How TurfBase elevates Peter Sauer’s pitch management to a higher level

The new TurfBase makes life easier for FC Bayern Munich’s Peter Sauer

Using data to your advantage

Just five years ago, Peter had a completely different mindset: “I didn’t use a lot of data at the time. I simply wasn’t a big fan of it.” Today, his perspective has changed entirely. “I think it’s fantastic to have data available and to work with it! Nowadays, with the TurfPods, we can see so much more than we could five years ago. They provide us with a lot of data, offering insights into our heating systems and irrigation, for example.”

At FC Bayern München, data is also used to learn from previous years. “We compare data from last year to this year to assess our performance, such as in the use of the lights. Maxi (Ed.: Maximilian Wüttge, Area Manager DACH) and Gary (Ed.: Gary Walters, Agronomist) from SGL help us analyse this data. We try to identify patterns, see ups and downs, measure how much we use the lights, understand usage variations, compare data with temperatures, and much more.”

Data also helps justify decisions, as Peter explains. “If someone asks why I’ve made certain choices or why specific resources are needed, I can show them the data to make my reasoning very clear. For example, our data on grow lighting usage is shared with stadium management, allowing them to gain insights into our energy consumption as well.”

Peter Sauer,

Head Greenkeeper - Allianz Arena Munich

These insights come from the Energy monitor module. Next to insights, this module also helps in energy usage comparisons between time frames, visually shows the numbers in graph and grid view, and sets the energy usage against pitch quality, pitch usage and weather conditions.

Collecting, organising & analysing

Data plays a vital role in Peter’s daily work and TurfBase helps him in processing this. “We collect a big pool of data that we can use to our advantage. TurfBase helps us with data collection, organisation, and analysis.” TurfBase’ Data module offers features like a live overview of data collected by the TurfPod, data comparison in an interactive graph, visual representation of target ranges, unlimited data history, and customisation possibilities.

As part of the test group, Peter had the opportunity to influence the development of the new TurfBase. “It was a good experience to be part of the test group. I think it’s always beneficial when you try to improve your products by involving your customers, because they are the ones who will be using them. I was able to provide regular feedback and express my personal needs and preferences. I think it was great!”

A complete transformation

The involvement of groundsmen in developing TurfBase, available as a mobile app and for PC on desktop, has resulted in an easy-to-navigate data tool. “The navigation is much better now, much easier. This is great because some of our grounds staff don’t use it daily, but now they always know where to find things when they do use it.”

The app is highly user-friendly, providing an organised overview of all data. “For us, this was one of the most important features because we have three different locations. We use the drop-down buttons to switch between the Allianz Arena, Säbener Straße training ground, and FC Bayern Campus to see how things are going at each location. This helps us a lot in gaining a complete overview of all our sites.”

The TurfBase has undergone a big transformation compared to the previous SGL Portal, and Peter shares his favourite changes. “We’ve already talked about the overview, but that’s what I like the most because I use the data from the TurfPods so much. I can see information like soil moisture, soil temperature, or PPFD all at a glance.

What’s also really great is that you can turn the lights on and off directly in the portal, and it’s so easy. Before, it could be a bit complicated, but now if someone asks me to turn them off, for example for taking pictures or something, I can do it effortlessly. You don’t even have to be on-site, which is fantastic!”

So, would Peter recommend using TurfBase? “Yes, definitely! I think it’s a significant improvement. It’s easy to use for me and the rest of the grounds team, it’s very user-friendly.”