Cost Sharing Makes the Use of Advanced Data Analysis Software Possible

Spatial Data Analysis

"Today, spatial data analysis with GIS software is a solution that makes more sense than ever before", says Dr. Martina Janßen from the VDMA Agricultural Machinery Association. Since its introduction in 2006, the Agricultural Machinery Association has been expanding its WebGIS software, which gives its tractor manufacturers access to modern data analysis methods. Janßen has been in charge of the project since 2015: "The manufacturers are very grateful for the program. We take care of the very elaborate preparatory work that would otherwise have to be done by each of the ten manufacturers involved. This saves a lot of time and money. With our help, the cost sharing dramatically reduces the costs for each manufacturer. Thus, manufacturers who might otherwise shy away from such new technology can also take advantage of the benefits it offers."

Data Preparation for WebGIS Software

Specifically, this means: The VDMA buys the registration data and prepares it centrally. “The registration numbers have to be checked every month and, if necessary, adjusted. For example, different information is given about models or performance classes. The analyses also require agricultural structure data that has to be collected and processed from different sources. Each of the ten manufacturers who use WebGIS would have to carry out these very complex processes themselves. We take care of it all for our member companies,” says Janßen. In addition to the data pool, the framework and analysis logic of WebGIS is available to everyone. And this is how it works:

A Platform for Completely Separate Systems

The WebGIS software combines general registration data, potential data and geodata. The software alalyzes this data spatially and visualizes the results on a map. Each manufacturer has their own secure system. This means that manufacturer A can not see how manufacturer B uses the WebGIS and what in-house information they add. Such information may include, for example, sales and service areas.

WebGIS Optimizes Sales and Service Activities

With WebGIS, the tractor manufacturers optimize their own activities in the area of sales and service structures. “The tractor business is a very local business. Proximity to the dealership is extremely important to farmers, for example so they can get spare parts as fast as possible during harvest time. GIS makes spatial relationships, such as distance between farmer and dealership, the basis of every analysis. That is why WebGIS is ideal for the sales and service area and dealership network planning for tractor manufacturers,” explains Janßen.

High Satisfaction Leads to Further Expansion

German tractor manufacturers are very satisfied with the software. Therefore, work is currently being done to further internationalize it. The registration data from several European countries is being added. In addition, the WebGIS should also be made available to companies of the manufacturers located in other countries. “We are very satisfied with the system and the support provided by WIGeoGIS.” There are not many providers that offer geomarketing and GIS services like the ones we need. The system encompasses a wide range of global data. This data can be entered into the system in different ways. Each manufacturer can also upload their own data to their own system and integrate it into their analyses", says Dr. Martina Janßen. Since WebGIS works so well for the tractor manufacturers, a similar system based on the same principle is now also being started for other agricultural equipment manufacturers.