Q&A: Huge leap forward in world of farm management software – Farmers Guide

What makes Omnia different to other farm management systems?

Since its launch as a precision mapping system eight years ago, the platform has evolved into a broader digital farming system offering a range of valuable and user-friendly business modules such as cost of production, yield mapping, rotational planning and carbon mapping tools.

Hutchinsons has listened to the comments and requests made by farmers, and created a series of upgrades which allow for complete paperless record keeping and work management, setting a new standard for farm management technology in the UK.

With its user-friendly interface and unparalleled functionality, the EasyPlan upgrade underlines Hutchinsons’ focus on innovation and excellence and unwavering commitment and vision for Omnia.

It’s a British system for British farmers, and one not currently offered by any other precision software provider.

Tell us more about the latest upgrades

The first upgrade is a significant extension of the current Field Diary into a fully comprehensive farm management system. It is now possible to digitally plan and record all live field operations from rolling through to spraying with the new task management functionality. With a calendar view for task planning, multiple plans can be combined into a single task which can be logged in a specific area for operators to access.

As with previous Omnia functionality, this is compatible with the most popular machines and platforms, and it can be accessed online from any device (although for those that want to run a paper-based system this is still possible). These field records are then automatically shown within the existing Production module, to allow complete gross margin analysis.

The second upgrade is in relation to stock management, with the addition of real-time stock management. The upgraded module allows for a real-time, feature rich, stock management system for keeping track of orders and physical inventory based on what is actually being used.

The third, and very exciting, element is the addition of a completely new module – Spray Plan. This allows users to create spray plans which, depending on the level of subscription account, can then be audited by Hutchinsons’ new and bespoke HALO crop protection (CP) database to ensure it meets regulatory compliance.

HALO uses the industry standard regulatory data as its core, which is checked, updated and enhanced daily by Hutchinsons’ in-house technical experts.

Users now have the ability to write their own spray recommendations, with the system providing the vital information needed at the touch of a screen.

How much extra will Omnia subscribers have to pay?

Omnia currently offers three different subscription levels – Access, Field Manager and Business Manager.

An Omnia Access account will remain free, and allows farmers to experience some limited functionality, including annual cropping plans, farm maps and visualising yield data. It does not allow access to the latest Field Diary, Stock Management or Spray Plan modules, or the HALO CP audit.

A Field Manager account will remain at the current subscription price (£3.15/ha), but will also allow access to the Field Diary, Stock Management and the Spray Plan modules.

A Business Manager account will also remain at the same price currently paid by subscribers (£6/ha), but will have the added benefit of the Field Diary, Stock Management and Spray Plan modules, as well as the HALO CP audit.

So, users will be receiving a significant level of additional benefits, for no extra cost.

Can you guarantee the security of farm data?

Data security and governance have been a major focus of the upgrade.

Omnia is now the first system ever with both an ISO 27001 ‘Information Security Management’ and Farm Data Principles certifications – the belt and braces of data security.

These two schemes are evidence of the robust policies and procedures followed by Hutchinsons to govern and protect data and gives users full control over the access to their data and account security. Additional new functionality provides the ability to manage access and permissions for others on the account, such as farm staff.

All farm data belongs to the account holder, and no data will be accessed or used by Hutchinsons without permission.

Are any further upgrades planned?

The Omnia Scout app will be upgraded this summer to bring some of this new functionality into farmers’ pockets. The update allows operators to view and complete tasks in the field, along with providing an interactive tank mix tool for spray plans to help operators with product and water requirements. This is one of the many updates Omnia has planned to enhance functionality over the coming months.

How can farmers find out more information?

Hutchinsons will be returning to the Cereals Event this year, where the team will be demonstrating the latest Omnia EasyPlan upgrade to visitors. Farmers are welcome to chat with the team, or alternatively speak to any Hutchinsons agronomist or Omnia specialist and discover how Omnia can improve the profitability and long term sustainability of their farm business.