4 ways to make data part of your everyday decisions
Better decisions often come down to what you can do with your data. How quickly can you find an answer when a question comes up? Can you catch a potential issue before it becomes a bigger problem? Do you have enough visibility to understand how a change in one area may be affecting the rest of your operation?
Here are four ways your technology can help make data a bigger part of your everyday decisions.
Keep your data in your back pocket
While it might sound simple, making your herd data easier to access when you’re away from the office can offer more flexibility and peace of mind.
To start, see what cloud-based functionality is available within your herd management software. For instance, PULSE Platform is included in all DairyComp subscriptions and puts your data in the palm of your hand. Whether you’re in the close-up pen and need to check a heifer’s due date or miles away from the dairy and just want to check in, answers are always within reach from your phone or internet browser.
That added accessibility can lead to real savings for your dairy, too. For one Minnesota dairyman, vet checks are quicker and easier because he can pull up his vet list on his phone and record cows as pregnant or open on the spot.
Get the right team members on board
Other than yourself, who has a hand in your dairy’s decisions? Employees, nutritionists, veterinarians and other trusted advisors are all likely to bring a unique perspective to the table.
For some dairies, it might make sense to expand data access based on team members’ roles. An employee may only need to view or enter specific data, while a manager or outside advisor may benefit from greater visibility across metrics. Either way, you grant them the permissions they need and maintain full control over who can access what data.
When done thoughtfully, shared access helps everyone do their job better because it provides more context around what the dairy is trying to accomplish. Your team can see the numbers behind a goal, understand how their work contributes and bring their own experience to the conversation. As a result, they feel more empowered and connected to their work.
Let the data work for you
Today’s dairies generate a lot of information. Seeing a return from that data doesn’t mean you need to review every report every day.
One approach that could work better is to identify the metrics that matter most to your operation and goals right now and in the future. Then, make sure your herd management system is set up in a way that makes them easy to track.
DairyComp users can use PULSE Platform to create custom dashboards around the information they want to keep a closer eye on, whether that’s herd inventory, production, conception rates and more. Once you’ve identified the metrics you want to track, set a cadence for them to run, such as daily, weekly or monthly.
Text or email notifications can also alert you when a metric moves outside your set threshold, allowing you to intervene before it creates a bigger challenge down the road.
Look for opportunities to connect your systems
Consider the technologies you use every day and how you can get more from the data already being collected. Activity monitoring systems, sort gates, feeding software and herd management tools each serve a distinct purpose for your operation. On their own, they provide valuable data points. When they’re integrated, they can help you see more of the story behind your data.
As you evaluate your current technologies and consider new ones for the future, explore how they integrate with other systems. VAS works with more than 50 integration partners across DairyComp and PULSE Platform, giving producers the flexibility to choose the tools that work best for their dairy, not the software.
Explore what more is possible with your data by setting up a free PULSE Platform account with VAS Support or talking to your local VAS farm performance consultant.
Curious how VAS’ suite of farm management tools can help collect, connect and analyze data from across your operation? Fill out the form below to learn more.