ACE Expo ’99
Managing time and money in today's fast paced business environment can be a challenge. Because of the growing amount of data, storing, sorting, and retrieving that data is imperative in order to maintain an efficient operation. Today's fast developing technology becomes the entrepreneur's best friend. Computers can write checks, sort information, and generate reports with a minimum amount of input. They can store names, addresses, and phone numbers to help us organize our lives and make us more efficient. Cell phones can keep us in contact and save time and money.
About eight years ago, Mike began to realize that he needed to improve his method for keeping financial records. The business was growing in size and the amount of record keeping was increasing also. In addition, there was a growing need to generate reports to make important management decisions. Mike started to keep records on accounting software called Horizon. Checks were written by hand, and later keyed into the computer. This process allowed him to generate reports, but took much time. After several years of writing checks and manual entry, he decided to utilize the check writing feature in Horizon and purchase the Horizon payroll module. As the check was written, it was posted into Horizon accounting. This saved time and produced a neat and professional appearance to the check. It also reduced the possibility of mistakes. With the information already in Horizon, generating reports like income statements and bank reports were only a few keystrokes away. Recently, Mike has upgraded the DOS based Horizon accounting to the Windows based Perception Accounting software. Perception uses templates to help simplify entering data. Once set up, data entry is much simpler. Because Perception is a Windows base application, it has solved some hardware compatibility problems that a DOS program can create.
The second application that Mike uses is Microsoft Outlook. Mike accidentally realized how useful this application could be upon purchasing a palm top computer. The palm top computer's intended use was with Farm Works crop software. Records can be entered into the palm top in the field and automatically transfer to Farm Works on the desktop when the palm top is docked. This is an excellent way to keep field records up-to-date without making notes on paper that can easily be lost. While Mike was working with Farm Works, he discovered the Microsoft Outlook calendar, contact list, and notepad. Microsoft Outlook calendar is a great way to keep track of important appointments and meetings. Microsoft Outlook is also compatible with the palm top. Appointment contacts and notes can be entered in the desktop or the palm top. When the palm top is docked to be charged, information will automatically transfer between the two. The palm top can fit into a shirt pocket or be kept in the pickup truck so it is handy for use. The calendar, contact list, and "to do" list are convenient. The desktop becomes a quick and neat way to store names, addresses, and phone numbers. Microsoft Outlook is a great tool to help save time and organize your business. Mike believes that in the near future palm tops will be connected to a desktop by a wireless network. Wireless palmtops and desktops could be in continuous contact to transfer herd information. Key people with palm tops could retrieve or record individual cow information in the barn.
The last area is the use of cell phones. Key personnel keep in contact with each other, and people that would be out of reach with most radios. CB radios are in truck and tractors for close communication. However, employees that are away from the main farm have or are supplied with a cell phone. Many other farmers in our area also use cell phones. The custom harvest operator also uses a cell phone, which creates a network of people that can be contacted very quickly during harvest.