CLAAS connect innovations: Seamless data exchange, cross-manufacturer tracking and data-driven reports for reduced documentation workload and greater transparency.

Seamless exchange of machine data and real-time tracking of mixed fleets.
From July 2026, the exchange of machine data between contractors and farmers, as well as between agricultural businesses, will be made significantly easier with the CLAAS connect ‘Machine Sharing’ function. Manually sharing data between organisations often leads to delays in the hectic day-to-day work during harvest. With CLAAS connect, machine data can in future be shared automatically between organisations. A real-time view of the entire fleet across all connected organisations ensures that all parties are always on the same page. 

By the end of this year, CLAAS connect will, in addition to real-time tracking of CLAAS machines, enable the automatic documentation of agricultural machinery and implements, regardless of the respective brand. GPS-based smartphone tracking and Bluetooth iBeacons visualise mixed vehicle fleets and enable the management of the entire fleet, including attachments and regardless of the model and age of the machines. 

How it works: in practice, users track the location of each machine in real time via a smartphone app. Bluetooth iBeacons also automatically detect non-connected attachments and display them on the live maps. The system automatically generates reports and documentation, thereby extending the digital reporting to include third-party makes. The operator on the machine simply logs in via their smartphone at the start of their shift. CLAAS connect automatically recognises whether staff are sowing, applying fertiliser, carrying out crop protection measures or tilling the soil, records all relevant data and generates a log of the work carried out. This provides immediate transparency and provides relief to farm management from administrative tasks.

Free annual licence renewal for sustainability in connectivity. 
Another new feature in CLAAS connect concerns the connectivity of CLAAS machines. From autumn 2026, customers will no longer incur costs for the annual renewal of their Machine connect licences. This applies to machines that are already connected as well as to new machines directly from the factory. In future, annual licence renewal will take place automatically at no extra cost, meaning that neither customers nor dealers need to keep track of the relevant deadlines.

An open ecosystem for cross-manufacturer fleet management: partnership with Exatrek. 
When it comes to the digitalisation of farm operations, focusing on individual machines is not enough; rather, the entire production process must be monitored in order to simplify and improve operational workflows. CLAAS is therefore consistently embedding an open digital ecosystem. In addition to using the smartphone app as a GPS tracker and open interfaces to other manufacturers, the integration of telemetry data from various retrofit partners is a key component in the management of mixed fleets within CLAAS connect.

A key component of this open approach is a new collaboration: CLAAS and Exatrek have agreed a strategic partnership to develop an integrated solution for the tracking of mixed fleets, which will enable telemetry data from different machines to be collected and analysed across manufacturers.

“The reality on farms is that mixed fleets are often the norm. Our customers rightly expect digital solutions to work independently of manufacturers, without valuable information being lost in closed data silos,” explains Wolf von Wendorff, Senior Vice President Global Digital Solutions at CLAAS. “Even today, customers can choose in CLAAS connect how they wish to integrate their mixed fleet. From simple GPS tracking via a smartphone app, through GPS tracking via LACOS or Exatrek, to cloud-based data exchange via Data connect.” 

Data-driven reports support operational decision-making. 
The machine and field data recorded in CLAAS connect not only help to fulfil documentation requirements, but also form a valuable and meaningful data basis for the analysis of operational processes. CLAAS connect provides targeted support to farm managers in their decision-making with digital field records, consumption reports and yield reports: users receive all data broken down directly by area, type of crop and activity in customised reports.

The API interface enables cross-system operation and reduces the need for manual data entry.
Various software applications are used on farms to address operational issues. CLAAS meets this need with API interfaces. The range of functions offered by the interfaces and the partner network are being continuously expanded. The interface enables partners to process data recorded in CLAAS connect for specific applications – always with the customer’s consent. In this way, farmers and contractors can use specialised applications directly from within CLAAS connect without having to enter data multiple times. Interfaces are currently available for the following manufacturers and systems, amongst others:

• Agrinavia FIELD
• Agrostream
• Barto
• Betriko Agrarmonitor
• BiogasPower Harvest Logistics
• Case IH FieldOps
• Climate FieldView
• Cropwise Operations
• CropX
• Danish Agro Cropline
• DataBaler
• eLMID agricultural software
• exatrek
• FarmAct
• John Deere Operations Centre
• LACOS LC:Fleetnav
• Næsgaard MARK
• Näsgård MARK
• New Holland FieldOps
• Omnia
• Razor Tracking
• SEGES CropManager
• Varistar
• xFarm

Remote support with Remote Display View coming to CLAAS connect this autumn.
A new remote support tool will be available in CLAAS connect from autumn 2026: with Remote Display View, customers can view the CEMIS 1200 and CEBIS connect displays on CLAAS tractors and harvesting machinery via CLAAS connect. 

Remote Display View in CLAAS connect enables farm managers to support the machine operator directly from the office whilst work is in progress. With this new function, drivers can also grant sales and service partners temporary and controlled access to the display – even simultaneously with other users such as the farm manager. Access is always granted via the terminal on the machine. Before access is granted, the display shows the identity of the person or organisation requesting Remote Display View. The process can be interrupted by the machine operator at any time and is clearly visible on the display. No additional licence or hardware is required to use Remote Display View. The function will be available as standard to all CLAAS connect users from autumn 2026.

DIGITAL CARE: Unlocking the full potential of digital solutions.
To help customers realise the full potential of digital solutions, CLAAS is taking customer support to a new level with DIGITAL CARE, providing assistance with all queries relating to the use and capabilities of CLAAS connect. DIGITAL CARE offers support with system set-up, machine registration and the initial transfer of field data. Professional remote support via CLAAS connect also enables quick and straightforward assistance in day-to-day operations. Tailor-made training courses prepare users for the start of the season, including licence and connectivity checks and the creation of yield and protein maps. DIGITAL CARE is precisely tailored to tractors, combine harvesters and forage harvesters and is therefore available for the entire CLAAS fleet.

The key new features of CLAAS connect at a glance:

• Automated data exchange (from July 2026): Direct data flow between farms and contractors without manual imports and exports.
• Brand-independent real-time tracking via smartphone and iBeacons: A comprehensive overview of mixed fleets. Even older, non-connected implements are automatically recorded.
• Automatic documentation expansion: The system independently recognises field work and generates reports, reducing administrative tasks in the background to a minimum.
• Partnership with Exatrek: Multi-manufacturer telemetry tracking fully integrated. Hardware and service will in future also be available via CLAAS channels.
• Annual extension of the ‘Machine connect ’ licence at no extra cost to customers or dealers (from autumn 2026).
• Data-driven decision support: Automatic yield and consumption reports per plot for rapid economic optimisation.
• Remote support with Remote Display View available as standard in CLAAS connect from autumn onwards, without the need for additional hardware.
• DIGITAL CARE support package: A smooth start to the season thanks to guided system set-up, training and direct remote support for any queries.

Download photos here.

CLAAS Group, Group Communications
Inquiries to pr@claas.com