Could the days of the traditional dealer be about to change forever? In the past we have recruited those who could shift kit and fitters (whoops, technicians) who could fix it when it went wrong.

We mostly have narrow horizons for the skills we seek.

But technology now means that today many ag dealers can now fault-find from their premises through a remote link up with a tractor or machine rather than jump in the van and drive for miles.

We are gradually emerging from an era when everything was getting bigger and stronger to machines that are easier and smarter. The thing with technology is that little is new, much of it has been around for years- it is the way that technology is utilised that is the clincher.

I've been in Germany this week at the John Deere European Innovation Centre where Deere has been rolling out its new Farm Sight strategy. In a nutshell it is joining of the dots whereby the management of the farming operation can channelled through a central computer link with the dealer in a central support role. Real time data shared and used to ensure machines are being used to optimum effect.

A German dealer explained how they were now engaging the services of IT experts, call centre staff, analysts even those with agronomy expertise to staff a specialist department that can analyse real time data coming from the equipment being used on the farm - all of which can help efficiency, reduce costs and save time.

We are entering a new era, and you can be sure that similar technology will be embraced across many other sectors of our industry. Which will pose real questions about the skill sets required to staff the dealership of the future.