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   PCDART Overview
Development on the DART (Direct Access to Records by Telephone) program began in 1979 when immediate access to data via modem was still a new concept on farms and many users had terminals rather than personal computers. Producers needed comprehensive information fast and needed it updated more than once per month after test day. Over the years, DART expanded to PCDART and addressed the need for better information (reproductive/health changes, bST, prostaglandin, body condition scores, heifer growth, herd trend graphs, and cow scatter plots) and the need for faster delivery (downloads and e-mail).

With the recent release of PocketDairy, we have also addressed the need for different avenues of input (handheld as well as desktop and laptop computers). PCDART 7, with users in all aspects of the dairy industry (producers, heifer growers, consultants, veterinarians, DHI technicians, and extension specialists) is an essential tool for profitability in the 21st century.

Using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) with PocketDairy and PCDART improves management and accuracy immediately!  It's very easy to get the system up and running.  Read more for an overview of the system, the latest tags, readers, and devices, and customer testimonials. PCDART features include:

  • Fast and easy input procedures for cows, heifers, young bulls, sires and service sires.
  • Over 50 pre-loaded management reports as well as powerful report creation and printing features. You have complete control over which animals appear on a report by setting ranges for traits, and you can select from more than 600 database items for each cow.
  • Quick access to individual "cow page" showing current test day data, reproduction data, lactation history, lactation curve and more. "Heifer pages" are also included to check ID, vaccinations, etc.
  • Extensive health data for cows and heifers.
  • Flexible regrouping procedures.
  • Comprehensive inventories, projections and summaries.
  • Interfaces with most automated milk weighing systems.
  • Comprehensive graphic features allow analysis of individual cows, groups of cows or herd trends.
  • Data can easily be directed to other software such as CTAP.
  • Supported by local DHIA staff and DRMS staff is available when needed.
   Enrolling on PCDART
To enroll on PCDART, you need to contact your local DHIA staff or DRMS staff can put them in touch with you. PCDART has a monthly subscription fee based on herd size.  A 100 cow herd would pay approximately $17 per month after set-up; a 500 cow herd would pay approximately $35 per month (which includes all updates).  So, there's no large up-front cost for PCDART, and there's never any additional charges for updates or phone support.  Contact your DHIA Service Affiliate for information or email DRMS or call us at 515-294-2526.  You can get started on PCDART in just a few days.
   System Requirements for PCDART
The following system is recommended for PCDART Programs
  • Windows XP or later Operating System
  • 1 GB RAM; 1 GHz Processor
  • 2 GB of Free Hard Drive Space
  • 800 x 600 Video Resolution (or higher)
  • USB Slot (available for use by DHIA Technician on test day)
  • Internet access or dial-up modem
   PCDART Database Items
A numerical listing of PCDART database items is available here and shows how comprehensive the program is in data available for reports.
   Frequently Asked Questions
DRMS support staff has compiled a list of FAQ by producers and DHI technicians that cover system requirements as well as handy features that may be overlooked.
   PCDART On-Line Support Services
Facebook offers us a great opportunity for DRMS support teams to interact with our users. We invite you to share helpful information and ideas about the program. You can also learn about new features, when new versions are released and a host of other important details about DRMS products and services.

We invite dairy producers, DHIA technicians and management staff, dairy extension personnel, dairy consultans, DRMS support personnel and various dairy industry professionals to join us here. DRMS support personnel will be adding information for users on a regular basis.

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PCDART-L is a list server that offers a great opportunity for PCDART users to exchange helpful information and ideas about the program. Do you want to know more about how the permanent reports work? How about information on new features? Can you offer ideas for features that should be developed or share useful tips? Then take advantage of PCDART-L.

Current members of the list include dairy producers, DHIA technicians and management staff, dairy extension personnel, dairy consultants, DRMS support personnel and various dairy industry professionals. DRMS support personnel will be adding information for users on a regular basis.

You may subscribe to PCDART-L by emailing a request to mj2@lists.ncsu.edu with SUBSCRIBE PCDART-L in the body of the message with no subject. You will receive e-mail notification upon receipt and approval of your subscription.  To post questions and comments, email pcdart-l@lists.ncsu.edu.

313 Chapanoke Rd., Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27603 919-661-3100 fax: 919-661-3145
4 Kildee Hall, ISU, Ames, IA 50011 515-294-2526 fax: 515-294-4920
drms@ncsu.edu * drms@iastate.edu

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