The Right Technology At The Right Time! Presented By Robert Davis

Contact Information Name: Robert Davis Phone: (573) Background Information: Currently I work in the Information Technology Field. My family and I own a small horse farm in Ashland, MO. My wife and I lead a 4H club in Boone County. I am a Board Member for Missouri Foundation Quarter Horse Association.

Think Big Start Small Technology Technology Integration? Where do we start? Keep it simple! How do we know when it is time to progress to the next level? How do we know when it is time to progress to the next level? How do we know when we have integrated too much technology? How do we know when we have integrated too much technology? A path that I might take when looking to solve an issue

The Integration of Technology! We have been using one form or fashion of technology with every task that we encounter in farming. The challenge has always been how to accomplish the task and what are the right tools for the job. Information Technology is no different, we need to understand the task that we are trying to accomplish and then understand the tools that can help us accomplish the task. Back

Where to Start! Identify the need. Budgets Invoices Sales Receipts Financial Management Inventory Tracking Herd Management Yield Forecasts Risk Analysis Show Management Training Records Customer Records Production Records Advertising Identify solutions Pen and paper File cabinets Work stations Networks Excel – Word – PowerPoint Off the shelf software Custom developed software Employing someone to help you with your technology needs Back

Keep It Simple! Planning Identify the task that you are trying to accomplish. Consider your current technology. Research the tools available to you that may assist you in your task. Product Selection Look for tools that solve the immediate business need Look for tools that are easy to use Look for tools that will integrate into your current environment Don’t be afraid to try something new or something old There are Rules To Keeping It Simple Product Integration Install the tool Figure out how to use it Move existing information into your new tool (s) Re-Evaluate Is it as easy to use as you thought Does the tool work as expected Does it work with the environment that you operate you business within Do you have to change your business processes to fit the tool Back

The Next Level! When will I know that I might be ready to find a new tool? You are spending to much time using your tools to do something that is seemingly easy to do. You combine multiple tools to help you achieve a single task. Your current tools are not allowing your business grow. You have the need to standardize your tools due to growth. You have started sharing your information with organizations requiring a change in your tools. Back

Enough Is Enough! How will I know that I gone to far with my technology choices? You spend more time learning the tool than the amount of work that you have to do within the tool. You are only using a portion of the tools that you have chosen to implement. You are spending to much time making your software work with your business requirements. The tool is not allowing your business to grow in the direction that you want it to grow. Back

Typical Path That I May Take! Identify The Need! Horse Management Software Excel Access Forms Commercially Available Software Custom Software Start with the tool that will help you accomplish the task with the least amount of overhead. When the current tool is no longer fore filling the need or not allowing you to grow move up to the next level.