Before you buy
Before you buy computer software to
keep cow/calf records, you first need to decide what information you need to
keep. Make a checklist that includes
the items that you need. Include not
only the necessities, but also those things that while not necessary, would be
nice.
What do you need?
There are many items to think about
before you make your purchase. For
instance how many cows do you have? Some programs will only allow you to keep
records on a limited number of cows, while others keep records on unlimited
herd sizes. Do you wish to keep
historical data on the cows previous calves?
Most, but not all, programs allow you to do this. A few programs only keep a running average
of previous calves, not individual data.
You need to decide what data you
want to record. You also need to make
sure that the program does not require data that you do not collect. For example many programs require individual
weaning weights, while many ranchers do not record individual weights.
Take the time to decide what reports
you would like to get from the software.
There are as many different styles of reports as there is software available. Make sure the program you select will
deliver what you need.
A couple of other things may not be
obvious at first to people evaluating cow/calf recordkeeping software for the
first time. One, can the program handle
your cow identification scheme? Some
programs require that the cows be numbered in a certain way. This may or may
not be an issue for you. Secondly, is
the program based on a calendar year?
Some programs can be confusing in the way they handle the “production
cycle.” Since cows are bred for next
years' calf before this year's calf has been weaned, programs that are
“production cycle” based, can become confusing if records are not kept up to
date. Going back and entering past data
into some programs can be confusing.
Locate potential choices
Once you have made a checklist of
what you need and want from a software program, you are ready to find out what
is available. There are many programs
available. Any list that you make will
soon be out of date. Collect
information from as many companies as possible.
Evaluating the software
Once you have decided what you need,
and what is available, it’s time to evaluate your choices. Before you waste much time evaluating a
program you need to see if it does what you need. Compare the specifications with your checklist. Call the company if you are unsure on
certain capabilities. Don’t worry too
much about the computer it takes to run the program. You will be much happier in the long run if you select the
programs you would like to use, then buy a computer that will run what you
need. Otherwise you may not be
satisfied.
Comparing the programs’
specifications with your checklist is only the first step in software
evaluation. You also need to consider
ease of use, performance, support and price.
It is also wise to try it out before you make the final purchase.
Ease of use
There are differences between
programs in ease of use. Just because
two programs have similar specifications does not mean you will be equally
satisfied with them both. Also, just
because your neighbor likes a certain program does not mean that you will. Everyone has their own personal
preferences. Choose a program that you
like.
Here are some questions that you
might ask yourself. Does the program
have clear, consistent screens? Is it
easy to enter data? How about editing data and correcting mistakes, is it easy
and logical? What about help, is it
actually helpful? Finally, does the
program outline make sense? A program
that does not make sense to you can be extremely frustrating to use.
Performance
You need to assess the speed of
entry. Most of your time with the
program will be spent entering data. You need it to go quickly once you learn
the program. Often what is easy to
learn in the beginning can become tedious once you know the program well. You also need to evaluate the speed of error
correction and reentry.
How quickly and easily you can move
from one part of program to another is also important. This is most important in programs that
require you to move back and forth often.
The speed of compiling reports can also vary significantly between
software programs. The performance of
your software often depends on your computer system hardware. Programs that are horribly slow on an older
computer may be more than acceptable if you upgrade to a new computer.
Support
Technical support from the company
can be very important, especially if you are uncomfortable working with a
computer. Different companies offer
different level of support. You need to determine the amount of support
offered, and the cost of that support.
You also will need to check on the
availability of the support. Support is
not worth very much if it is not available when you need it. Check the office
hours of the support staff.
Knowledgeable support is also important. Some companies support is worse than no support. Ask the company for names and phone numbers
of people who use their program if support is very important to you.
Try it out! Try it out! Try it out!
If at all possible try the program
before you buy it. You will be using
the program for a long time. You need
to be sure that it is indeed what you want.
Some companies have a working demo version that they sell or give
away. Other companies have a money back
trial period. Which- ever way you
choose, if you can not try it for little or no cost, then do not buy it!
Price
Remember, price is not
everything! The most important things
are does it do what you need, and is it easy to use? Higher price also does not mean it is better. Buy what you need. If you do not need the features of a more comprehensive,
expensive program, then do not buy it.
If you like it you will forget what
it costs. If you do not you will
remember forever how little more what you should have bought cost!
Available
Software
Cow Calf 4.00
Great Plains Veterinary
Educational Center
(402)
762-4511
North Dakota State University
(701) 483-2079
Farm Works
Software
1-800-225-2848
Cattle
Pro
2000
1-800-204-2002
Redwing Cow-Calf
Production
1-800-732-9464
Hi-Plains Systems, Inc., 1-800-327-8295
Cattle Track
(417) 869-8249
Cattlemaster, (417) 869-8249
Cow Trax
(406) 932-6613
Cow
Sense
Agri-Power! Computer Systems, (503)
938-5362
Total Herd Inventory System, RR #1 Box
158, Bethany, MO 64424 http://www.kpcsys.com
FMS/Harvest, 1-800-992-2814
This list is not complete,
there are probably other, equally good programs available.