In our current age of digital transformation, even pork production isn’t left untouched. The introduction of farm record keeping software offers producers another tool for their toolbox. Software for farm record keeping helps to streamline processes, ensure accuracy and offer insights that manual paper records just can’t match. However, in order to harness the full power of farming record keeping software solutions, it’s essential to know some tips and tricks.
Start with the Basics
It may be tempting to jump right into advanced features, but before you do that, familiarize yourself with the basics. Understand the primary functions of the software you are using, like which data fields can be entered, which preferences can be set to your liking, what type of reporting options are available and how the main dashboard features work.
Regular Data Download/Backup
One of the obvious advantages of using digital solutions like farm record keeping software is the ability to download and backup your data. Ensure that you’re regularly backing up your records in order to avoid any loss due to technical glitches or human error.
Use Standardized Templates
The larger the production system the more versions of collecting and reporting data we’ve seen within each organization. Most farm record keeping software, including EveryPig’s Digital Barn Sheets, offer customizable templates for various tasks. These pre-designed and customizable forms can help you standardize your reporting across all of your farms no matter which region they’re in. This will help you save time and improve your team’s ability to interpret the data.
Mobile Accessibility
Use software that works on your team’s current mobile devices. Nearly all farm workers have a cell phone. This will allow caregivers and managers to update records on-the-go, ensuring real time data capture. Quick recognition and response to pig health challenges can make or break your business.
Integrations
There is no one master software solution that will do it all for you. Many producers use systems like MetaFarms for their historical and financial data, FAS Prairie Systems for their feed ordering, management, and financials, and EveryPig for their real-time pig health and treatment dashboard as well as centralized communication.
When looking for the best farm record keeping software, be sure the companies you decide to work with are talking to each other and/or are willing to create integrations to help you best utilize all of your data across systems.
Custom Alerts
Every pork producer has different preferences for how and when they want to be notified about on farm issues. Whether it’s a daily death loss that you want a text message for or a change in your water consumption that you’d like to see on your dashboard, being able to select how and when you want to receive notifications will be important.
Regular Updates
Some software providers roll out a program and think that it’s a masterpiece that never needs to be touched or modified. This approach is often counterproductive and doesn’t take user requirements into account.
Be sure your farm record keeping software provider is releasing new updates frequently to ensure that your voice can be heard when it comes to addressing your ever changing needs.
Educate and Train Your Team
Your caregivers can be your greatest assets if trained properly. When implementing record keeping software in your system, remember that the successful producers both train and require that all caregivers participate in timely data entry.
Oftentimes caregivers that enter data daily feel more connected and motivated but it can take some reinforcement. Let your team know why you’re going digital with your records and what the benefits to them are as well as the animals and company as a whole
Conclusion
Farm record keeping software, when used effectively, can be a real game-changer for farming operations. Digitization not only simplifies tasks but offers insights that can lead to both labor and production improvements, all helping your bottom line. By implementing the above tips and tricks, you can make the most of your investment in software. Interested in exploring one of the best software platforms in pork production? Learn More About Farm Record Keeping Software Now!
