Excel vs black box

As technology continues to advance, the agricultural industry is also embracing new methods to increase productivity and efficiency. One such method is the use of cloud based technology to collect and analyse animal production data. While Excel spreadsheets have been the traditional tool for managing data, cloud based technology such as Black Box offers a number of advantages over this older method. In this blog post, we will explore why even the best excel whizzes are making the switch.

Right-time data collection

Black Box offers the advantage of right-time data collection, which Excel spreadsheets cannot match. This technology collects data from multiple sources, such as crushside machines, in paddock devices and carcase data. This saves hours in the office standardising and cleaning data. The collected data can then be used to make informed decisions about the health and productivity of the animals. Right-time data is especially valuable in identifying poor performing animals and making quick effective decisions about their future.

Advanced analytics

Black Box technology offers advanced analytics capabilities that Excel spreadsheets struggle to match. Black Box can analyse large amounts of data from across data sources, business and time to identify patterns, trends, and correlations that would be difficult to discern using traditional methods. This data analysis can provide insights into herd performance, individual animal performance and make predictions for future performance.

Scalable

Black Box technology is highly scalable and can be tailored to the specific needs of a farm. This flexibility allows for the collection and analysis of data that is most relevant to the operation. With the ability to accommodate the growth of a farm or a change in production goals, Black Box allows for data collection and analysis to remain consistent as the farm changes and evolves.

Improved record-keeping

Black Box improves record-keeping by automatically logging data, reducing the chance of errors or omissions that can occur with manual entry into Excel spreadsheets. The collected data can be easily accessed and analyzed, allowing farmers to make informed decisions with less time in the office. With all data securely stored in the cloud there is no need to worry about accidentally deleting important information and it can be easily accessed for any compliance based queries.

Overall legacy software such as Excel spreadsheets has required a higher degree of skill and time to master and lacks the benefits of scale, advanced analytics or right time data collection that is an essential tool for modern beef operations. By using Black Box technology to collect and analyse data, farmers are making informed decisions that increase productivity and efficiency, ultimately improving the profitability and sustainability of their farms.