Working with EID tags and equipment
The continuous need for improvement in management and production practices is contributing to the increasingly popular use of electronic ID/RFIDs in the cattle industry. All CattleMax editions include electronic ID interfaces to help you continue enhancing your record keeping and performance methods.
Downloading electronic ID numbers to save hours of time
Several EID tag manufacturers include an electronic list of EIDs with your order. CattleMax is able to download these EID lists directly into the software, where the records are automatically linked (if the EID list includes visual IDs) or you choose the animal record to link for each EID entry. Purchasing "matched pair sets" from an EID vendor eliminates the need for cattle to be handled just to record which cattle receive what EID tag.
Scanning EIDs real-time reduces data entry errors
All CattleMax-compatible electronic ID readers can be connected to a computer that is at the chute or pens. As cattle EIDs are scanned, you can automatically add the EID number to an existing cattle record, add a new animal record with the EID, or view the animal's record that already has the recorded EID value.
Downloading scanned EIDs provides greater flexibility
Some electronic ID readers include a memory capability that allows for storing of scanned electronic ID values without the need for a computer to be connected at the time the EIDs are scanned. This is a good option if a computer is not available or is not practical at chuteside.
After working cattle, you can download the list of EIDs that were scanned right into CattleMax, and even apply events such as medical treatments or update pasture locations for the cattle that were worked.
Generating orders for electronic ID tags to ensure quality
Being able to quickly generate a list of visual ID entries from CattleMax is also a helpful feature for ranches to implement EID tags. Ranches that already have visual IDs for their cattle and want to make the downloading of corresponding EID entries much easier can supply the EID manufacturer with a list of visual tags, which the EID vendor then supplies you with a list of EIDs to easily match to your existing visual IDs.
Detailed Information about working with equipment and CattleMax
Wondering about the specific connection details of connecting an EID reader to CattleMax, or need other related information? Check out the "Working with Equipment" area of the CattleMax Knowledge Base.
CattleMax-compatible electronic ID reader manufacturers
The most popular choice of Electronic ID readers by CattleMax customers is Allflex. Some customers have also used the Destron readers.
CattleMax has limited interfaces with the following companies: I.D.ology, Syscan, and Y-Tex. If your reader is manufactured by one of these companies, we highly recommend you work with the CattleMax trial version to see what interface options are available, as the company may have released new features after the interface was added to CattleMax.
Given our limited resources for equipment interface development, we keep Allflex and Destron interfaces current, as these 2 brands are the most often used by customers. Focusing our efforts on these readers helps ensure you get the best return on your electronic ID efforts.
Where to buy EID readers and tags
Allflex EID Readers and tags can be purchased through Cattlesoft & the CattleMax software at CattleTags.com, through various online websites, or through your local livestock supply dealer.
