New Trimble Agriculture Manager System Improves Productivity of Field Operations

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble
(Nasdaq: TRMB) today introduced its Web-based Agriculture Manager(TM) asset
management system which combines Global Positioning Systems (GPS), machine
sensors and automated wireless communications that allows farmers to more
efficiently manage and operate large machinery fleets.
The new Trimble Agriculture Manager system is designed to help farming
operations, agriculture retailers and others automatically track their fleet's
precise GPS location, operating status and real-time productivity -- all
critical factors during peak fieldwork seasons.
The Agriculture Manager system is part of Trimble's Connected Farm(TM)
suite of information management tools. Connected Farm solutions take the
stress out of data management through seamless field-to-office information
management.
Trimble's Agriculture Manager system offers fleet managers a range of map
views and field reports via their desktop computers. Information may include
real-time location to improve "next job" dispatching, run time versus down
time, machine hours for servicing and spray tank levels. Operators can track
the day's productivity with sensors that log spray pump or combine separator
"on versus off" times, and alerts can be created when a vehicle enters or
exits a pre-defined area. The system can also automatically notify fleet
managers via cell phone if key events occur, such as vehicle servicing
required, sprayer needs refilling or ignition off. One or two-way data
messaging is available via a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) in the field vehicle.
"As agribusinesses consolidate, fleet operators tell us it gets harder to
manage their equipment assets and operators in an effective and efficient
manner. With this feedback, we developed the Agriculture Manager system," said
Erik Arvesen, general manager of Trimble's Agriculture Division. "Field tests
show that compared to traditional methods, managers who have used Trimble's
automated information solution get more field work done faster, with less down
time, due to improved coordination of vehicles. By integrating vehicle and
accurate crop production data, the system can provide managers and owners with
a powerful new level of decision-making."
The Agriculture Manager system is expected to be available in March
2008 from Trimble resellers. For more information, including the location of
your nearest Trimble reseller, call 1-800-865-7438 or visit
http://www.trimble.com.
About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses
and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on
applications requiring position or location-including surveying, construction,
agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In
addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and
optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs
of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the
user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded
in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has a worldwide
presence with more than 3,600 employees in over 18 countries.
For more information, visit Trimble's Web site at http://www.trimble.com.
GTRMB
SOURCE Trimble

Lea Ann McNabb of Trimble, +1-408-481-7808, leaann_mcnabb@trimble.com