Task Management

On a small farm, individuals must wear multiple hats and perform various tasks. Often a general labor worker may start the day with piece work like pruning, then finish the day with an hourly task. At the end of the work week, 2^nd Sight’s labor tracking software makes it easy to pay employees whose work involves both piece and hourly work, and you can provide your employees with an accurate accounting of their pay.

2^nd Sight’s has a labor tracking software that meets your needs. You can use it to organize and prioritize tasks, ensuring that work is distributed effectively and completed on time. If you have employees who work independently, they can clock in and out on their phones using MobileClock. And you can track where those employees are and what they are doing. If you have employees earning by the piece or container, you can use FairTrak or QuickPick. If you pay by weight, FairPick or FairPick Flex may be the solution for you.

Regardless of the budget, size, or needs, 2^nd Sight has a system that will work for you.

Scaling Potential

As a small farm grows, labor tracking makes it easier to scale operations – the transition from small to large is smoother when you already have a system that manages and tracks labor effectively. Why, might you ask? An established labor tracking system results in more accurate record keeping, better compliance with the latest labor rules and regulations, and data-driven decisions.

Digitally collected data also gives you the ability to run various reports with the click of a button to track and see what area, crop, variety, and employees are the most efficient. By tracking these metrics, you can maximize labor and resources as your farm scales.

Finally, labor tracking saves resources and cuts down on administrative headaches no matter how large you grow. In the short term, you don’t need a slew of administrative folks to count punch cards and enter data. On a daily basis, you can easily see whether employees are meeting minimum productivity requirements, and you can avoid paying overtime. You can provide easy-to-read, accurate records to your employees so there are no questions about pay. And, if state employment administrators need to see your pay records, you can provide the information requested without having to search through piles of paper.

Technology Accessibility

2^nd Sight’s labor tracking solutions are designed to be user-friendly and accessible. Cloud-based systems, mobile apps, and intuitive interfaces make it feasible for even the smallest-scale farmers with limited technical expertise to adopt and benefit from such software. We design our systems to be as user-friendly and simple as possible. Anyone with a regular PC computer or smartphone can track data and view data through the 2^nd Sight Customer Portal. In addition, we provide customer support to help you set up your system to conform with your processes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you are a small “mom and pop” farm, a new farm with aspirations to grow, or a full-fledge, large-scale farming corporation, incorporating labor tracking solutions will provide you with copious benefits. 2^nd Sight has a system for all budgets, sizes, and processes.

For more information regarding 2^nd Sight’s labor and inventory tracking systems, contact us at 509-381-2112 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Increased Efficiency, Accuracy, and Data Accessibility

Digital records can streamline data entry and retrieval processes, making using them faster and more accurate compared to manual record-keeping, especially in a sector like agriculture where employee turnover rates are high. Digital entry reduces errors associated with handwritten or paper-based systems. Having the ability to search for all current and past employees with a couple of keyboard strokes is much more efficient than digging through the old filing cabinet or, worse, a garbage bag full of punch cards.

Authorized personnel can also access digital records simultaneously and remotely. On 2^nd Sight’s portal, you can make several users for each portal account, with each user assigned different roles. This facilitates collaboration and decision-making across different departments or locations, leading to more informed and timely decisions.

Data Analysis and Compliance

Digital records make it easier to analyze large data sets. Agricultural companies can use data analytics tools to gain valuable insights into crop performance, resource utilization, and overall farm efficiency. This, in turn, enables data-driven decision-making and precision agriculture practices. 2^nd Sight labor tracking systems such as FairPick and FairTrak allow the user to add trackable metrics such as block, variety, location, and many other customizable options that allow administrators to dig into their processes and analyze their data.

Additionally, many agricultural operations are subject to regulatory requirements and reporting obligations. Having digital records can simplify compliance by automating the documentation process and ensuring that all necessary information is readily available for audits or reporting purposes.

Traceability and Inventory Management

Having access to digital records enables better traceability of products throughout the supply chain. Being able to track items throughout the process while simultaneously recording this information on an online portal is not only convenient, but is crucial for meeting quality standards, ensuring food safety, and responding quickly to recalls or quality issues.

Digital records make it easier to manage and track inventory levels, helping agricultural companies optimize their stock of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, etc.), manage harvest output, and monitor nursery stocks.

Cost Reduction and Scalability

By automating record-keeping processes, agricultural companies can reduce the time and resources spent on manual data entry and paperwork. This can lead to cost savings over time. For example, products such as FairPick, our automated harvest scale, often pay themselves off in as little as one season! This quick ROI results in year after year cost reduction in labor and maintenance for paper records.

Digital records can be easily adapted to changing business needs and can scale with the growth of the agricultural operation. New data sources and technologies can be integrated seamlessly. Often price is the upmost concern. 2^nd Sight recommends incorporating one or two systems first to see the plethora of benefits that we offer. Once consumers can see the benefits firsthand, they can scale up quickly and affordably.

Conclusion

Consequently, the adoption of digital records in agriculture can enhance operational efficiency, provide valuable insights, ensure compliance, save money, and contribute to sustainable and precision farming practices. For more information regarding 2^nd Sight’s labor and inventory tracking systems feel free to contact a representative at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Time to Implement and Reduced Risks to Current Operations

Investing in new technology or implementing major changes to your business is a big step for any business, but it can be a step in the right direction. Doing the inventing during the off-season rather than the midst of harvest provides several advantages.

There is always a learning curve when implementing modern technologies. Software systems take time to implement and get comfortable with. The off-season provides adequate time to focus on integrating new technology, training the staff, and troubleshooting without the constant pressure and stress associated with active farming. We have seen people try to implement our technology on the first day of harvest, and let’s just say, it isn’t pretty.

Employees need time to embrace new processes. Many businesses already have a set way of operating. Making drastic changes during harvest poses risks to ongoing current operations, but experimenting with new systems or technologies during the off-season doesn’t disrupt the established workflows of harvest.

Luckily, 2^nd Sight is here to help. Offering a plethora of Labor Tracking, Inventory Tracking, and Traceability products with the goal of helping farmers maximize their investments. We offer constant support and free Zoom trainings to help staff get up to speed, fast.

The Learning Curve and Adjusting

With big changes comes a big learning curve. During the off-season farmers and their team have the time and resources to help familiarize everyone with the new tools, and gradually integrate them into their workflow without affecting productivity. As we all know, the learning curve varies from employee to employee, and having the ability to learn at their own pace and use given resources and training will help everyone be comfortable and efficient when the harvest begins.

Every system has some tweaks and adjustments to fine tune it to each customer’s personal processes. Making sure the system is a perfect fit for your specific business takes time and effort on both sides. The off-season allows testing and fine-tuning of the new systems or processes created from the investment. Testing allows employees to then identify and resolve issues or inefficiencies before the farm’s critical phases – planting, cultivating, and harvesting – begin.

Planning, Strategy, and Availability of Support

There is no better time to plan and strategize for the upcoming harvest than immediately following the previous one. Investing in a new labor or inventory tracking system post-harvest allows you to align your strategies with the capabilities and insight that a new system might offer. For example, increased access to productivity metrics such as the “Pay Period Report” or the “Employee Receipt” found on the 2^nd Sight Portal. Having access to data at your fingertips and being able to track overtime and worker productivity can help you more successfully plan and strategize your operations moving forward.

Many technology providers such as 2^nd Sight offer support and training during implementation as well as support after. Access to this assistance is much more readily available during the off-season when we have fewer ongoing demands from our client base.

Conclusion

Over the years, several phrases have developed for those who need something but end up procrastinating too long. (I’m guilty of this myself). I am sure everyone has heard, “You snooze you lose,” or “The early bird gets the worm.”

Addressing potential and getting organized and properly prepared for your upcoming harvest can make all the difference. The off-season is a fantastic time to address weak points, maximize your workforce, or replace equipment that is approaching the end of life. We specifically created systems specialized for the agricultural niche and have a team of staff who not only are knowledgeable, but eager to help. If you want to maximize your future harvests, the best time to begin is now.

For more information regarding 2^nd Sight’s labor and inventory tracking systems feel free to contact a representative at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

See You at the Show

By the way, if you are attending the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference next month, stop by booth #724. I’d love to see you and chat about your growing challenges.