Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers Research Articles

The Digital Transformation Path of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing Industry from the Perspective of Smart Agriculture

The Digital Transformation Path of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing Industry from the Perspective of Smart Agriculture

A model to access the productivity of an agricultural implements consortium: a case study

Purpose This work presents the results of a case study aimed at revitalizing an agricultural equipment manufacturing consortium facing prolonged losses. The purpose of this paper is to enhance productivity and profitability by identifying and eliminating waste within the manufacturing processes. The study uses lean principles and tools to achieve this objective. Design/methodology/approach The study begins with the creation of a questionnaire, administered to the consortium to gather insights. The questionnaire responses serve as a foundation for pinpointing critical areas in need of immediate attention. To tackle the challenge of demand forecasting without customer data, a demand forecasting model is introduced. Value stream mapping (VSM) is used to identify and highlight process inefficiencies and waste. The findings are further analyzed using a Pareto chart to prioritize waste reduction efforts. Based on these insights, the study proposes alternative manufacturing methods and waste elimination strategies. A multiphase lean framework is developed as a step-by-step roadmap for implementing lean manufacturing. Findings The study identifies a broken process flow within the consortium’s manufacturing processes and highlights areas of waste through VSM. The Pareto chart analysis reveals the most significant waste areas requiring immediate intervention. Recommendations for process improvements and waste reduction strategies are provided to the consortium. Originality/value This study contributes to the field by applying lean principles and tools to address the unique challenges faced by an agricultural equipment manufacturing consortium. The integration of a demand forecasting model and the development of a multiphase lean framework offer innovative approaches to enhancing productivity and profitability in this context.

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

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

Robots addressing agricultural labour shortages and environmental issues

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide details of recent developments in agricultural robots with an emphasis of those that address labour shortages and environmental issues.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an introduction which highlights some of the challenges facing the agricultural industry, this discusses recent robotic agricultural vehicle developments and the enabling technologies. It then provides examples of terrestrial and airborne robots employed in precision agricultural practices. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.FindingsTraditional, labour-intensive and environmentally harmful agricultural practices are not sustainable in the long term, and if food supply is to meet future demand, radical changes will be required. Exploiting recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), agricultural equipment manufacturers are developing robotic vehicles in response to labour shortages. Precision agricultural practices will mitigate many of the detrimental environmental impacts and can also reduce the reliance on manpower. Weeding robots which reduce or eliminate the use of herbicides have been commercialised by a growing number of companies and again exploit AI techniques. Drones equipped with imaging device are playing an increasingly important role by characterising agricultural and crop conditions, thereby allowing highly targeted agrochemical application.Originality/valueThis illustrates how the agricultural industry is adopting robotic technology in response to the need to increased productivity while mitigating the problems of shortages of labour and environmental degradation.

Research on Pattern Matching of Dynamic Sustainable Procurement Decision-Making for Agricultural Machinery Equipment Parts

With the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry and the diversification of production methods of agricultural machinery and equipment, external purchase, external coordination, and self-made products continue to increase. If agricultural machinery manufacturing enterprises want to maintain maximum benefits in the fierce competition, they must pay attention to the collaborative procurement decision-making model and the relationship between production, supply, and marketing, and seek a comprehensive dynamic sustainable procurement strategy under the supply chain environment. In this paper, from the manufacturers of agricultural machinery manufacturing enterprises, firstly, three procurement strategies based on line-side inventory supply, third-party logistics supply, and dynamic sustainable supply are studied respectively, while a system dynamics model of collaborative procurement strategy for the agricultural machinery supply chain is constructed and the three procurement strategy models are simulated and analyzed Secondly, the simulation results are analyzed to establish the measurement indexes for evaluating sustainable procurement model matching, and a procurement model matching measurement model based on the topological superiority of object elements combined with the topological hierarchical analysis method and CRITIC comprehensive assignment method is proposed to determine the index weights. And using the correlation function calculation, we get the comprehensive superiority ranking of procurement patterns and the correlation comparison of individual indicators and output the optimal procurement matching pattern and pattern recognition degree. Finally, an application example is given to verify the correctness and practicability of the proposed decision-making model, to provide a qualitative and quantitative dynamic sustainable procurement multi-attribute decision-making tool for the procurement management of agricultural machinery equipment manufacturing enterprises.

Developing a Conceptual Partner Matching Framework for Digital Green Innovation of Agricultural High-End Equipment Manufacturing System Toward Agriculture 5.0: A Novel Niche Field Model Combined With Fuzzy VIKOR.

Digital green innovation (DGI) is the core factor that affects the digitalization and decarbonization strategy of agricultural high-end equipment manufacturing (AHEM) system. Although AHEM enterprises actively cooperate with academic research institutes to develop agricultural high-end equipment, there are many obstacles in the process of DGI. Moreover, the integration of digital technology and green innovation from the perspective of partner matching for the AHEM system has not been fully introduced in current literature. Hence, this study aimed to (i) establish a suitable framework system for the AHEM system in general, (ii) quantify the selection of DGI by academic research institutions based on niche theory, and (iii) propose an extended niche field model combined with fuzzy VIKOR model. First, a theoretical framework consisting of three core elements of technology superposition, mutual benefit, and mutual trust, and technological complementarity was constructed based on niche intensity and niche overlap degree. DGI ability superposition of technology, mutual trust, and technical complementarity are beneficial for transferring DGI knowledge from academic research institutes to the AHEM industry. Second, triangle fuzzy number and prospect theory combined with the VIKOR method were introduced into the field theory to construct the complementary field model of DGI resources. The niche field model has been successfully applied to practical cases to illustrate how the model can be implemented to solve the problem of DGI partner selection. Third, the results of a case study show that the criteria framework and the niche field model can be applied to real-world partner selection for AHEM enterprises. This study not only puts forward the standard framework of niche fitness evaluation based on niche theory but also establishes the niche domain model of innovation partner selection management based on niche theory. The standard framework and novel niche field model can help enterprises to carry out digital green innovation in the development of high-end agricultural equipment. The study has the following theoretical and practical implications: (i) constructing a criteria framework based on niche theory; (ii) developing a novel niche field model for DGI partner selection of AHEM enterprises; and (iii) assisting AHEM enterprises to perform DGI practice.

Cloud Service Optimization Method Based on Dynamic Artificial Ant-Bee Colony Algorithm in Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing

In view of the miniaturization and decentralization characteristics of agricultural equipment factories in China, agricultural equipment manufacturing is well suited to the cloud manufacturing model, but there is no specific research on cloud services optimization for it. To fill the research gap, a cloud service optimization method is proposed in this paper. For the optimization model, the dynamic coefficient strategy and the reliability feedback update strategy are added to the mathematical model to strengthen the applicability of farming season. As optimization algorithm, a dynamic artificial ant-bee colony algorithm (DAABA) based on artificial ant colony algorithm and bee colony algorithm is presented. The optimal fusion evaluation strategy is used to save optimization time by reducing the useless iteration, and the iterative adjustment threshold strategy is adopted to improve the accuracy of cloud service by increasing the size of bee colony. Finally, the performance of DAABA is verified to be more superior by comparing with other algorithms.

Determinants of Sustainable Business with Respect to Agricultural Engineering Manufacturing Companies

Agricultural machinery and equipment manufacturing companies are the integral part of the Agri business sector in India. They play a key role in agricultural development of our country. In the emerging need of buyers’ market, business sustainability plays an important role in the area of Agricultural Engineering Manufacturing Companies. This empirical research aims to identify and address the factors influencing business sustainability of Agri Engineering Manufacturing Companies of Karnataka, India. A pilot study has been conducted to identify the most influencing factors of Agri Engineering Manufacturing Companies. Pilot study result shows that, entrepreneurial competency, business model and innovation are the key influencing factors of business sustainability. As a part of demographic profile analysis, age group of the entrepreneurs, level of education of entrepreneurs, their business tenure, annual turnover and annual profit have been analyzed to ascertain their impact on business sustainability. It is suggested to the entrepreneurs to attend technical training sessions, leadership skills and personality development training programs to enhance their entrepreneurial competencies for business sustainability. It is also required to adopt suitable business model and innovation for business sustainability. However, the additional factors influencing the business sustainability of Agri Engineering Manufacturing Companies would be addressed during further research.

Machine-Tractor Aggregates Operation Assurance by Mobile Maintenance Teams

operability of machine-tractor aggregates (MTA) is ensured by purposeful activity of maintenance and repair performers. MTAs operation assurance can provide achievement of absolutely different goals. For further development of technical service formation concept concretization in the part of determining locations of maintenance and repair performers and their area of expertise is suggested, as well as of arising peculiarities of equipment. The theoretical task is reduced to the type of tasks of distribution of recourses or transportation tasks. Mobile maintenance teams of regional agricultural equipment manufacturers’ dealers have experience of technical service performance. The formed stream of requests from agricultural plants determines the direction of correcting of existing theoretical provisions, confirming necessity of further development of centralized method of technical service by efforts and means of manufacturers’ dealers.

Axiomatic Design Principle Based Rapid Gearbox Design for Large Wheeled Tractors

Heavy-duty wheeled tractors need high-performance gearboxes to reliably provide multiple velocities for a wide range of farming operations. Facing the competitive market with ever-changing demands, it is advantageous for manufacturers to develop new gearboxes of high quality within a short development cycle. Based on the Axiomatic Design (AD) Principle, a rapid design system is developed for the generation of complex gearboxes of constant-mesh type exclusive for large wheeled tractors. Supported by a knowledge database and an inference engine, the system is designed to render 3D solid models and output the configurational data of the validated gearboxes that meet the requirements specified by the user. The AD-based gearbox design methodology not only improves the design with higher efficiency and lower cost, it also facilitates further digital manufacturing, which helps agricultural equipment manufacturers streamline product development. The rapid design technology reported herein can be readily applied to other types of gearboxes, such as hydraulic torque converters and planetary gears with the same benefits.

Analysis on the symbiosis stability of agricultural equipment manufacturing value network based on Lotka–Volterra

The agricultural equipment manufacturing value network is a symbiotic organization with stability serving as its important sustaining mechanism. Higher stability corresponds with stronger self-sustainability. In light of this, in accordance with the theory of biologic population symbiosis and the internal relationship of agricultural equipment manufacturing value network, the Lotka–Volterra ecosystem dynamic model is established and the enterprise income under the state of stable equilibrium analyzed and compared so as to study the conditions and reasons for their stable symbiosis. The analysis results clearly explain the operational risk of the symbiosis of value network, which could provide a reference for the policy formulation in the agricultural equipment manufacturing enterprises and the positive role of value network organization in advancing the development of agricultural equipment manufacturing.

Russian Market of Agricultural Equipment: Challenges and Opportunities

Agricultural equipment manufacturing is one of the most strategically important sectors of national economyproviding to a large extent food security of the country. The modern society faces food problems, thereforeproblems of agricultural economy development, as well as problems of manufacturing modern agriculturalequipment competitive with foreign analogues; hence, the issue of studying the Russian market of agriculturalequipment is not only of current interest but as well of strategic importance. The article analyzes the condition ofthe Russian agricultural equipment market, which has been critically monopolized today. At the same time,negative tendencies fully formed in its system can exert negative and significant influence on the national foodsecurity (when the customers have no appropriate market choice of agricultural equipment; with vigorous pricemanipulations of the sellers; information failure as well as non-equal terms of market behavior for differentproducers). The authors believe that these tendencies cannot be resolved without active and cautious interferenceof the state specifically into the processes of developing highly competitive business environment. Besides, it isnecessary to work out the concept of accompanying infrastructural developments while manufacturing andmarketing the agricultural equipment; that will optimize the opportunities of the domestic manufacturers.

Factors Influencing the Choice of Promotional Practices of Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing the choice of promotional practices of agricultural equipment manufacturers and its influence on annual sales of agricultural equipments. The consumer focus, demand creation, exposure, familiarity, encouragement, reputation, existence and value creation are the factors determining the choice of promotional practices of agricultural equipments by the manufactures. Besides, the consumer focus, demand creation, familiarity, reputation and value creation are positively influencing the annual sales of agricultural equipments. The manufacturers should formulate the promotional measures not only attract the farmers and also dealers in order to increase the dealership and also sales. The manufacturers should create demand for their equipments through proper promotion mix strategies in order to make stakeholders familiar with their equipments and also keep their reputations.

Structural and competitive determinants of globally oriented small- and medium-sized enterprises: An empirical analysis

This paper examines the factors influencing the internationalization of the activities of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as an entrepreneurial response to the opportunities and threats posed by the increasing globalization of the economic system. Findings from agricultural equipment manufacturers indicate that size, international experience, innovation, and distinctiveness have a direct influence on the degree in internationalization by SMEs. Scanning, learning, and networking have some influence on the extent of internationalization of SME activities but only indirectly through other variables. Competition intensity and uncertainty also have an indirect impact on internationalization, but standardization does not. Relative importance of each determinant is ascertained and the impact of SME internationalization activities on performance is assessed.

Subjecting Cows to Robots: Farming Technologies and the Making of Animal Subjects

Recent representations of human–animal relationships in farming have tended to focus on human experience, and to essentialise animal subjectivity in granting them a centred subjectivity akin to that assumed to be possessed by humans. Instead, this paper develops an understanding of the coproduction of domestic livestock animal subjectivities and the technologies used in farming domestic livestock animals, based on an analysis of texts produced by agricultural scientists, farmers, and equipment manufacturers relating to the effects of introducing new robotic milking technologies into dairy farming. Drawing particularly on Foucault's conceptions of subjectivity and biopower, I explore the emergence of particular forms of bovine subjectivity associated with robotic milking. Through an analysis of a wide range of secondary sources, the paper shows that, although robotic technologies have been presented as offering cows ‘freedom’, better welfare, and a more ‘natural’ experience, other relations of domination come into effect in association with such technologies and their spatialities. These are expressed through the manipulation of animal bodies and behaviours, in expectations that cows move and act in particular ways, and through normalisation and individualisation processes. I argue that nonhuman animal subjectivities in agriculture are thus heterogeneous, fluid, and contingent on specific sets of relationships between animals, humans, and technologies and on specific agricultural microgeographies. The paper ends by acknowledging that these relationships need further empirical exploration in terms of both attempts to understand animals’ changed experiences and ways of being, and their ethical implications in particular situations.

A Data Link for Agricultural and Off-Highway Communications

There is a growing need for data communications in the agricultural and off-highway vehicle industry. An industry-wide search has revealed that there is no standard protocol currently in existence that adequately meets all identified requirements. This paper presents a data communication protocol which was developed to meet the needs of agricultural and off-highway equipment manufacturers.

Local Manufacturing for Small Farms in East Asia

ABSTRACT THE countries of East Asia were at various stages of agricultural mechanization in 1977. The range was from Japan with it's extensive mechanization of agricultural production and processing to Indonesia that was just beginning to introduce a few mechanical implements, such as; power tillers, threshers and dryers. The local manufacturing of agricultural equipment in these East Asian countries varied similarly to the level of agricultural mechanization. The study tour of October-December 1977 to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines was made to investigate the development stage of local manufacturing. Particular attention was given to Japan's agricultural equipment manufacturing industry and the effect it has had in other East Asian countries. It was believed that there were many lessons to be learned from the progress, or in some countries lack of progress, made in the development of local manufacturing. Local manufacturers were selected for visitation with priority given to those producing and marketing the smallest and lowest cost equipment which the small individual farmers could most likely purchase and utilize. All five countries predominately practiced wet-land rice culture on small farms that averaged about one hectare in size so there was a similar agricultural production base. The differences between countries, however, were many, including economics, industrial and agricultural sector development, labor utilization and availability, political and social systems and natural resources.

Procedures for Employee Displacement: Advance Notice of Plant Shutdown

T[~HE development of autonomous procedures for dealing with labor-management problems has been one of the distinctive characteristics of the American industrial-relations system. Pressed by unions, many employers have agreed to explicit procedures governing disciplinary action, the contracting out of work, the determination of production standards, and related matters. Similarly, non-union employers have sometimes decided that due process is the better part of managerial prerogatives and have imposed limitations on the manner in which these rights can be exercised.' In recent years, a growing concern over employee displacement arising from closings has led to further innovation in the procedural aspects of labor relations. In a dynamic economy, changes in technology and market structure have always taken their toll of production facilities that have lost their economic usefulness. Whereas in the past the unit usually suffered a swift, unheralded demise, an impending may now involve a variety of measures to inform, and perhaps comfort, the affected parties. By themselves, these procedures for advance notice of do not alter the economic facts. Considerable evidence reveals, however, that they can contribute to sound labormanagement relations by facilitating an orderly adjustment to employee displacement and by providing a framework for developing other remedial measures. This study is concerned with an analysis of programs for advance notification of employees and their representatives of scheduled permanent shutdowns. The term plant shutdown describes the closing of any physically separable production unit and includes office facilities, telephone exchanges, and railroad installations as well as conventional manufacturing units. In addition, a few cases of partial involving problems similar to those associated with complete closings have been included in the study. Data have been obtained for thirtytwo shutdowns or major dislocations in fifteen firms and two government agencies. The firms include a large chemical company, two oil companies, two agricultural equipment manufacturers, a meat packer, a can company, a manufacturer of electrical equipment, a soap producer, a ladies' garment firm, a telephone company, two railroads, an automobile manufacturer, and an electronics firm. The government agencies are the Veterans Administration, and the Treasury Department's Bureau of Accounts and the Bureau of Public Debt. In twenty-one of the cases, unions repre* This article is largely based on a study made by the authors for the Armour Automation Committee.