Multi-Layer Digital Services Increase Developers’ Requirements to Agriculture IoT Platforms

Abstract

Highlights Digital ecosystems in agriculture enable a new class of digital services that span over several layers of the IoT stack. This work defines digital ecosystems in agriculture based on IoT layers and utilized technologies. An example for a multi-layer digital service is developed, deployed, and tested using the NEVONEX Ecosystem. Surveys reveal software providers require more platform functionalities and early iteration testing on real farms. Abstract. In recent years, digital platforms in agriculture went through a phase of acquisitions and consolidation, where big players like agrochemical companies (Agrichems) and agricultural equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worked on expanding their technology stacks to build strategic portfolios of digital service offerings. To operate farm equipment efficiently, a combination of platforms and technologies is often needed, leading to the emergence of digital Agri-ecosystems. With the rising implementation of IoT technology, digital Agri-ecosystems enable multi-layer digital services and break down established categories (cloud-based and embedded). Content providers and developers creating those digital services face three options: aggregated cloud APIs (application programming interfaces), engineering service providers with proprietary technology stacks, and dedicated IoT ecosystems offering agnostic end-to-end workflows for development and deployment (first known example: NEVONEX). It is not yet fully understood how using an end-to-end IoT ecosystem changes developer requirements in comparison to existing solutions. Therefore, in this study, an example of a multi-layer digital service is developed and tested. Expert interviews (n = 21) explore relevant developer experiences and requirements. A consecutive survey (n = 30; NEVONEX developer conference) validates the findings. Results show that IoT- ecosystems speed up development and deployment cycles, save resources, and improve interoperability in operations. Engineering service providers remain very important players. Partner management, communication, abstraction of interfaces, testing infrastructure, and early end-user input are required by developers. In conclusion, IoT- ecosystems are beneficial for multi-layer digital service development; however, to fully satisfy developers and content providers, adjustments to platform functionalities and better testing opportunities on real farms are needed. Keywords: Automation, Digital Ecosystem, Farm equipment, NEVONEX