PDA's and smartphones are becoming more and more useful as a tool for real-time data collection in the field for farming operations. With features like built in GPS, digital cameras and barcode scanners it seems as though we should have a good handle on data intensive business process management like certification, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, harvest management and payroll. And, as we keep hearing, "there's an app for that". When we think about the number and frequency of measurement and the volume of information that has to be kept close at hand to meet sustainable certification, not to mention day-to-day quality management, operations management and compliance record-keeping, we might be excused for thinking that the effort is likely to be considerable.  

So, what's getting in the way of ensuring that all the data necessary to support activity based costing, carbon footprint calculations, continuous improvement and the other initiatives our accounting departments want to report on next, is readily available and up to date? Where are all the field readings going to come from? Who is going to track or measure everything and how much effort is going to be required to enter the data into the half dozen spreadsheets that are bouncing around the office?

Organizations that are successful at in-field operations data collection have deployed PDA and smartphone technology throughout their organization - from crew foremen and equipment operators to operations directors and technologists. But what about the language barrier, the cost, the training...? The devices and associated software are just glorified cell phones and it is difficult to conceive that there is a lack of familiarity with this technology. These devices, ATM machines, even the controls of a modern tractor are easily within reach of just about everyone who steps through the farm gate. Crew foremen and equipment operators are essential participants in the success of an operations management data capture solution - PDA's at this level of the organizational hierarchy get much more use than at any other level when the program is working. It's not about "coercion" either - in many organizations we have worked with we see enthusiasm and a greater sense of inclusion. Support tools and security management capabilities now provide real-time interaction to mobile devices and ensure that sensitive data is not compromised and even allow technicians to remote control the users' device remotely - that way your operations directors will not be embarrassed unneccessarily.