Smart Service Future

The project arose from practical experience for practical application. Building on two successful predecessor projects, pig farmers worked together with consultants, industry and researchers to develop new digital solutions that simplify everyday work while also improving animal welfare, sustainability and transparency. The background to this was the increasing pressure on livestock farming due to new social, political and market requirements, coupled with high investment risks for farms.

The aim of the project was to support farmers during the transition phase and reduce risks. The focus was on digitally connecting all stakeholders along the value chain, from livestock housing to consultancy and marketing to authorities. A key concern was the data sovereignty of the farms: farmers retain control over their data and can use it in a targeted manner to further develop their business and gain marketing advantages.

At the heart of the project is the web-based cloud platform Q-Farm HUB. It enables the secure and fast exchange of data, evidence and certificates in real time. A milestone was the development of the first digital delivery note for pig farmers. Paper is completely eliminated, and farms can track when animals were transported, slaughtered and evaluated at any time. This saves time, reduces bureaucracy and creates transparency.

Additional digital tools were also tested, including an online quick check for biosecurity, new digital training courses and data collection via voice input. A nationwide survey showed that these solutions meet the needs of farms: less paper, less duplication of work, more time for the barn and greater security in handling data.

The Smart Service Future project shows how digitalisation can help make animal husbandry sustainable. It creates practical solutions, strengthens cooperation in the value chain and provides a model that can be transferred far beyond Schleswig-Holstein.