Futurist Craig Wing says big data, the Internet of things and blockchain technology will play a key role in business in the future. Those in agriculture definitely stand to benefit from keeping up with the changes.
The efficient use of data could lead to transparency in transactions, massive cost savings for commercial producers, the improvement of smallholder farmer production, and the influencing of public health. However, to use data efficiently, users from big companies down to individuals need to understand big data and other technology, and their potential benefits.
Futurist Craig Wing says big data is “the amalgamation and understanding of different data points in, and through, a business”.
“Businesses generate a lot of data, and more and more data is generated as we move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he says.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the fourth major industrial era since the initial Industrial Revolution of the 18th century. It is a range of new technologies that are merging the physical, digital and biological worlds, and impacts economies and industries.
“For example, a business may have a lot of data on a client, but often doesn’t have a single view to see this data. The question is thus how it uses all the available data to give itself meaningful insight into client behaviour.
“Often businesses don’t even have a single view, and the data flows are poor, giving terrible insight. The categorisation of this data then gives poor input, leading to catastrophic business decisions,” he says.
According to him, Amazon is a good example of a company using data to predict client behaviour, which is then used for the benefit of both company and consumer. Amazon, for instance, looks at an item that was bought and links the consumer to similar products that were bought by other consumers who also bought the first product.
“One must be able to train computers to pick up patterns on client behaviour. Data must create the ability to make better decisions for the business and the client.”
THE INTERNET OF THINGS
Denne historien er fra Farmers Weekly 1 June 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Farmers Weekly 1 June 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
