Holger Heckel would rather work with his horses than spend time fooling around with technology and paperwork.
The farmer from Irricana, Alta., raises and exports Quarterhorses and had previously used paper checklists to keep track of quarantines and health and export permits.
However, the former software developer began thinking about an organized electronic system after a neighbour for whom he was doing chores gave him a to-do list.
What he came up with was an application that could be downloaded onto an IPhone or IPad.
Read Also
Selenium not deal breaker in coal mining: expert
Environmental scientist weighs in on coal mining debates in Western Canada, explaining selenium and the technologies and practices to lower its concentrations in nearby waterways to coal mining operations
The app took about a year to develop and test before he and his wife, Ingrid, released it July 12.
Within a week they had hundreds of downloads through the Apple store.
“This app just allows us to do the same with a paper based checklist, only in the electronic form. It allows us not only to check off items, but also add photos and comments to it,” he said. “We can share this immediately with whoever is in the whole shipping process, be it CFIA or the clients.”
A simple version of Avera. crosscheck is available for free, while a more complex one sells for 99 cents.
“Apple reviews the app. They no longer need an app that makes some funny noise or tells you a joke. They are looking for something that is useful,” he said.
The Heckels are now working on a new version, while a web version will eventually be available for Android and Blackberry users.
The application handles pictures of animals and can attach documents such as health certificates, transfer papers and pedigrees so that messages can be sent rapidly to regulators or clients in Europe. An automatic message lets everyone know the animal has landed safely.
Additional information can be added to the checklist if it is requested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. A pop up message appears 30 days after the shipments have arrived to check on animal welfare and customer satisfaction.
He previously attached this information in an e-mail, but found that some documents were too large and did not transfer or he had to fax paper documents to Europe.
The Avera. crosscheck moves information seamlessly because clients also have the app.
Heckel said the technology has to remain simple and still be useful.
“I talked with neighbours about what we can do with the checklist and it is amazing how much input you get from these guys,” he said.
“I can see a fair amount of software coming from us for the agriculture sector.”
