How Case IH keeps an eye on your tractor from afar

In October 2022, Dutch Case IH dealer Oosterhof in the Netherlands established the first Connect Room in the Benelux, a service hub of machine manufacturer CNHi. Through this system, the dealer can remotely monitor machines and identify if any issues need resolution or service. According to owner Erwin Oosterhof, digitally monitoring tractors remotely is the future.

The workshop manager, via Connect Room, remains connected to Case IH and Steyr tractors in the region, receiving error and maintenance notifications on their computer screen. Yellow notifications indicate minor warnings, gray suggests maintenance is due soon, while red signals an immediate problem requiring action.

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Dealers from reactive to proactive

Connect Room aims to transition dealers from reactive to proactive customer support. The workshop manager monitors tractor settings online, alerting customers to any immediate issues or scheduling them for service.

The system enables dealers to act swiftly. Connected tractors feature AFS (Advanced Farming Systems) software, facilitating the management, viewing, and editing of precision farming data collected by AFS equipment.

The Connect Room, equipped with multiple screens, serves as the workshop manager’s office. Screen 1 displays the workshop schedule, Screen 2 shows a Google Maps map with tractor locations, and Screen 3 presents service notifications and serves as a parts lookup tool. At Oosterhof, workshop manager Peter Evenhuis, being the most experienced, has taken on this role.

Providing service and preventing downtime

In addition to providing proactive insight into repair or maintenance status, Connect Room serves another crucial purpose that Case IH aims to achieve. It simplifies the entire process of delivery, service provision, and maintenance. A dealer can remotely diagnose a tractor, connect to its display, and take action without physically being present. This ensures the tractor remains in good condition without interrupting the user’s work in the field. By doing so, downtime is minimized as much as possible.

Due to privacy concerns, customers sign an End-user License Agreement (Eula), granting a chosen dealer permission to monitor their tractor. Customers also receive an AFS account to monitor their tractor’s status.

By purchasing a connectivity modem, even older tractors can be equipped with the system (costing around € 1,200). The service subscription is free for the first three years after purchasing a Telematics-equipped tractor. Afterward, an annual fee of € 150 applies.

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Machines under constant surveillance 24/7

Workshop manager Peter Evenhuis is pleased with the Connect Room. In just nine months, the dealer has connected and digitally mapped 35 tractors, a commendable outcome. With all these high-tech solutions in place, the provision of preventive maintenance and service has improved, according to the workshop manager. As soon as a warning comes in on the computer or phone, he can take immediate action, minimizing tractor downtime. Connect Room monitors the status of the machines around the clock, seven days a week.

As an example, last summer, an email and SMS alert came through to the workshop manager’s phone. It turned out there was an issue with a tractor. It was parked in front of the irrigation pump on a hot day and was overheating. Since there was no driver nearby to notice, nobody was aware of the situation. The dealer received a warning and promptly contacted the customer. Subsequently, the tractor was inspected, and the radiator was cleaned.

Making things easier

Oosterhof states that around 95% of connected customers are positive about this digital method of monitoring. Customers no longer need to check if their tractor needs maintenance, saving them time and energy. Moreover, the dealer knows exactly the condition of the tractor, the issues it has had, and which parts need replacement.