A SMART app designed specifically for the agricultural industry launched in South Australia recently and is set to transform the way SA farmers and growers manage land, staff and operations.
Onside, developed by New Zealand Agritech start-up by the same name, has around 35,000 registered users across a variety of agricultural sectors including wine, fruit and cattle in its home market.
Driven by the similarities of the agricultural landscapes in South Australia, Onside determined the state was an ideal starting point to introduce the app in Australia, offering agribusiness owners and managers a more efficient way to manage operations.
The Onside app provides agribusinesses with networked digital information and functionalities to simplify the complexity of operations, improve operational efficiency, assist with compliance, revolutionise biosecurity and enhance worker safety.
Onside streamlines complex functions to help save time and money while securing lives and livelihoods by integrating the following in one smartphone app:
- check-in and check-out applications
- team coordination
- task pinpointing
- time sheeting
- incident logging
- disease control and
- hazard identification
Onside co-founder and CEO, Ryan Higgs, understands the challenges of managing rural properties and said Onside is a digital toolkit that revolutionises the efficiency of agribusiness.
“I experienced first-hand how difficult it was to keep track of who was on our farms, what they were doing, how to get in touch with them and whether they had all the information they required,” Mr Higgs said, recalling how Onside began six years ago.
“What started out as a simple check-in, visitor management and health and safety tool has since evolved into a comprehensive operations app for all rural sectors that cuts down on paperwork and provides real time crucial information on everything that is happening on the property.
“As the app evolved it became clear that our mission was to transform agri-efficiency – because an efficient primary production sector is the key to prosperity for all,” he said.
The platform is designed specifically for the agricultural industry and can be used in all rural sectors, including viticulture, horticulture, agriculture and contracting businesses servicing the rural sector.
“South Australia’s diversity in agribusiness was what really attracted us to starting our Australian journey here – from grapes, almonds, citrus and other fruit through to cattle and livestock, we look forward to working with local producers and simplifying the complexity of agricultural operations,” Mr Higgs said.
“Large scale vineyards are reaping the benefits of Onside, particularly at busy times of year such as harvest, when there are typically extra staff on the property.
“The app allows managers to ensure everyone is accounted for, and aware of any hazards. It also allows critical information to be available from the palm of your hand at any time.”
