Kiewa Calf Scales

Kiewa Calf Scales, situated in the Kiewa Valley in north east Victoria, is a fairly typical calf scale operation, focused on the purchase and on-sell of calves. Sapien Technology was originally engaged by KCS to provide a complete tag scanning and software system that would assist with impending NLIS legislation, but that would also provide ongoing management support for the calf scales. Sapien's koolscales product was developed specifically for this project and has since become a standard 'off-the-shelf' software product for scale operators across Australia, including KCS.

koolscales simplifies the process of calf transfer at Kiewa. It has automatic NLIS interface for all livestock movement, so Kiewa'a buying and selling records are easily and instantly updated. Calves are scanned and weighed, and the software automatically calculates a price for purchase or sale based on a price grid. Invoicing is managed via koolscales also, with all paperwork and buyer summary reports easily generated. Deductions for freight, agents commission, transaction levies and cattle compensation are automatic. NVD details can be recorded and summarised for buyers. Reports are generated monthly re levy collection and outstanding invoices.

Linda Jenkins at Kiewa admits to some initial apprehension re such an automated process, especially the daunting prospect of using a computer at the calf scales. She now says that she looks forward to calf scale days as the process is so easy and straightforward. The old manual processing has been eliminated, replaced by a simple, streamlined operation. Administrative labour and related costs have been vastly reduced, and this effort has been directed to other areas of the calf scales, so total productivity at Kiewa has been enhanced.

koolscales has brought about much needed and positive change to Kiewa Calf Scales, and has added value to the enterprise through more time- and cost-efficient processes.