Having made a purchase, the next step is to have the installation completed in the most efficient and timely way. This means having all devices and connectivity components installed, protected from potential damage, and up and running for use within your farm or business.
Some digital tech offerings are a simple plug and play installation. Most suppliers will expect you to do the installation of yourself. This can be a straightforward process if the supplier provides clear instructions at point of purchase. Some agtech solutions can be more complex and might require a larger time investment, if this is the case the provider will prefer to complete the installation on-site themselves.
Regardless of the supplier’s preference for installation, it is worth remembering that devices can be easily damaged and rendered useless if they are not handled and installed correctly. The level of complexity will certainly increase as the number of devices within the chosen suite or package increases, coupled with challenges associated with topography and connectivity.
Consider your time availability, skill and tool kit readiness. The use of professional installers can sometimes be warranted depending on the situation, the complexity of the device, and installation required. There are best practice levels of installation which you should strive for and insist on. Be aware of what this looks like to avoid having issues with devices or even failures
Ongoing maintenance usually falls to the responsibility of the purchaser. Some providers may offer a follow up visit after an initial installation to refine any issues. Generally, the simpler devices are easy to maintain. Typical maintenance involves cleaning spiders’ webs away from sensor panels, cleaning solar panels to ensure full battery charging, and making sure any guarding or protection measures remain intact.