There’s a lot of technology available in the market that can relieve a lot of superintendent stress.
In fact, the modern superintendent is called upon to do much more than just grow grass, says Tim Vanini, president and founder of New Dimension Turf and a featured speaker during Monday’s “What the Tech? Technology Solutions for Your Turf” seminar at the 2012 Golf Industry show.
“You need data to make decisions,” Vanini told the audience of superintendents, many taking notes on iPads or checking in with their courses with various handheld devices. “The question is how do you get that data?”
Vanini suggests that superintendents need to encourage investment into cutting edge data mining devices that offer a better, more detailed view of what’s happing on the course. For example, handheld nitrogen pens provide instant content for site-specific turf management. Or, software programs that are Web-based – or “cloud-based” – that better organize various turf management data into translates them into everything from scheduling to budget sheets.
“You’re going to see more web-based software,” he says. “It will allow you access to data anytime, anywhere.”
Likewise, Vanini says Apple’s iPad and its seemingly limitless capabilities holds the potential to transform the business of turf management.
Vanini offered five key areas for technology and/or software integration in a turf management program:
- Smartphone
- Web-based programs
- Weather stations
- Data collection points/sensors
- Social media outlets
“I’m not discounting the pocket knife…” he says. “But these tools allow you to better leverage yourself… Use them to your advantage.
