Barn management software systems are nothing new. They’ve been available for a while now to help hog producers monitor rooms, control various functions and generate reports. One of the biggest problems, however, is that many of the programs have been either too complex for many people to use or too simplistic to provide all the functionality pig producers require. Additionally, some solutions have not been flexible enough to meet everybody’s needs and budgets.
Fortunately, new software advancements are bridging the gap. Today, producers can find solutions that are not only easy enough for most personnel to use, but also sophisticated enough to control practically all functions across multiple rooms. Below are five advancements helping to make this possible.
1. Intuitive Touch Screens
The widespread adoption of smartphones has changed how we understand and use technology. In fact, many people now prefer to do things through the convenience of their phone rather than on a computer. As a result, the more software developers can mimic smartphone functionality, the easier it will be for most people to use. This is an area where many barn management systems have fallen short in the past.
In general, the most capable software programs available have been difficult for many people to use. As a result, only the most technologically savvy pork producers have taken full advantage of these systems. But even if one person is capable of using a sophisticated software program, the inability of other people in the operation to use it will hinder the overall experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are some software programs that are much simpler. The drawback here is that they offer far less functionality. For instance, they may lack multi-room control, alarms, reporting and other valuable features.
Fortunately for producers, the learning curve on some of the latest controls has gotten much simpler. The large color touch screens and intuitive buttons are designed in a way that anyone who can use a smartphone should be able to intuitively operate the barn management control panel. Thanks to these advancements, producers may be able to take advantage of more automated features, since employees can be more easily trained.
Some controllers can also be customized so that buttons and information can be moved around in the display according to personal preference. For example, the PigCentral® Control from PigTek allows users to slide these items around the screen, similar to rearranging the apps on a smartphone. A producer can display his favorite features front and center on the control’s touchscreen for quick and easy access.
Mobile apps are available for these controllers, too, allowing users to remotely monitor rooms on their internet-connected smartphones, tablets or computers. Notifications and alarms can be set up to alert personnel of any problems that may arise. This includes group alarms, which notifies and moves down a list of individuals one at a time until an action is taken to resolve the issue.
2. Simplified Customizations
A leading complaint about earlier software systems is the complicated process of programming them to meet individual farm needs. However, some newer software programs are more modular, allowing the ability to write customized scripts much more easily. For instance, if a chain disc feeding system is added to a barn, the producer can simply add a modular card for that system to incorporate it in the barn management controls.
When updating the wiring in a barn for a control system, frequently the owners may not be able to find the original wiring diagram. Today’s control systems, however, are helping to reduce this concern. Some controls include built-in wiring diagrams for each project card, so it never becomes lost.
3. Scalable Design
For producers who don’t have the need or budget to install and wire one large, centralized controller, smaller control options such as PigTek’s Centro™ Control have recently become available. Instead of connecting all systems within a barn, the smaller controls are primarily designed to oversee only one to three systems. Not only are these controllers physically smaller and more cost-effective than their larger counterparts, they often cost less to install due to less wiring involved.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of these smaller controllers is their ability to expand in the future. If a producer wishes to connect other systems in the barn, additional card modules or controls may simply be added. For example, a controller initially may be installed to only manage the feed delivery system in a barn. If the producer wishes to add ventilation capabilities, an additional card module may be added to the controller and connected to just that system.
Another option is having a larger control to handle most barn functions and adding smaller controls for additional systems when it is cost beneficial. It really comes down to giving producers options to fit their unique operations. And, regardless of the mix, these multiple controls can “talk” to each other, allowing an operator to access all controls from one panel or mobile app.
4. Better Biosecurity
As biosecurity and labor become bigger issues for pig producers, the latest barn management software has adapted to their needs. With customizable security clearances, owners can assign various levels of access and responsibility to each person involved in the operation. For instance, the PigCentral® Control includes six defined user levels with varying amounts of access permission for each one.
The security level feature may also alleviate some concerns of employee training. Those who aren’t technologically adept can be given a lower access level requiring fewer things to learn. They may be given access to input necessary day-to-day data, but not allowed to alter the programming in any way.
5. Fast, Easy Tech Support
Another problem that commonly plagued barn management software systems in the past is the difficulty of servicing them. Farms have often needed to bring in service techs to resolve various system errors. Not only is this time-consuming and costly, but herd health may also be affected, depending on the issue.
Today, some software systems enable remote troubleshooting. Always with the owner’s permission, a service team can remotely access the program to troubleshoot the problem immediately. For instance, if room temperatures are fluctuating up and down too quickly, a service tech can remotely inspect the ventilation and heating systems for potential errors.
Of course, the sound of these new features can cause worry about subscription fees or other ongoing costs that can add up big over time. However, some management systems are starting to eliminate annual fees and upgrade costs. This allows producers to keep their software automatically upgraded at no cost, helping ensure trouble-free operation for years to come.
Like any other technology, barn management software will continue to improve over time. One of the biggest benefits of these tech trends is that they help pave the way for producers to adapt to change. That makes it less likely a system will become obsolete in the next several years. Instead, the latest modular programs can be easily built upon and updated. In other words, these trends may be big now and they aren’t going out of style any time soon.
