Beef Stocker USA 2009 Survey of the Animal Identification Industry
Responding
Company: AgInfoLink
Survey Section: Software
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Company: |
AgInfoLink USA
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Develop Software: |
YES |
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Describe: |
BeefLink™ is
PC-based data collection and management system. This powerful data
collection software can be used in the field to capture and store
data automatically from RFID and barcode tags, scales, and other
devices, in real time. RFID readers such as the rugged Tag Tracker™
are used to capture and send RFID data to BeefLink™. Scales,
scanners and thermometers are connected directly to the computer and
are configured to automatically upload data into BeefLink™. |
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Version Name (1): |
BeefLink 2™ |
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Attributes: |
Chuteside data collection, data sharing and local reporting tools. BeefLink™ is extremely flexible allowing users to collect large amount of data via several "hands-free" methods. Users can set up a regimen, a series of events to be completed during processing, and upon scanning the animal's EID tag the events in the regimen will automatically be entered into the animal record. This method is both quick and accurate. User's can also scan variable data from pre-programmed workcards. BeefLink™ provides chuteside decision support through event based sorting, Average Daily Gain calculation, and Week to Ship estimation. BeefLink™ allows the sharing of data to the PonyExpress routing database. This functionality provides an "information highway" for securely sharing of individual animal data throughout the supply chain via a private data network. Users can dictate the data that will be shared. AgInfoLink has developed a series of standard reports and report writing tools that provide users powerful informational tools from which management decisions are made the program compliance requirements are documented.
AgInfoLink
charges a per animal per entity enrollment fee of $1.50. This fee
includes the basic BeefLink™ package. |
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Version Name (2): |
Animal Logger |
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Attributes: |
PC based software for use in collecting basic NAIS or other compliance data on groups of animals. Configures with RFID readers. Includes automatic data sharing when PC connected to internet connection. Ideal for auction markets, feedlots, packers, or other high volume locations needing simple, basic, easy to use data collection and reporting. |
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Version Name (3): |
Ag Mobile
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Attributes: |
PDA software designed for Windows Mobile operating system. Includes automated data capture features. Synchronizes with BeefLink PC software. |
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Version Name (4): |
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Attributes: |
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Interface with RFID Readers: |
AgInfoLink uses a
device messaging system that allows interface with any serial device
which includes RFID Readers, GPS, Thermometers, Scales, etc.
AgInfoLink's program support all serial, DDE or keyboard wedge
enabled devices. Our Device Ports component guarantees a good data
string through validation methods. |
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Software Interface With: |
Our software can
interface with any reader that has either a serial or USB output.
AgInfoLink systems will interface with all RFID readers currently in
market. |
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Records Collected: |
There are a variety of data collection methods chuteside from manual data entry on a card to completely automated data collection by scanning work cards (events associated with TXP numbers), as well as automatically receiving data from hardware devices such as scales, GPS, thermometers, ultrasound, readers, etc. We also have a regimen component that allows all "like" data to be automatically applied to animals being worked. For instance, if all animals are from the same location, same breed, receiving the same vaccines, etc. that will be applied to every animal scanned. If you want to collect like data but it varies from animal to animal, like preg checking, you will be prompted to scan or key in the appropriate detail for each animal. The data collection also allows for automatically sequencing of events such as applying sequential Visual Ids. There is also real-time data generated and applied to individual animal records based on defined business rules. For instance, if an animal is of a particular sex and the incoming weight is between specified ranges, an event can be generated and applied of a particular location for sorting purposes.
Group data can be
applied to a specified data set based on date ranges, event types on
the records such as location, group or origin or any combination of
events and dates. Our application allows for Event child/parent
relationships. For example: "Vaccine: 7-way" parent event could have
child events such as "Dosage: 10CC" and " Lot # U32002N21". Each
event has its own unique data GUID and Date/Time stamp for full
auditability. Also, data is validated with all collected data
chuteside and can be configured at an Alliance level to ensure
"quality" data for reporting and analysis. |
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Manual Entry: |
Yes. Automated
entry features reduce or eliminate manual key data entry. |
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Data Stored: |
Chuteside data is
collected using an RFID reader and laptop computer. The data is
stored on the PC operating chuteside. |
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Installation Costs: |
There is a $500
fee for the initial customer installation and on site training. All
subsequent site visits will be billed at time and travel costs. The
costs provided in this survey are estimated. Specific fees will vary
based upon volume and number of program installations. |
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Computer Operating System: |
Windows XP or
Windows Vista |
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Training Costs: |
There is a $500
fee for the initial customer installation and on site training. All
subsequent site visits will be billed at time and travel costs. The
costs provided in this survey are estimated. Specific fees will vary
based upon volume and number of program installations. |
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Technical Support: |
With the initial
purchase of program enrollments, a user may access all of
AgInfoLink's customer support options which all include a toll-free
help desk line. |
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Technical Support Plan: |
Each customer is assigned to a designated field representative or Technical Service Assistant (TSA). This person serves as the liaison between the customer and AgInfoLink providing technical assistance and guidance. If the customer needs immediate attention and is unable to make contact with their TSA, they may call AgInfoLink's 1-800 Help Desk representatives. Customer support is an important part of AgInfoLink service. This number is manned 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (MST) Monday - Friday.
After hours calls
are routed to on-call personnel available 24/7/365. Support calls
are guaranteed to be returned within 24 hours. The customer support
staff is composed of dedicated professionals that have a detailed
understanding of the technology being deployed, and are highly
knowledgeable. Customers also receive a copy of the system
documentation to use as a reference guide. |
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Cost of Technical Support: |
Customer support
agreements are available. Pricing is based upon enrollment volume
and Help Desk usage |
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Support Non-electronic Ave.: |
Yes. No Computer,
No Problem! AgInfoLink's patented CattleCard™ product allows users
to tag an animal with an EID tag and use a pencil to check mark
events that apply to the animal on a corresponding data card. The
data cards are sent in to a processing point where the data is then
entered into the BeefLink program with a barcode reader and scanning
sheets. Reports are generated and mailed or faxed to the producer. |
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Software Updated: |
By design, AgInfoLink's event based architecture allows for tremendous flexibility. The same program used to collect individual animal data to improve management efficiencies and increase profitability can also be utilized to document processes for both private and governmental certification and compliance. It a client or industry events should necessitate significant changes to the software, we employ a staff of seasoned developers who will work to meet those needs. |
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Additional Costs: |
There is no
additional charge for software upgrades. |
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If No, Software Recommended: |
NA |
View other Responses for this company:
Company Info - Tags - Hand Held - Stationary - Scale Head - Software - Data Storage - System Cost
