Hermann Buitkamp is working on digitization strategies and standardization of agricultural electronics at VDMA (Association of German Mechanical Engineering Industry) in Frankfurt and Munich, starting in 2016.

He got his Dipl.-Ing. degree from RWTH Aachen University and his PhD from Bonn University. In 1991 he joined Sick AG as the engineering manager developing laser scanners, light grids and safety controls. Starting in 1998 he worked for four years as the VP of engineering for an OMRON owned company in Fremont, Cal. Back in Germany he became the general manager of TÜV SÜD Product Service in Munich, managing conformance and performance tests and international approvals for traders and manufacturers. In 2011 he joined DLG as the technical board member leading the test activities of agricultural products and machinery.

Digitalization in agriculture enables the efficient and precise use of agricultural resources (soil, water, air, machinery, diesel, fertilizer, herbicides, fungicides, etc.).

In this way, it supports the goal of better food, stable crop yields, low production costs and improved working conditions. The digitization and networking of agricultural value chains from the agro-chemical industry to food traders improve the environmental balance and social acceptance of modern agriculture.