The challenge

Sundance Berry Farms operates farms in three districts in central and southern California. They grow primarily strawberries during spring, summer and fall for customers including large retail chains. With hundreds of field workers and dozens of pieces of large equipment in operation across multiple locations, a reliable communications system is critical for employee management and tracking asset inventory and maintenance. Mobile devices used in agriculture need to maintain network connections even in remote areas, and they must be sturdy enough to withstand rough conditions in the field, from extreme temperatures to being dropped out of tractors into the mud.

Sundance Berry Farms had been using iPhone models SE, 7 and 8 and a variety of applications such as Whip Around, Fastfieldforms, and HeavyConnect to track employee hours and payroll, as well as monitor the status of trucks, tractors, forklifts and harvest machines. Apps make it possible to collect quality assurance data in the field, manage food product safety and compliance, and coordinate complex agricultural systems such as irrigation. Phones are operated in both English and Spanish.

Even though the devices were in heavy-duty cases, however, they were often damaged or destroyed during use, and repeatedly failed under normal field conditions. Coverage was also a problem, making it difficult or impossible to use apps, text or call in certain locations. The combination of inoperative devices and unreliable network connections resulted in operational downtime that ultimately affected their bottom line. 

industry

Agriculture

region

California, USA

THE SOLUTION

• Kyocera DuraSport 5G Smartphone 
• Verizon Ultra Wideband 5G Network 
• AdvanceTec Multi-Bay Charger Options
• Colored Holsters & Cases for Group Identification

*PTT+ functionality requires an application. Additional fees may apply.

key benefits

• Rugged MIL-STD-810H Protection
• Large, Dedicated PTT Button
• Ultra-loud, Front-facing Speakers
• IP68 Dust Proof, Waterproof 
• Powerful 4500mAh Battery
• Dual-band GPS L1/L5 Location Accuracy



In late 2022, Sundance Berry Farms began testing Kyocera DuraSport 5G at a large fruit grower located in Santa Maria. 

THE SOLUTION

Sundance Berry Farms found that the devices performed well in the field, reporting no hardware failures even without protective cases. DuraSport 5G connected immediately to the Verizon network and stayed connected, even in places notorious for dead spots. In locations where iPhones had no signal, DuraForce 5G was able to establish a reliable network connection. 

The same apps worked just as well or better on the Android OS, and users reported a preference for the Android keyboard, which combines letters and numbers on one screen and switches easily between English and Spanish. 

Sundance Berry Farms is currently exploring Kyocera vehicle mounts, screen protectors, and Wireless Protech cases for improved performance, as well as using PTT to replace their current 2-way radio system. They plan to implement the full transition to DuraSport 5G in stages, starting with users in the irrigation section, equipment shops, and offices.