CNHi becomes GPS superpower
Largest RTK network grows 50 systems per day
CNH Industrial (CNHi), the company that also includes New Holland, Case IH and Steyr, has arguably the largest RTK GPS network in the world. The number of users is increasing daily. There is a huge service device behind this. Boerenbusiness got a unique look behind the scenes.
CNHi is relatively new to GPS. In the Netherlands, the company started offering an RTK GPS signal in 2006. Initially only in Zeeland, but under New Holland's leadership, a nationwide network was built (consisting of 120 radio base stations). Now the use of a correction signal via the GSM network is taking over.
Growth does not level off
Worldwide, the CNHi network has more than 6.000 subscriptions (systems). More than 3.250 of these work with a CNHi SIM card. It works with multiple providers and has enough data for 1 year. However, the distribution is remarkable.
With 5.000 subscriptions, Europe is by far the most important market. Then North America and Japan follow. The number of subscribers increases by 50 per week, of which 40 are European installations. "Our idea was that the number of new installations would level off, but that is not happening for the time being. It is estimated that we will reach the limit of 2018 subscribers by the end of 10.000," explains Michiel Jochims.
At CHNi, Jochims is responsible for the RTK network in Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Exact numbers are not available, but we think we are one of the biggest. Perhaps the market leader. I estimate that our competitor VRS-Now has about 4.000 subscribers on their NTRIP VRS-Now account."
In the Netherlands, approximately 75% of New Holland and Case IH users use the radio network and 25% use the mobile phone network. Slowly those percentages are tilting. The radio network has a number of disadvantages. The signal often changes frequency and the transmission power is limited. When using the signal, the user is forced to switch frequencies when he gets out of range of his base station.
A 100% nationwide network is also a utopia, because the use of GPS for agricultural purposes does not exist in urban areas. No base stations are placed here. Perhaps the biggest advantage for CNHi is maintenance costs. "These amount to €8.000 to €9.000 per network base station, times 120 units", says service manager Jan van der Leck. "The lifespan of 1 base station is approximately 10 years. We will still replace broken systems, but for how long? We also look at the region and the importance for the customer."
European network
"Offering an RTK network is a marketing tool for us", Jochims admits honestly. "Service to the customer, from which we do not earn money. If the costs are covered, we are satisfied. The dealer earns from it. They charge their own rate for the radio signal, which varies from €0 to €350 per system. significant differences, which also known are with users. We charge a fixed rate of €450 per system for the GSM signal. This is €300 for the correction signal and €150 for the data card that can be used throughout Europe. This allows the customer to drive from Southern to Northern Europe on 1 network. That's unique. From the 100 hp T6, we can equip all tractors, up to the T9 articulated tractor, with an RTK system ex works."
450
euro
Dutch data center
Behind the RTK network is a huge service device. As of 2018, CNHi's European server is located in Microsoft's data center in Amsterdam. The company rents 4 locations worldwide. "The data is stored on 65 computers, called 'virtual machines'. There are 1 base stations on 80 such machine," Jochims outlines. "Everything is done twice, which means that the number of failures is noticeably lower. At €4.000 per computer, these costs alone amount to €260.000 per year. We have 1.200 base stations worldwide, with an investment of €10.000 to €20.000 each. By the end of 2018 we will be grown to 2.000 stations; there is still a lot to develop in North America, among others."
The software behind the RTK network is what they are most proud of at CNHi. "All RTK systems can be followed via a live map", Jochims shows on a large TV. "We developed this system together with the German company Geo++. The costs: several million. We only work with KPN for the SIM cards. They are the only provider that gives us access to the data. This way our service employees can follow the entire process. From the signal to the station, the SIM card and the system on the tractor or machine, otherwise different parties will point at each other and send the customer from pillar to post. I think we are unique in this. The responsibility lies with A to Z at CNHi."
Privacy Policy
Michael Mahieu is an RTK network analyst at CNHi and closely involved in the European helpdesk located in Zedelgem (B). "We monitor live with the customer via our software. The customer and dealer can log in to this via an app," he explains. "We can't follow the tractor terminal live yet, but that's the next step. Helpdesk employees now have a dummy screen. This way they can rehearse the actions with the customer on the line. The government demands that you are not allowed to store data. However, we can't provide service like this, so we store data for 3 months. If the customer has recurring problems, we can see it in the system. After that period, the data will be automatically deleted, just like when you cancel the subscription Mahieu said.
“The RTK network is within the PLM (Precision Land Management) branch of CNHi and stands alone,” added Jochims. "Within the group, customer data is not moved. We manage everything ourselves and have our own vision. It is focused on providing better service. The future lies with electronics. RTK GPS is 1 part of that."
Part 2: RTK GPS is only at the beginning of its capabilities.
From left to right: Jan van der Leck, Stefan Varekamp, Michiel Jochims and Michael Mahieu.
Niels van der Boom
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