SST Software incorporated in 1994 with the goal of developing an agricultural information management system that helped growers maximize management, efficiency, and yield. SST offers farm management, data analysis and agricultural software development by experts in agriculture, geography, computer science, land management, remote sensing, soil science, and environmental science.

In 2013, SST had found great traction with its Summit desktop software, which offered many features that growers and their agronomists wanted. This architecture meant the data was restricted to the computer the software was installed on and tethered to the desk. With precision agriculture coming to the forefront and more and more consumers expecting access to their data from the palm of their hands, SST struggled to remain competitive with newer companies. Although experienced in agritech in general, SST did not have the expertise to develop a mobile application of the caliber required.

In 2013, SST had found great traction with its Summit desktop software, which offered many features that growers and their agronomists wanted. This architecture restricted the data to the computer where the software was installed. With precision agriculture, more and more agronomists were  expecting access to their data from the palm of their hands, SST struggled to remain competitive with newer companies. Although experienced in AgTech in general, SST did not have the expertise to develop a mobile application of the caliber required.

Skyward jump-started the development of a next generation AgTech mobile app. Given the feature set that already existed, the goals for an in-field experience, and our experience developing smartphone and tablet software, Skyward designed a product to run on iPads that continues to be used seven years later.

Compatible with the existing Summit software, it enabled existing users to lift the data off of their personal computers and into the cloud, enabling them to access that wealth of data in the field. Features included;

• In-field GPS access for scouting. Using a mobile device’s ability to pinpoint the user’s location with accuracy, Skyward stored photos, notes, and structured data for discoveries in the field that allowed instant correspondence.
• Touch-screen drawing. Users can designate the boundary for their fields by drawing on satellite images and walking around the edge of their acreage. They can slice, join, and cookie-cutter their field for a more accurate representation.
• Offline data synchronization and online updates. Whether the device is connected to Wi-Fi, a cell connection, or completely disconnected, the app will record changes and bring all data into alignment.