User-centric information modeling

Agriculture and farmers faces a great challenge in effectively manage information both internally and externally in order to improve the economic and operational efficiency of operations, reduce environmental impact and comply with various documentation requirements. In order to meet this challenge, the flow of information between decision processes must be analysed and modelled as a prerequisite for the subsequent design, construction and implementation of situated information systems. This paper presents an attempt to use system engineering principles for the identification of decision processes and information flows within specific agricultural domains as a framework and guidance for the design of the physical information system.. The information flow configuration is centred around the farmer as the principal decision maker. The new information management concepts and designs mean that farmers have to be ready to adopt new working habits and perhaps also undergo further training. Farmers can utilise different services more efficiently and they are able to outsource some of the tasks they had previously performed themselves. Farmers have better knowledge of their production processes and are able to evaluate the performance of the chosen technology. This should lead to better process control in farms. Farmers can also utilise the collected farm data to show the quality of farming e.g. traceability, to markets and administration. The system concept also allows the farmers to access and utilise better scientific research and technological developments by providing fresh real process data and the ability to update the systems according to the latest knowledge.