When Neale Bennett from Cowanna Almonds was looking for some software to enable him to run his pumps accurately and remotely, he looked no further than Wiseconn.

With 21ha of almonds in the ground near Mildura, Mr Bennett obviously spends a lot of his time chasing water.

Whether it is through the irrigation system that delivers water to his property or the system that delivers water to his trees, Mr Bennett was looking for a program that would enable him to run his  business, fertigate and turn pumps on and off, no matter where he was standing, even if it is was on the other side of the world.

Installing Wiseconn’s Drop Control last November has been a game changer for management and Mr Bennett couldn’t be happier.

“I recently went to the almond conference in America and was able to operate my pump while I was there. The software is all internet based and can be controlled via phone, lap top or computer and it was so easy,” Mr Bennett said.

“Many growers I have spoken to have had trouble with other system software not integrating properly but I have had no problems whatsoever with Wiseconn.”

Accessed via a web based application, the wireless monitoring and control platform is connected to sensors and actuators to control pumps and valves to deliver irrigation and fertigation, based on the best available accurate data, including soil moisture and weather conditions.

The Wiseconn in house support team help configure the network and track performance to enable growers to use the system efficiently. An alarm system will alert the user via SMS, email or call if any preset parameters are breached and all information is stored securely on the cloud.

Mr Bennett said the Drop Control system was easily adapted too his own set up and while it isn’t exactly cheap, it has been money well spent and a cost he expects to be able to reasonably recoup over the years.

“We had a blow up in the pipeline of our irrigation district when it blew a main line the other day and my pump just shut down once the pressure went below a certain level, no hassle and more importantly no damage,” Mr Bennett said.

Mr Bennett’s system was installed by Ardal Water Solutions in Mildura.

Director Nick Darby said Wiseconn hardware utlises the latest technology, is fast and reliable and operates the best unit for interfacing which is the key when it comes to monitoring sensors.

“The system integrates seamlessly and the software is extremely user friendly whether you are using a computer, phone or tablet.

“Data analytics, information on how the crop responds and the integration and overlay to utilise the data is also very good,” Mr Darby said.

Ardal Water Solutions are an independent engineering and consulting firm specialising in water infrastructure irrespective of the industry.

They service big growers through to stock and domestic water users.