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| ScanControl, Inc. CropTrak Software on the Ground in Asia - Saturday, January 16, 2010ScanControl, Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of an Agency agreement with GreenTech Outpost, Inc. for product representation in Asia. The territories covered by the agreement include China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau. "This is a fantastic opportunity for us" said Rob Wood, ScanControl, Inc. CEO. "The region is growing faster that other global economies and the need for on-the-ground field data collection technology in environmental, renewable energy, agriculture and infrastructure management is enormous", he continued. Recent changes to the ScanControl, Inc. software deployment architecture to a cloud based infrastructure has opened the door to rapid expansion. "We're excited about what lies ahead" added Josh Kuanfung, CEO of GreenTech Outpost. "The ScanControl, Inc. field data collection products reinforce the depth of offerings that GTO brings to the table and closes the loop on a suite of environmental remediation products we offer", he added.
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| CropTrak World Ag Expo Showcase - Saturday, January 02, 2010ScanControl, Inc. will be returning to the World Ag Expo in Tulare, February 9th to 11th to showcase the latest features of the CropTrak mobile, desktop and GIS reporting software. "We're looking forward to being able to demonstrate the labor management and real time map based reporting tools many of our customers are already using", stated Rob Wood, ScanControl, Inc Founder & CEO. "The Expo brings in attendees from around the world and gives us the opportunity to reach a large audience in a cost effective manner", he added. CropTrak software is used in specialty crop production operations from niche organic herb cultivation to global wine companies and supports in-field data collection in many different languages. The software combines database technology with GIS reporting systems to give operations managers a detailed understanding of what resources have been used where, when they were used and the amount of input. "Our tools are giving organizations an unprecedented level of understanding of exactly what their farming costs are for every cultivated acre", Mr. Wood emphasized. "Wine grape growers we work with are able to match their quality and yield management targets to the labels the fruit is used for, a level of precision that ensures that resources are not over committed" he continued. ScanControl, Inc. will be located in booth 3030, Pavilion C and is offering interested parties extended pilot deployment opportunities of up to 12 months. |
| CropTrak Software Availability Expanded - Wednesday, December 23, 2009The ScanControl, Inc. CropTrak(tm) field data management software is now being supported by Advanced Viticulture, LLC. through a recently completed memorandum of understanding. The partnership adds the credibility of a well known and highly respected viticulture consulting services company to the solution delivery capabilities of ScanControl, Inc. "We're very pleased to be working with Mark Greenspan to provide authority and strong scientific expertise to the configuration of the CropTrak software", said Rob Wood, ScanControl, Inc. CEO. "We can now ensure that the most up-to-date field data collection programs are available through our in-field software solutions", he continued. Mark Greenspan is a contributor to several wine industry publications and the author of a comprehensive software review (click here for more info). The partnership coincides with the introduction of a monthly, software as a service (SaaS), pricing model that makes the technology easily accessible and very affordable to a wide range of farming operations. |
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The ScanControl, Inc. CropTraktm software system offers a comprehensive data management tool for tracking all aspects of farming operations.
- Our products are used by three of the top ten US wine producers and by consultants and other specialty crop producers on over 250 farms around the world.
- Our mobile software offers the only multi-language configurable user interface, ensuring that field personnel are comfortable, productive and unhindered by administrative data entry tasks.
- Our GIS reporting systems provide real-time visibility into quality management and resource management challenges across global operations at the click of a button.
- A comprehensive electronic timesheet function provides:
- reduced labor crew timesheet administration costs,
- activity based costing capabilities,
- complete visibility into the supply chain to the farm gate,
- an ROI assessment for every farmed acre.
View a detailed product User Guide here or browse the summary information listed below.
An operations management system capable of tracking the details of in-field resource usage is a key component to understanding every step of the produce supply chain from ground preparation to the farm gate. Our tools make it easy to determine what it costs to farm each acre - the data is available in real-time! Timesheet data capture for payroll processing is a critical business process in many organizations - we make this administrative task painless and accurate. And, if you need to report your erosion control measures as one of your sustainability metrics you'll find the data is available as a by-product of your daily recordkeeping activity.
Download a product brochure here.
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| GIS Report Portals |
CropTrak Mobile Software |
CropTrak Timesheet Software |
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Download these videos here.
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 | The Field Data form is typically used to enter data related to crop quality, pest, disease and key growth stage variables. Users select a location reference such as a ranch name and block, or field number. Variables are then quantified based on the specification that is established using the desktop software. If the variable is set up to require an integer quantity or a value between an expected maximum and minimum, the software will provide the necessary validation. This structuring of the data entry ensures a high degree of accuracy and confidence. The data type of the Quantity field even permits date values. Data from this form can include GPS coordinates and attached digital images. |  | The Field Observation form offers an alternate interface to the Field Data form. This form is designed to allow the user to quantify multiple variables in rapid succession that are attributed to the same location. The use will again select a ranch and block or field number – this reference is then retained while the user successively selects and then quantifies the observation variables from the list- as shown. |  | The Field Treatment form is used to track nutrient, irrigation and chemical applications. To streamline data entry a user will select a ranch reference and then successively select block or field numbers. Multiple selections are made and the quantity that is entered for a particular product application is then distributed across the selected blocks using proportional, equal or no allocation logic. Proportional allocation is based or the area (acreage typically) of each block. If a work order management system is used to track applications then this reference can be used. | | 
 | The Timesheet form is a key component in tracking resource usage in the field. The form provides a channel for capturing: · what task is performed, · by whom, · where the task was performed, · how long the task took and · whether the task is coded according to any special criteria (like overtime). This information is then allocated according to the chosen method. This level of detail is achieved under the normal administrative overhead of timesheet record-keeping for field crews. Crew members we selected from a list of workers to provide flexibility in accounting for the dynamic nature of the workforce. Note that a similar form is available to track resource usage and allocation at a crew or contract service provider level – without the need to track the timesheet of each individual. The Timesheet form includes tab separated components to capture data for equipment, material and treatment usage details. When these tabs are used the primary location allocation selections are retained to assist efficient data entry and increase the convenience of being able to account fully for all in-field operations. |  | The Timesheet form is extended to provide a mechanism for users to quantify any equipment usage that is consumed by the labor crew in association with the assigned task. This resource usage is also appropriately allocated across multiple blocks at a time. A crew may use several equipment items at a time - this data is easily entered. |  | The Field Treatment form is also implemented as a tab selection option on the timesheet. This capability ensures that a comprehensive accounting for labor, material and equipment use is convenient, efficient and available in one place in the application. |
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The Field Observation Category Details form is used to specify the variables that system users will track within the farming operation. This setup typically includes structured observations used to quantify pests, diseases, qualitative factors, environmental management initiatives, yield estimates and other audit type content. Users can specify how the data should be assessed by classifying whether the data entry will provide pre-defined response selections or make use of formatted data like an integer, decimal or date value. An expected range for the data can further ensure the highest possible accuracy when the data entry forms are completed. |
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The Field Observation form is used to manage field records that are entered in response to quality assessment, pest and disease monitoring and other audit related functions. The form allows the user to filter and search for data, edit existing data or enter new records. Data shown in the data grid on the form can be conveniently exported to Excel at the click of a button. Data presented here is typically captured in the field using a similar form in the companion mobile software. |
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The Timesheet Details form is used to track daily timesheets of field crews. Data is entered by:
· defining the start and stop time of the work shift,
· the activity that the crew members are performing,
· which crew members are performing the activity (i.e. dynamic crews),
· where the activity is performed and
· the duration of the activity.
Data is entered for multiple crew members at a time and allocation methods are used to distribute time across the fields or blocks where the activity is performed. Note that this form allows equipment and material resource use to be quantified as well. |
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The Timesheet Summary form is used to show timesheet data for each individual crew member using a specified pay period ending date. Data for each day is shown cumulatively and in accordance with any regular time or overtime designation. The output provides a detailed view of what the crew member has done during the pay period and the hours worked each day. The results can be optionally digitally signed for acceptance purposes. There is also a convenient export to Excel feature to allow simple integration with employee payroll management systems.
A similar form is available for tracking resource usage at a crew or contract service provider level. |
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Our portal based business intelligence reporting systems combine geographic and analytical data in a secure framework that easily allows users to find, compare and analyze productivity, quality and regulatory issues across field operations. Content is retrieved from the database that the CropTraktm desktop and mobile software connect to - this ensures that the latest field data is presented evey time reports are accessed.
Our report templates are customized to meet the needs of each organization to ensure that specific terminology and unique business processes are incorporated into the geographic data visualization.
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The use of geographic layout information to assist data reporting begins with a Base Map. This generally consists of an outline of the farmed area on a property. Additional geographic layers such as aerial images are frequently included to assist orientation and familiarization. Specialized aerial images that are derived from infrared sensor equipment, called NDVI's, are also used to assist analysis and crop condition assessment.
The example shown here includes multiple aerial images layered in the presentation as well as a layer that shows important infrastructure assets. The CropTraktm mobile software can be used in conjunction with a GPS receiver to document the location and type of field asset. Users in the field might fill out a field observation indicating a pest trap or erosion control installation and this point information will automatically be added to the Base Map without requiring technical GIS services. Field data can include attachment of digital images that are then displayed through the Base Map interface. This template and others, provides a print function that exports the map view to a PDF file.
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The Labor Allocation report is used in conjunction with the electronic timesheet function, available in the CropTraktm desktop and mobile software. The timesheet data entry form captures individual (or crew) level task, location and duration information. This data is used to distill the cumulative labor (and other resources) used per unit of production - this could be labor hours per ton, hours per acre, minutes per vine or other similar measure like $$/ton. The breakdown of the cumulative labor use is detailed in the floating charts shown in the example. In many cases the CropTraktm system is integrated with additional supply chain management systems that complete the entire supply chain traceability equation. This report is then used extensively to ensure that farming operations are matched to the desired finished product and farming operations can be tracked in real time to ensure that resources are appropriately committed (sometimes referred to as avoiding "over farming"). This report is capable of showing what acreage in a farming operation is the most profitable (ROI). |
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The Harvest Management report is used to accelerate information flow during harvest. The interface presents maturity data that is used to make decisions about what areas to harvest and when. Resources can be coordinated to perform pre-harvest quality assurance sampling. The report is updated with real-time harvest crew progress so that users can see where harvest activity is complete (or partially complete) and understand the effort remaining. The report also serves as a barometer to ensure that crop maturity does not exceed specified quality parameters. |
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The Acreage Allocation report is used to track the intended use or processing destination of the crop to a row level*. This report is typically used by farming companies that grow under contract for multiple downstream producers. The report shows the acreage that has been committed and the entity holding the contract. Drill-down functionality provides estimated yield expected for delivery to each contract holder. A companion report is used to show the uncommitted acreage (for example - Grapes Available).
This template provides a mechanism for driving custom farming decision-making to meet the needs of the contract specification. Content is combined with yield estimate data to communicate to the contract holder the estimated tonnage of crop that can be expected at harvest. Yield estimate data is also used to advertise unallocated crop quantity so that a detailed availability schedule can be published.
* Note that maps that show crop rows are often auto-generated by using GIS software - the only data needed to accomplish this is the row spacing and row orientation. Once the first row is "drawn" then all parallel rows are filled in by the software.
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Reporting options include a detailed Irrigation Management template. Data showing crop stress factors is combined with cumulative weekly irrigation information to assist scheduling decisions. The example shown is an illustration of the dynamically generated PDF output that is obtained at the click of a button from the portal interface. The tabular summary data and the map content are derived from real-time field data. Summary tabular data can include total irrigation to date expressed as gallons per vine or as an alternate irrigation efficiency index (e.g. gallons per ton at harvest). This report is a key component of sustainable practice certification documentation. |
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The Treatment Details report provides a map based reference for tracking nutrient and pest management chemical product applications. Users can tell at a glance whether any areas of a property are off limits or facing other restrictions based on the label requirements associated with a particular product. The report can be configured to provide visual notification of any manufacturer recommended re-application. This reporting function is also closely tied to record-keeping necessary for sustainable practice certification documentation. |
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The Cumulative Toxicity report is an extension of the Treatment Management report. This content is derived from the Lodi Winegrape Commission Pesticide Environmental Assessment System (PEAS) program. The host organization can establish cumulative toxicity indicators that set impact targets - the intension is to assist product selection that does not exceed the established thresholds. The example shown here is based on the PDF export function available through the portal interface. Note the pie charts that indicate the contribution to the cumulative toxicity score that is attributed to each applied product. |
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The CropTraktm desktop software includes convenient and simple report delivery functions that vary from a single click data export to an interface that allows field measurements to be selected for inclusion in a report. Users choose items from a list and "add" them to the required report. Once the report content list has been created the output is delivered conveniently to Excel. |
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The CropTraktm desktop software also includes an advanced report builder. This interface provides advanced capability to build sophisticated output by combining data from multiple tables, performing sorting, filtering and calculation functions. The template that is used to build the report can be saved and shared with other users. This capability ensures that an almost unlimited number of reports can be configured to meet the needs of any organization and specific local terminology. |
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