.
- Apps have limitations in the quantity and type of data they can show and can be a little “clunky” depending on the data being accessed.
- Apps will give access to data without needing to use a desktop computer system.
- Are usually free issued as part of the offering excluding mobile device data costs. Allow for alerts and messaging to be delivered from devices.
Device Provider Dashboards
If the preference is to view and analyse data at a deep level in an office environment, then a web-based browser dashboard is a better option.
Achieving a granular view of data gives the full output of the digital installation to the end-user and can lead to real practice and management change.
Here are a few features of Dashboards to consider:
- Data is only updated via connection to the internet.
- Dashboards can be accessed on both a computer and on mobile devices via an internet browser.
- Dashboards offer a higher quantity and depth of data content than an app.
- Some dashboards are equipped with tools to enable calculations of various data results.
- The dashboards are usually free to access via a web-based account from the provider excluding home internet data costs.
3rd Party Dashboards
In some instances, either a solution provider does not have a dashboard or app to support their offering, or a customer loves the device that is offered by a company but does not like the dashboard or app that is provided.
In this situation, the provision of a viewing space can be provided by a 3rd party supplier. There are several companies that offer “bespoke style” dashboards that can display data in a way that suits an individual’s preference or need. They can also integrate data from external sources for added usability, for example BOM or market reports.
In situations where many devices and widgets are installed, by multiple providers, the 3rd party dashboard is an ideal choice. Rather than accessing data from each of the providers’ dashboards individually which is tedious and time-consuming, the ability to amalgamate into a single 3rd party platform works well.
Sometimes farmers or businesses would like to be able to add any historical data they have collected in the past. This is not always something solution providers are able or willing to offer. Discussing your needs and options with a 3rd party dashboard developer is important to understand the possibilities. There are some extremely powerful options available that facilitate the inclusion of historical data into platforms.