 |
|
|
|
Introduction
ANIMAL HEALTH PLAN "web app" is a state of the art software delivered through a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model via the Internet. It is designed for the Veterinary Professional and the Farmer to be able to work collaboratively to achieve “best practice” in animal and farm management, thereby increasing productivity and reducing risk. While this application has an annual health plan calendar function, it is more focussed on a shared task and reminder based philosophy for animal groups as well as individual animals. Clinical notes can be generated quickly via intelligent pick lists on a live basis with a laptop or tablet PC in the field and emailed immediately to the clinic. New and follow-up tasks may be generated post clinical determination and diagnosis. By working together, and off the same plan but with login views, the Veterinarian and the Farmer can both participate in the successful management of a farm. All parties benefit from having an Animal Health Plan.
Benefits to the Farmer
 The problem of pests and diseases affecting farm production is unavoidable. However, what farmers are able to control is how they are managed. By working in conjunction with the veterinarian, an animal health plan can help with the development and management of techniques to keep the farm resilient to these pests and diseases. They can identify methods to improve animal health and welfare before they become a problem.
Another benefit of having an animal health plan is that it can help improve performance and productivity due to the fact that the animals are kept in good health. By being proactive as opposed to reactive, it creates opportunities to maximise revenue due to foresight and planning. For dairy farms, they may want to increase their milk solid output. This goal can be managed by the veterinarian using proven methods and techniques in conjunction with the combined experience and knowledge of both the farmer and the veterinarian. By having it written into the animal health plan, it helps keep the goal on track and minimises the risk of external factors detracting from it.
Benefits to the Veterinarian
 A farmer will look to the veterinarian first as their point of contact; not just when the animal is unwell, but also for ways to keep the animal healthy in a proactive manner. The veterinarian will have the capabilities to advise the farmer on the best preparation for their breeding stock with regards to diet and then the care of the animals.
The veterinarian is often the farmers contact with the supplier and will more often than not, have a better idea as to what is available on the market and of any new products that have come onto the market. This will usually be based on sound technical/medical knowledge and one that will be respected.
In a successful business environment, it is advisable to use all of the relevant resources that are available in the market to maximise the business. By not implementing an animal health plan, it can potentially damage future revenue for the farm as not all resources are going to be utilised. In today’s fast paced environment, it would be a near impossibility for someone to think of every possible outcome without sitting down and giving it some thought. As soon as expert advice is given, such as that from the veterinarian, the potential to foresee a broader range of possibilities and potential outcomes is increased.
Benefits to the Supplier
 There is now a greater chance of farmers using the complete range that the suppliers produce. Because the farmer has spent time with the veterinarian discussing all the available options to them, there is the opportunity for the farmer to be told about products that previously they may not have heard of. When operating in a reactive environment, farmers will only use what their animals immediately need. By supporting an animal health plan, the supplier will be able to promote the preventative products and performance enhancement to the farmer thereby supporting a proactive farm management business style.
In any sales business, an important part is forecasting; both sales and the amount to purchase in advance to prepare for those sales. By encouraging farmers to construct an animal health plan, suppliers will have an excellent idea of what products will be required during the year after consulting with the veterinarians. This will result in less over-stocking and out of stocks. The result will keep the end user happy and satisfied with the brand as all the needs of both the farmer and the veterinarian will be prepared for. It will aid in creating the trust in the brand as they have contributed to a part of the animals’ good health.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|