Foremen are often portrayed as being old-fashioned, lacking in technological skills, and resistant to change, which can pose challenges during the digital transformation of a farm. However, their innate intelligence and resourcefulness ultimately facilitate rather than obstruct the digitalization process on the farm.
I have seen, more often than not, foremen surprising managers with how quickly they can adapt and start using technology. Instances such as those at Nissen Vineyards, where they did not want to revert to using paper (as seen in this video), or our successful onboarding of 53 foremen within just 2 weeks to monitor their crews' time and attendance in Hawaii, along with many other successful deployments, prove that it is possible and not as difficult as we may believe.
However, let me be clear, it is not a simple process. Any behavior change requires a level of commitment and effort. Yet, there are several strategies that can significantly facilitate your farm's digital transformation. Here are a few:
Securing Buy-In from Leadership
Securing buy-in from farm managers and directors: If the leadership does not recognize the benefits and efficiency gains of digital change, it becomes challenging to garner enthusiasm from foremen.
Ensuring Clarity and Simplicity
Ensuring clarity and simplicity during the transition phase is essential: From initial training to continuous follow-up during the first weeks, addressing questions, and clarifying any concerns the foremen may have, every step leading to the final goal should be meticulously planned. This approach ensures that everyone feels at ease with the changes implemented.
Understanding Software Platform Requirements
Understanding the software platform's requirements is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness in farm operations (See our post about Farming in the Digital Age: 10 Tips for Software Selection). The platform must prioritize foremen's needs, including considerations such as:
- Usability in open areas
- Simplicity for non-tech-savvy users
- Visual cues
- Accommodation for the usage of gloves
- Language preferences
- Offline functionality to mitigate poor cell signal issues
It's crucial to remember that foremen have a multitude of tasks, and data collection should seamlessly integrate with their workflow.
The Real Challenge
In my seven years of experience with HeavyConnect, I've found that the most challenging aspect isn't teaching foremen to use the new system. Instead, it's convincing the farm to embrace change. Once this decision is made, close collaboration with a software provider like us becomes essential to craft a tailored plan that meets the organization's specific needs.
By Leonel Junior, CTO at HeavyConnect.
