Implementation of ICT
The programs were installed on a PC at the farmhouse. The computer system that they had initially was not state of the art. As the DairyWin™ application requires an Internet connection to access LIC databases, the new system required both a modem and Internet access. Currently, the Wards have dial-up access using the standard telephone connection. Whilst dial-up Internet access is slow, the connection at Woodbury is better than the one at Heinz. The Wards see the investment by Fonterra into broadband infrastructure as a welcome intervention. The faster connection speed will enable faster and more reliable access to sites such as LIC that they regularly visit, in addition to the applications on Fencepost.com.
The initial task upon purchasing the software was to input all the data from the manual system to electronic records. This was time consuming and involved learning about the system as they used it. Fiona admits that it did not feel like they were saving much time by using a computer system initially. This was further complicated by the fact that they were new to the industry. Over time, however, the system has made the process of decision making much more efficient.
As both Thomas and Fiona were professionals, they were computer-literate when the initial farm computer investments were made. However, they both had to learn about operating the specific software packages, as both are involved in updating the system with information generated on the farm on a daily basis. Implementing the systems has also enabled them to learn more about the information generated on the farm..
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