The installation of LocalTel wireless internet on top of a HighLine Grain Growers grain silo in Waterville, WA, required Martin Wachtel to venture to the top of the structure, perfect for a bird's perch, several times.
The Waterville-based grain co-op has worked to upgrade just about every other system in its network. As HighLine’s IT director, Wachtel is tasked with implementing the changes.
Some of the changes are small. A new laser printer in Waterville is five times cheaper to operate than the old one. But other changes, like the new internet technology on top of the silos, has more impact.
Martin told The Wenatchee World that HighLine’s two main pushes are to automate processes and go paperless wherever possible.
“We’re not unique,” said Paul Katovich, CEO of HighLine Grain Growers. “This is what the grain industry is going to because it’s been so labor-intensive for so long.”
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