Landscape Management, February 2018

profit centers IrrIgaTIOn WaTer ManageMenT Todays irrigation controllers are driven by data and technology Contractors who embrace these advancements are seeing the benefits By eMIly SChappaCher T echnology has infiltrated every aspect of modern life and the irrigation controller is no exception The devices are more connected and data driven than ever before and contractors who are embracing the trends are seeing the advantages these advancements can bring We are living in a data driven world and the use of outdoor water is highly scrutinized due to scarcity and cost concerns says Troy Oster irrigation category manager with SiteOne Landscape Supply headquartered in Roswell Ga The demand for data and the need to conserve water are closely related To efficiently save water we need data analytics that intelligently indicate water usage and guide us in water management practices GettinG ConneCted As Wi Fi local area networks and cellular communications become universally affordable and available consumers are growing accustomed to constant connectivity and instant information The irrigation system controller is just one more gadget that can now be managed from anywhere with the use of a smartphone or a computer For landscape professionals the ability to remotely monitor and manage large numbers of clients is literally money in the bank says David Shoup senior product manager for controllers and sensors for Hunter Industries in San Marcos Calif Connectedness is definitely the leading trend Shoup says Homeowners contractors and maintenance organizations want mobile internet connectivity to even basic irrigation controllers Irrigation experts say contractors benefit from controller connectivity in several ways The ability to provide remote water management assistance is one potential billing opportunity that can add to a contractors revenue stream Connected controllers also reduce operating costs because many situations that used to require a physical visit to a property can now be handled with a few clicks of a button These controllers can increase customer satisfaction and retention because the contractor is visibly engaged with the clients landscape at all times In fact a connected contractor can know about a system problem before the customer does In addition the reporting capabilities of the more advanced systems allow contractors to not only save water but also to demonstrate those savings to their customer base which Shoup says enhances their value to the customers These trends are allowing contractors to provide a greater level of service to their customers while reducing labor costs water consumption and liabilities associated with improper watering says Oster Robert Brown owner of Robert Brown Landscape Irrigation in Santee Calif says the advancements in controller connectivity have been a game changer for his business The ability to adjust a clients irrigation system from his phone or computer has decreased the need for on site visits Getting alerts about problems such as a broken pipe or a faulty electrical wire allows Brown to stay on top of issues before they worsen Robert Brown Landscape Irrigation is a Troy Oster new ewing locations Ewing Irrigation Landscape Supply recently opened two new Florida locations in St Petersburg and Naples Dwight Forde is the branch manager of the full service St Petersburg location and Tim Haskins is the store manager of the Naples branch ia Fly in event Registration is now open for the 2018 Irrigation Association Washington D C Fly In on March 6 7 This event is being held in conjunction with the National Ground Water Association and the Water Quality Association during the Water Resources Congressional Summit Key discussion topics will include the farm bill WaterSense and water infrastructure specifically efficient technologies newsfeed get connected Mobile connectivity even to basic irrigation controllers is a leading trend among customers irrigation experts say Lets connect FEbRuARy 2018 LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET 31 Photo Siteone LandScaPe SuPPLy