As machines continue to become more integrated with technology, JDLink is a great way to bring together the machine data with a way to see and analyze it for better fleet management.
So what is JDLink? More importantly, how is JDLink used in an operation? Even though the system has been around for years, there are still several questions about it, everything from the basics of what it is to the more actionable how it works in the real world.
If you are ready to do more with JDLink data, learn about support and help for connected equipment.
Here are 10 frequently asked questions and answers covering JDLink Connectivity and telematics.
1. What is JDLink?
Let’s start with the very basics. JDLink is a telematics system enables data flow between connected machines and the owner’s John Deere Operations Center/JDLink account.
2. Why should I connect machines to JDLink?
Enabling JDLink Connectivity opens the opportunity for better fleet management, thanks to all the data that JDLink tracks.
3. How do I connect to JDLink?
To turn on Connectivity in JDLink, start with MyJohnDeere.com, either logging into an existing account or creating a new one. That’s a gateway to numerous Deere tools including John Deere Financial, parts, and even Operations Center.
From here, there is a simple, yet detailed step-by-step process to enable JDLink Connectivity. Follow RDO Equipment Co.’s guide for help to get connected to JDLink.
4. What data can be tracked with JDLink?
Dozens of data points are tracked with JDLink. Common machine data points tracked are basics like fuel consumption, idle time, hours, and machine location.
5. What do I do with the data from JDLink?
Tracking machine data is the first step. What an owner, operator, or fleet manager does with that data is the real advantage of using JDLink.
Watch to learn three important ways JDLink provides value and how to use in your operation.
Analyzing fuel consumption and idle time is a path to finding inefficiencies that can be easily addressed. Seeing machine locations can ensure operators are where they should be, when they should be there, but is also helpful in the case a machine is lost, either due to operator error or theft. Tracking hours helps manage maintenance intervals, while a combination of several data points can show if a machine is perhaps not right-sized for the job.
6. Can I turn off some JDLink machine data but keep some on?
This is a tricky question because, technically the answer is no. Data automatically flows into the system and whatever that data might be is subject to the type of machine and what can be pulled.
While data flow on certain points cannot be turned off, it can be organized in a way that the viewer only sees the data he or she wants to see. Data can be grouped into custom pods and the dashboard set up to display however is desired.
The upside to all machine data points automatically flowing all the time is, even if there is data that is not relevant today, it may come in handy or be needed for a report in the future.
7. Who has access to my machine data in JDLink?
The data belongs to the owner so he or she can manage access to it, including who can see it and what level permissions those with access have. Access can be granted to those within a company or trusted outside partners, like RDO.
Related article: 5 important things to know about JDLink Connectivity
8. What can a dealer do with my JDLink data?
Granting access to a trusted dealer partner like RDO can help with better fleet management, proactive fleet monitoring, and an elevated level of support. Not everyone is interested in viewing and analyzing data, even those who recognize the value and want to harness it.
RDO has a team of machine health experts that can proactively monitor connected machines. If they see a machine alert, they can quickly address the issue and create a solution to prevent downtime – often, before anyone, even the operator, is aware anything is wrong with the machine.
Remote diagnostic capabilities are another RDO team members can act as an extension of a company. Being able to remote into a machine allows an expert to fix issues remotely or send software updates, or gather the information to pass along to an RDO service technician who can take care of the issue in the field. JDLink shows the machine’s exact location, making it easy to locate and service.
Even support as simple as preventative maintenance is made easier through a JDLink connection. The RDO team can track maintenance intervals and schedule service ahead of time and during the best possible time so as not to disrupt business.
9. What is the best way to view and analyze JDLink data?
It is a common pushback to JDLink and a reason why many do not connect machines: “I don’t have time to be logging in and looking at data every day.”
Alerts and reports are designed to make it as easy as possible to review, analyze, and use data from JDLink. Email alerts can be set for simple instances like if a machine is throwing a code or maintenance is coming due, or for larger issues like a potential machine theft.
Reports can be set up and scheduled to send daily, weekly, or as needed based on the type of report and information.
Even with alerts and reports, the JDLink desktop version or app can always be accessed as needed to see data anytime, anywhere.
Essentially, the system can be managed in the way that works best for every manager to stay on top of the fleet.
10. How much does JDLink cost?
Save the best for last. JDLink is offered at no cost on all eligible machines. At one time there were different subscription levels and pricing, but as of July 2021, there are no subscription fees for JDLink.
Hardware that is below 4G needs to be upgraded to allow or continue the service.
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Still have more questions about JDLink and connecting machines? Learn more about JDLink requirements and see step-by-step instructions for how to connect machines.
For more information on new and used agriculture and construction equipment, contact your local RDO Equipment Co. store.
About The Author
Larry Herman is a Telematics Support Supervisor with RDO Equipment Co. and based in Bismarck, North Dakota.
