INTRODUCING THE NEW ANGUS DATABASE SEARCH

Developed by Angus Australia’s software development team, the new database search facility is similar to the Animal and EBV Enquiry facilities that have been available on the Angus Australia website for some time, but has been re-developed to be a more modern and intuitive facility with a range of valuable new features.
 
 

WHAT IS THE NEW ANGUS DATABASE SEARCH?

The Angus Database Search enables beef producers to search Angus Australia’s comprehensive animal database.

Using the Angus Database Search facility, Angus breeders can access information for any individual animal recorded with Angus Australia, or once logged in as a registered user, can search and sort the Angus Australia database for animals that meet selection criteria of interest.
 
 

WHY HAS IT BEEN DEVELOPED?

The development of the Angus Database Search is part of a software development initiative of Angus Australia that commenced in 2014.

Referred to as angus.tech, the initiative involves transitioning the software that is utilised to manage Angus Australia’s extensive pedigree, performance and genomic database, from generic software available from 3rd party service providers, to in-house software that is specifically tailored to the needs of Angus Australia and our members.

The main benefits of this transition include:

• A greater ability to customise the software to meet the needs to Angus Australia and our members
• Reduced costs associated with access and development to generic software

The consequence of the software transition is that the existing Animal & EBV Enquiry facilities will shortly cease being available to Angus Australia, and will be replaced with the new Angus Database Search.

WHAT NEW FEATURES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED?

The new Angus Database Search includes a range of new features by comparison to the existing Animal and EBV Enquiry facilities, including:

• Access to more comprehensive information on individual animals, such as:
  –  Display of complete ownership history of an animal
  –  Display of progeny bred by herd for all sires and dams
  –  Display of Structural Soundness EBVs for an animal
  –  Display of percentile band information below each EBV of an animal
  –  Display of the number of progeny with performance in association with the EBVs for all sires and dams
• Ability to save frequently conducted searches
• Ability to customise the display of search results
• Ability to print search results and individual animal reports in a print friendly format
• Ability to enter multiple sort criteria

A number of additional new features are planned and will be implemented over coming months.

SIGNING IN AS A REGISTERED USER

Necessitated by the need to protect the integrity of the Angus Australia database, the new Angus Database Search requires users to sign in as a registered user to undertake advanced searches and access complete animal information.

Angus Australia members who have an existing username and password into the member login section of the Angus Australia website (to download reports/files etc.), simply need to enter their existing username and password to sign in to the new database search facility.

Those that don’t have an existing username and password username and password into the member login section of the Angus Australia website will be required to register by specifying either a mobile phone number (preferred) or an email address and following the instructions provided.

Instructions on how to sign in, or register as a new user are available from the Angus Australia website

NEW EDUCATION MODULE: USING THE ANGUS DATABASE SEARCH

To assist users with becoming familiar with the new Angus Database Search, a new training module has been created within the Angus Education Centre.

The training module provides comprehensive instructions on how to use the Angus Database Search, including video presentations demonstrating how to take advantage of all the new features and functionality.

The module is available from the “Using angus.tech Software” link in the Angus Education Centre.

GETTING HELP

Day to day assistance in the use of the Angus Database Search is available from the member services team at Angus Australia.

Assistance is available via either phone (02) 6773 4600 or email regos@angusaustralia.com.au

SPOT A MISTAKE

As with any new software, it is likely that there may be a few errors in the new Angus Database Search.

Should you encounter any mistakes, please contact Andrew Byrne, Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager on (02) 6773 4618, or andrew@angusaustralia.com.au

Feedback would be particularly appreciated regarding:

• Any issues/problems that you encounter with the functionality of the new facility. Specifically, things that don’t work or things that take a long time.
• Any issues/problems with the manner in which the information is presented.

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS

Suggested improvements to the new Angus Database Search are also welcome.

If there is particular functionality or information that you would like to see included in the Angus Database Search, please contact Andrew Byrne, Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager on (02) 6773 4618, or andrew@angusaustralia.com.au

EXISTING ANIMAL & EBV ENQUIRY SYSTEMS

In the short term, the new Angus Database Search and existing Animal and EBV Enquiry facilities will both be made available from the Angus Australia website.

No timeframe has currently been scheduled for the removal of the Animal and EBV Enquiry facilities, however it is envisaged that the transition will be completed within the next 6 – 12 months.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Should you have any questions regarding the new Angus Database Search, please don’t hesitate to contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au.