DAY 1Livestock technology foundations
The programme includes two equipment options: short-distance Bluetooth (BLE) monitoring and long-distance GPS + 4G location tracking. BLE cattle tags communicate with compatible nearby gateways or readers. A GPS + 4G tracker determines location and sends supported updates over a compatible mobile network; the farmer does not need to stay close to the animal. GPS positioning does not itself provide mobile or satellite communications. Match each farmer’s needs to approved equipment. Check the exact model, compatible phone, network coverage and ongoing charges before promising a service. Obtain the farmer’s permission before recording animal and location information.
DAY 2Safe fitting and animal records
Practical fitting must be supervised by a competent animal handler using the manufacturer’s instructions and the correct applicator. Check animal suitability, tag weight, hygiene and safe restraint. Record the farmer, animal identification and device serial number together. Do not fit an unfamiliar device without model-specific instruction and practical approval.
DAY 3GPS + 4G activation and farmer handover
For GPS + 4G equipment, confirm South African mobile-network and frequency-band compatibility, SIM activation, data charges, reporting intervals and approved platform access before installation. Use the approved supplier manual to activate the exact device. Do not promise live location updates outside compatible mobile-network coverage, or temperature and activity measurements unless that exact model supports them. Set up the farmer’s own account and verify the tag-to-animal link. Test location updates, coverage, charging and alerts where supported. Explain the difference between current and last-reported location. Demonstrate the app and confirm that the farmer can use it before handover.
DAY 4BLE monitoring, gateways and technical support
For the short-distance option, assess BLE coverage on the farm, position compatible readers or gateways, verify each tag is detected and test supported temperature, activity and herd-count functions. Remote phone access requires appropriate connectivity from the gateway. Only pair equipment listed as compatible by Plutos and the manufacturer. Bluetooth devices may require a nearby phone, reader or gateway; do not promise independent long-distance tracking. Practise checking power, permissions, connectivity and serial numbers. Use versioned manuals and record unresolved faults for technical support. New equipment requires its own familiarisation and approval.
DAY 5Assessment and supervised practical
Complete the online knowledge assessment and a supervised practical demonstration. The assessor checks animal handling, manufacturer instructions, correct device-to-animal matching, activation, privacy, troubleshooting and farmer handover. Written results alone do not authorise installation. HQ records the practical result and approved device models before issuing course completion.
