GPS-Based Livestock Management

GPS-Based Livestock Management

April 22, 2019
Lisa M. Spencer

Colorful GPS cow collars now help farmers track the whereabouts of their livestock and direct them to preferred grazing areas.  The eShepherd program, created by Australia-based Agersens, is being tested in the cattle industry here in the U.S.

“It’s a grazing control tool to improve productivity and profitability in a sustainable way,” says Agersens’ CEO Ian Reilly.  “The technology fully automates the controlled grazing of livestock 24/7.”  The system uses virtual fencing that can be controlled by an app from anywhere the farmer happens to be.  The cow hears a sound when it is getting too close to a boundary, and if it doesn’t veer away, it receives a small electric pulse.

This post is based on the Forbes article, How One Australian Startup Aims To Revolutionize Livestock Management, by Nicole Rasul, March 31, 2019. Image source: famveldman © 123RF.com

Discussion Questions:

1. How does using the livestock collar affect productivity?

Guidance: The collar helps farmers apply rotational grazing practices that allow areas to regrow and improve in nutritional content, thus benefiting livestock health.  Rather than building and moving costly fences to rotate grazing areas, farmers can quickly and easily adjust where Continue reading →

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Project Management: AI and Human Synergy

Project Management: AI and Human Synergy

April 21, 2019
Lisa M. Spencer

A new study by Gartner reports that by 2030, 80% of a typical project manager’s tasks will be done via automation and artificial intelligence. This type of program and portfolio management (PPM) software is expected to begin appearing later this year.

Specifically, the study says AI can collect, analyze, and report data much more quickly than people.  Also, rather than using their keyboard and mouse, project managers can more easily query and interface software via chatbots and conversational AI.

Some observers believe that AI will ultimately help project managers be more effective at their jobs. AI’s aren’t expected to perform the “human” elements of the job, such as advising clients, leading project teams, and offering empathy and human interaction.

Video Spotlight: AI might create more jobs than it destroys

This post is based on the Tech Republic article, Will AI lead project managers to the unemployment line?, by Moira Alexander, March 28, 2019; the ITWeb article, AI to eliminate 80% of project management tasks, by Staff Writer, March 25, 2019; and the Tech Republic video, AI might create more jobs than it destroys, Alison DeNesco, November 14, 2017. Image source: Shutterstock / Phonlamai Photo

Discussion Continue reading →

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Walmart’s Pickup Towers Improve Shopping Experience

Walmart’s Pickup Towers Improve Shopping Experience

April 15, 2019
Lisa M. Spencer

What is bright orange, 16 feet tall, and improves the Walmart shopping experience?

It’s the pickup tower, being installed in hundreds of locations across the country.

Shoppers order merchandise online and pick it up in a giant vending machine located at the front of the Walmart store by simply scanning a bar code from their phone.  If the merchandise was available in the store, customers can pick items up about an hour after ordering.  If the items are being shipped, customers get an estimate of when they will be ready.  The service is free, and can be used for relatively smaller items.   A row of lockers located next to the vending machine can handle medium-sized items as well.

Video Spotlight: Walmart Pickup Tower AKA Giant Vending Machine: How Does It Work???

This post is based on the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly article, Walmart introduces new pickup tower, by Steve Garbacz, March 28, 2019, and the YouTube video, Walmart Pickup Tower AKA Giant Vending Machine: How Does It Work???, by Rich DeMuro, August 15, 2018. Image source: Design Pics / Kristy-Anne Glubish

Discussion Questions:

1. What core competencies does Walmart have that Continue reading →

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