AEF’s Norbert Schlingmann: Why Interoperability Is the Key to Unlocking Ag Tech’s Full Potential

At the 2025 Tech Hub LIVE in Des Moines, IA, in July, Norbert Schlingmann, General Manager at the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF), joined CropLife for a Fireside Chat to shed light on one of the ag equipment industry’s most pressing issues: interoperability.

For growers and ag retailers, interoperability — how well machines and digital systems from different manufacturers work together — has moved from a “nice-to-have” to a business-critical necessity. As technology adoption accelerates across global farming operations, the ability for equipment and data systems to “speak the same language” directly impacts efficiency, productivity, and decision-making.

A Global Mandate for Compatibility

“The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation, or AEF, is a global association made up of tech companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, universities, and many supporters around the world,” said Schlingmann. Founding members of AEF include major ag OEMs like John Deere, CLAAS, CNH, and AGCO — competitors who recognized the need to collaborate on technology standards.

At the heart of AEF’s mission is ISOBUS, a communication standard that enables tractors and implements from different manufacturers to work together through a single, unified in-cab terminal.

“ISOBUS was developed to solve this, but over time, manufacturers have implemented their own ‘dialects’ of the standard,” Schlingmann explained. “Company A may interpret it one way, Company B another — and they can’t communicate effectively. That’s why the industry created the AEF: to ensure consistent implementation and compatibility.”

Bridging the Brand Divide

This challenge is particularly visible in regions like Europe, where growers often operate machinery from multiple brands.

“In Europe, most growers operate with two or three different tractor brands and up to five different implement brands. They need all those machines to work together seamlessly,” said Schlingmann.

To ensure this compatibility, AEF has developed a conformance testing system, which equipment manufacturers can use to validate their products. Certified machines are then listed in the AEF ISOBUS Database, giving farmers and dealers worldwide easy access to verified interoperability information.

U.S. vs. Europe: Different Landscapes, Shared Needs

While the European market often deals with smaller fields and a higher diversity of crops, the U.S. market presents its own complexity, especially with large-scale farming operations that are early adopters of ag tech.

“In the U.S., we work closely with organizations like AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers). They’re a core member of AEF and help us understand the unique needs of the American market,” Schlingmann noted.

Despite the geographic differences, manufacturers build equipment for a global market, which makes standardized, cross-compatible technology all the more vital.

The Next Frontier: Data Interoperability

While physical machine compatibility remains a major focus, AEF is also turning its attention to the digital frontier of data interoperability. Farmers are increasingly reliant on data to inform decisions—yet much of this information remains siloed within proprietary cloud systems.

“The biggest challenge today revolves around data safety and security,” Schlingmann said. “Each company stores data in its own cloud system, and farmers often need access to specific types of data across different brands and platforms.”

To address this, AEF has launched the Agricultural Interoperability Network — a data space designed to link cloud systems from multiple manufacturers. “It allows farmers to retrieve use case-specific data — like machine position, field maps, or task data — from multiple brands,” Schlingmann explained.

While early versions of the platform are already in use with a small group of manufacturers, AEF plans to roll out a full pilot launch at Agritechnica 2025 in Germany this November.

Looking Ahead: A Fully Connected Future?

So, is a fully interoperable future within reach?

“Yes, I do believe it’s possible — as long as manufacturers rely on standards. That’s the key,” Schlingmann said. “We see progress in that direction, but it’s difficult to predict exactly when we’ll get there.”

As for the futuristic image of farmers running their entire operations from a kitchen-table touchscreen?

“It depends on the farmer,” Schlingmann noted. “Some are definitely ready for that level of automation and remote management. But others prefer to manage their farm the way they have for decades — using experience and gut feeling.”

Still, he acknowledged, the tide is turning. “Data tools can provide great insights and support decision-making. We’re seeing a gradual shift, but more development and farmer education will be needed before that scenario becomes widespread.”

At the core of that shift lies one critical enabler: interoperability — the foundation upon which the future of precision agriculture will be built.

• Watch: Fireside Chat with AEF’s Norbert Schlingmann