SmartScout – GPS tracker for cattle
SmartScout GPS tracker for cattle: view animal locations via the app, track movements and receive alerts if animals escape – for a better overview of the pasture.
Always keep an eye on grazing animals
Where are the animals? On large, remote or hard-to-survey pastures, the search can take a long time. SmartScout is a GPS tracker for cattle and provides additional guidance: GPS trackers fitted to selected animals transmit their positions to the SmartScout module within the Kerbl smart app. This means that, even before the next pasture check, you have an indication of the herd’s likely location.
The benefits of everyday grazing life
- Search more efficiently: The most recent animal locations are visible on a map, helping to narrow down the search area effectively.
- Track movements: Recorded location histories show which areas the tagged animals have visited.
- Be alerted to anomalies: Alerts inform you if an animal leaves the defined grazing area or remains stationary for a long period.
GPS trackers for selected animals to help guide the herd
Not every animal needs to wear a tracker. Single animals within a herd can be fitted with trackers on a selective basis. Their positions provide an indication of the area in which the herd is likely to be located.
GPS positions and movements on a map
Where was an animal last detected? Which areas has it visited? The map view and location history help to track this information. Recurring locations can provide clues as to how the pasture is being used.
Digitally map the pasture and identify gaps
The Pasture Manager in the Kerbl smart app allows you to manage pastures and assign the relevant trackers to them. If a detected position lies outside the defined area, the system can trigger an escape alert.
Setting up escape detection with SmartScout
- Create a pasture and mark out its boundaries.
- Assign the required SmartScout trackers to this pasture.
- Grant the necessary permissions for notifications.
You can manage multiple pastures and reassign trackers to a different area when moving between pastures.
The digital boundary is used for detection purposes. It does not keep animals within the pasture and is not a substitute for fencing. Whether an exit is detected and reported depends on the positioning and transmission intervals, as well as reception conditions.
How GPS tracking works with SmartScout
1. Determine the position
The tracker attached to the animal determines its location using satellite signals – with a positioning accuracy of around 5 to 10 metres, depending on local reception conditions.
2. Transferring data
The tracker transmits location and status data via mobile networks. Thanks to roaming, it can utilise various available mobile networks, thereby improving connectivity at the site of operation. Wi-Fi or an additional gateway on the pasture are not required.
3. Check in the app
The SmartScout module in the Kerbl smart app displays the transmitted locations, the battery level and the reception status. You can also keep track of several trackers at a glance here.
Localisation based on demand – saving energy
SmartScout automatically adjusts the tracking and transmission intervals to suit the animal’s movement and operational status. When the animal is moving, its position is determined at regular intervals. During periods of rest, tracking is suspended until the motion sensor detects movement again. This saves energy and prevents unnecessary data transmissions.
More frequent location updates for targeted searches
To search for a specific animal, you can temporarily request more frequent location updates (real-time mode). Once activated, SmartScout transmits its position every five minutes – for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Localisation and transmission are two different processes
During positioning, the tracker determines its location. During transmission, it sends data to the platform. Not every location determination therefore results in an immediate update in the app.
| Operating status | Positioning and data transmission |
|---|---|
| Active | Position is determined every five minutes. Data is transmitted every 60 minutes and additionally whenever a significant change in location is detected. |
| Dormant | After 30 minutes without any change in location, the tracker enters sleep mode and transmits its position. Further location tracking is paused until significant movement is detected. Data is transmitted after four hours at the latest. |
| Breakout | Once a location outside the designated pasture has been detected, location data is transmitted. Thereafter, data is transmitted every 15 minutes. |
| More frequent location updates (real-time mode) | Once activated, position determination and transmission take place every five minutes, for a maximum of 30 minutes. |
The map shows the most recent position transmitted. This may differ from the animals’ actual location.
Designed for use in the pasture
Robust for everyday use in the pasture
The sturdy housing is designed for use on animals and outdoors. It protects the electronics from dust and water in accordance with protection type IP65.
Power for an entire grazing season
Battery technology, an integrated solar panel and on-demand data transmission ensure a long running time – designed to last an entire grazing season. The solar panel automatically recharges the battery in suitable light conditions. The battery can be charged via the USB-C connection before the start of the grazing season.
Setting up and commissioning SmartScout
Set up the app
Install the Kerbl smart app and register a user account. Then add the tracker in the SmartScout module and follow the instructions in the app.
Prepare the tracker
Fully charge the battery, switch on the device and first check the connection and display in a location with reliable mobile signal.
Attach to the animal
Attach the tracker to the top or top-side of the collar as per the operating instructions. A suitable counterweight helps to keep it in the intended position.
Assign to a pasture
Create the pasture in Pasture Manager and assign the tracker to it. This lays the basis for escape detection.
Frequently asked questions about SmartScout
How does a GPS tracker for cattle work?
SmartScout determines the location of a cow using satellite signals and transmits the data via mobile network to the Kerbl smart app. In the SmartScout module, you can view the most recently transmitted locations and location histories of the tagged animals on a map.
Does every animal have to wear a tracker?
No. Only selected animals can be fitted with trackers. Their positions provide an indication of the herd’s likely area of movement. If the animals split up, those without trackers may be in different locations.
Can I manage several pastures?
Yes. In the Pasture Manager feature of the Kerbl smart app, you can create multiple pastures and assign the relevant trackers to them. When animals move to a different pasture, you can change the assignment.
Why doesn’t the more frequent location update start straight away?
The requirement will take effect the next time the tracker transmits data. Depending on the operating status, activation may take up to 15 minutes in emergency mode, 60 minutes in active mode or four hours in standby mode.
What do I need to use it?
To use the service, you will need a user account, a compatible internet-enabled device and the Kerbl smart app or a supported browser. There must be a mobile network signal available at the location where SmartScout is to be used. The current system requirements can be found in the relevant app store or in the information on browser-based use.
Which mobile networks does SmartScout use?
SmartScout transmits its data via NB-IoT. Thanks to roaming, the tracker can use the partner networks approved for the product. Which networks are available depends on the country of use.
Support for a country does not mean that every pasture is covered. The connection should therefore be checked at the intended location of use.
What should you bear in mind before winter storage?
Before storing the tracker for the winter, it should be cleaned and the battery level checked. If necessary, charge the battery before storage, switch off the device and follow the storage instructions in the operating instructions.
Does SmartScout replace livestock and pasture monitoring?
No. SmartScout provides additional information for livestock monitoring and planning. The necessary livestock and pasture checks are still required.