Digital innovation for animal welfare in extreme conditions

The challenge: from desert heat to arctic cold

Heering Holland delivers trailers that transport day-old chicks around the world. The cargo is extremely fragile: a small shift in living conditions can be fatal. That set three requirements for the new system.

Extreme environmental factors

The hardware and software have to work flawlessly, whether the trailer is driving through deep snow or scorching desert heat. That has to hold both with and without an internet connection.

Complex HVAC integration

An extensive climate control system had to be translated into an interface that drivers and technicians anywhere in the world understand immediately.

Real-time response

When something malfunctions, immediate action is needed to safeguard the chicks' welfare.

Our process: from bits and bytes to ease of use

This project was a deep dive into domain expertise and technical precision. We worked closely with Heering's technical and poultry specialists and with the experts at Kleventa, across five phases.

UX research

We analysed drivers' workflows and the challenges they face during their routes.

Prototyping

We built wireframes and clickable prototypes, and tested them extensively with a diverse group of drivers.

Visual design

We translated complex data into a clear dashboard that shows the trailer's status at a glance.

Hardware integration

We worked at a very low level with the trailers' On-Board Unit (OBU). We translated raw data, bits and bytes, into usable information for the Android app, so sensors and valves communicate seamlessly with the software.

Testing and refining

We optimised the interactions in practice, such as the transition between automatic and manual sensor control.

That synergy between software engineering and physical engineering made this one of the most inspiring projects for our team.

The result: the 'Mission Control' tablet

The result is an Android app that brings calm to a complex environment.

Dashboard at a glance

Drivers see the current temperature, CO2 levels, humidity (RH) and the position of the intake valves directly.

Smart alerts and fast fixes

When something's off, an alert panel slides in immediately. Instead of just an error code, the driver gets step-by-step instructions and direct help, so faults get resolved considerably faster.

Robust configuration

For technicians, we built a powerful backend with access to around 500 settings, clearly categorised and searchable.

Edge-first architecture

The interface stays 100% operational locally via the OBU connection, even without GSM or GPS signal.

Impact at a global scale

Thanks to the new interface, Heering Holland has a technological edge that safeguards animal welfare, even under the harshest conditions.

Higher efficiency

Faults are diagnosed and resolved faster thanks to the integrated help and the close coupling with the hardware.

Ease of use

Drivers are supported by a system that thinks along with them, whatever the weather outside.

A proud team

For Sping, this was a dream project: we got to sink our teeth into complex IoT integration with a tangible, important end result.