Blinded by technology

Are we, the fresh produce sector, which is such a key component of agriculture and the overall economy, in danger of losing our focus?

Your answer to that question may well lie in another one: what is your focus?

It depends on where you stand. Are you a grower or part of the management team of a fresh product market? A market agent or a broker? The owner of a wholesale business, transport company or retail store? Each of these people could reel off a long list of answers particular to them and all would be valid.

THE DIGITAL CONUNDRUM

In an age of breathtaking digital technology expansion, the fresh-produce business finds itself increasingly entwined in super-fast, available-to-all applications. This is not a bad thing when correctly applied, and addresses many of the challenges we face. But have we already become overly dependent on it without realising it?

The downside could be a loss of focus. People may be so caught up in all this ‘magic stuff’ that they are in danger of losing their focus of the main issues. With technology doing almost everything for us and making our lives so much easier, it’s easy to succumb to its persuasive ways.

QUALITY

There is at least one overriding factor that no amount of technology can disrupt, and this is the all-important matter of quality. This has been with

transparent screens to enhance overall operator visibility and access to at-a-glance information,” notes CNH. “This customercentric design is focused on reducing operator fatigue and improving overall productivity.”

hybrid power system

The Steyr Konzept features an innovative series-hybrid power system developed by FPT Industrial, whereby the diesel engine, a compact 4,5-litre, four-cylinder unit, operates as an energy generator and charges batteries. The engine is not connected to the wheels; instead, traction is provided by four independent electric motors installed in the wheel hubs and powered by the generator/ batteries. Depending on the application, the tractor can use up to 10% less fuel than if purely diesel-powered.

According to CNH Industrial, the process to develop the concept model served as an important investigation into the future of tractor design that “blends a unique combination of technologies and functionality into an environmentally friendly, efficient and fully functional machine”. – Staff reporter

• For more information on the equipment in this report, email Denene Erasmus at denene@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Equipment.