Agricultural Contracting Made Simple

Case Study: Alex Reid Contracting – Powered by Groundwings GPS Tracking

Challenges

Running a busy contracting business in Western Southland comes with unique challenges. With multiple machines, vehicles, implements, and staff spread across the provencce, Alex Reid Contracting needed a solution to better manage his operation.

• Locating machines and tools quickly

• Ensuring work was completed accurately and on time

• Managing job hours and invoicing fairly

• Maintaining machinery proactively to reduce breakdowns

• Keeping staff safe while working long hours in remote areas

• Providing farmers with clear communication and transparency

Alex originally sought a GPS tracking system simply to see where his machines were located. But he soon realised he needed a solution that could streamline every part of his operation.

Groundwings Solution

The Groundwings GPS Tracking Platform was installed across Alex’s fleet and operations. What began as a simple location-tracking tool has become a complete business management system.

Vehicle Tracking & Route History

Alex can see where each machine is in real time, and review detailed route histories afterwards. This allows him to confirm work has been completed properly, identify missed areas, and provide staff with clear instructions if they are unsure where to go next.

Benefit: Better quality control, faster decision-making, and no wasted time on locating paddocks.

Implement & Tool Tracking

Tools and Impliments often get spread all over Southland. iBeacons are small coin-sized devices. They connect via Bluetooth to the GPS trackers in the machines and vehicles and update their location automatically whenever they are nearby.

Benefit: Implements are never lost, staff know exactly where to find them, and expensive replacements are avoided.

Proof of Placement

For compliance tasks like effluent spreading, Groundwings provides verifiable records. Route histories can be exported as KML or GeoJSON files and imported into farm management software, showing exactly where product was applied.

Benefit: Regulatory compliance is simplified, and farmers gain complete confidence in the work performed.

Automated Worktime Tracking

Geofences around customer properties automatically log machine entry, exit, engine hours, idle time and duration spent on farm. Reports are generated automaticlly or by request for administration staff.

Benefit: Invoices are accurate, admin is reduced, and Alex can analyse job efficiency with ease.

Staff Accounts & Permissions

Groundwings allows role-based access for staff. Operators can see where machines are, while sensitive data remains protected.

Benefit: Staff are empowered to work independently without constant check-ins, improving efficiency and communication.

Automated Farmer Alerts

When a machine arrives at a farm, the system sends a text alert to the farmer, including vehicle details. Smart logic prevents multiple alerts when carting back and forth.

Benefit: Farmers are always informed, strengthening trust and improving relationships.

Maintenance Monitoring

Groundwings automatically records engine hours and odometer readings, creating a live maintenance dashboard. Custom service intervals trigger alerts before they expire, and intervals reset once servicing is logged.

Benefit: Preventative maintenance reduces breakdowns, extends machine life, and avoids costly downtime.

Staff Safety

Groundwings improves safety with multiple tools:

• Impact and rollover detection alerts Alex to potential accidents.

• Idle monitoring flags potential issues if machines stop for too long.

• Panic buttons in cabs give operators a direct line for emergency alerts.

• Benefit: Staff feel supported in the field, and Alex has peace of mind that his operators are safe when working remotley.

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Efficiency & Cost Savings

By monitoring idling, harsh driving, and speeding, Groundwings reduces wasted diesel and protects machines from unnecessary wear.

Benefit: Fuel savings, lower repair costs, and longer-lasting assets.

Sharing Links

Groundwings allows Alex to generate secure, time-limited location sharing links:

• For mechanics: Dealership technicians can be guided straight to machines in the field for servicing or repairs.

• For farmers: Clients can watch progress in real time as work is carried out on their land.

• For staff and partners: Short-term links provide visibility without requiring login access.

  Benefit: Stronger transparency, faster servicing, and better communication with clients.

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Results

With Groundwings, Alex Reid Contracting has transformed operations:

• Time Savings – No wasted hours searching for machines or implements.

• Improved Transparency – Farmers can see work progress and proof of placement.

• Reduced Costs – Less wasted fuel, fewer breakdowns, and reduced equipment loss.

• Greater Safety – Staff are better protected, even in remote locations.

• Streamlined Operations – Automated reporting, invoicing, and maintenance planning simplify daily management.

Groundwings has turned GPS tracking from a simple location tool into a platform that powers efficiency, accountability, and professionalism.