General Information
Slingshot supports a hardware and software ecosystem allowing greater control of ag retail operations. The platform allows users to quickly analyze information so that they can make quicker decisions and more efficiently manage their operations.
The platform ecosystem can be defined within five major categories.
Connectivity
- High speed wireless connectivity in the cab for fast delivery of VRA maps, work orders, as-applied files and other important information in real-time
- Proven performance, in even the most challenging rural areas
- Compatible on most major cell carrier networks worldwide
- API connects software partners of choice for agronomy mapping, accounting, ERP, blending, orders and prescription creation
Logistics
- Transfer work orders to the cab quickly
- Get completed jobs back from the field in real-time
- Know where equipment and assets are and what they are doing to maximize efficiency
- Viper® 4+ automatically ensures jobs are in the field computer correctly, the operator is in the right field and product is applied correctly
- The Operator Pro App is available for those that do not have a Viper 4
Reporting
- Summarizes productivity across operators and assets
- When the application is complete a report is generated and synced automatically
Slingshot Web and Mobile Applications
- Web and mobile apps offer flexible connectivity 24/7 to customers, employees, and partners when away from the operation
- Promotes easy collaboration and data sharing for all levels of the operation and their customers
Analytics
- Real-time fleet monitoring, machine metrics and system performance stats
- Machine work, idle, and down time accessible 24/7
Components
The Slingshot platform ecosystem supports the following components:
Software
Hardware
Logistics Support
The platform leverages a number of readily available services that can assist in completing jobs efficiently and consistently.
Job Sync
Easily share coverage and guidance information between multiple machines in the same job, including section control to avoid skips or overlaps. Job Sync Live View allows one to see live progress of the work being done on the web in real-time so one can stay up to date on how close a job is to completion.
Dispatch Pro
A scheduling program, which integrates easily into the Raven Connected Workflow™, is designed to manage multiple people and machines across all locations. The program shows users in-route, idle and active equipment statuses.
Orders can be placed using the streamlined AgSync interface or through one of Raven's API partners. Orders can be sorted easily within the platform and removing or reassigning an order from a certain machine is as simple as clicking a checkbox.
Dispatchers can also match specific workers to various machines and track the equipment on the interactive field map. Applicators will immediately see their assigned work via their Viper 4+ or the Raven Field Ops app, adding another level of efficiency.
Agrisite
This iOS app allows field scouts to log geo-referenced field observations, field notes, and pictures. Users can create grower and field profiles, generate work orders from the field, visually see active REI’s, and alert other users of their presence in the field.
Additionally, users can create new fields, orders, and annotations in the field on a phone or tablet, without the need of an internet connection.
Operator Pro
The user of this app can see all their work orders in the field, in an easy-to-use interface. There are multiple filter and sorting options available to organize the work as desired.
Fleet Tracking
Monitor the location of a entire fleet of machines, trucks, and vehicles; including unpowered assets like trailers, tanks and implements.
Field Ops
Created exclusively to connect Dispatch Pro assigned work to the applicator. The jobs are immediately synced into the app for easy retrieval and efficiency.
Connectivity Recommendations
There are many options to choose from when supporting wireless connectivity. Raven has a number of recommendations that work well with the platform.
Note, that data handled by Slingshot is private and secure. Raven has endeavored to create an open ecosystem of partners that makes it easy for users to share data with only those they choose to.
Field Hub 2.1
A modem that connects a Raven field computer to the Internet and includes Wi-Fi that allows other devices in the cab to enjoy high speeds on one data plan.
Raven RS1
A fully scalable solution that combines automated steering, GNSS, and Slingshot into one easy-to-use unit.
Wi-Fi
Although the Field Hubs and RS1 are the most reliable way to connect a Raven field computer to Slingshot, users can also use Wi-Fi or a third-party modem.
Slingshot API
Raven built this platform and have partnerships with dozens of software companies to provide integrated experiences for each unique operation.
Analytics Management
It is important to have access to real-time information in order to make confident, data-driven decisions at all levels of the operation.
Fleet Analytics Manager
A Raven-built solution that supports access to real-time information. It allows users to analyze current and past Slingshot work order data. This data includes the following items:
- Acres Covered
- Work Time
- Idle Time
- Transit Time
Reports and Notifications
The platform allows users to stay informed on operators and assets from the beginning of a job through completion. It does so through the following features:
- Send live work order updates via text or email
- Spatially view work activity
- Work order notifications
- Traceability reporting
- Application record compliance
- Work order completion approval
- As-Applied maps are sent from the field computer at the completion of a job
- Fleet efficiencies track order edits and job status
- Basic machine data provides completion data and spray records