There are three parts to the Flokk herd management system:
The Flokk handheld is purpose built for the challenging livestock production environment.
Features of the Flokk handheld include:
No touch screen makes the device resistant to the knocks and drops that are inevitable when working outdoors with animals. The device uses sealed displays and switches so that it can be easily rinsed clean. The Flokk's design recognizes the reality of Canadian livestock production; it can be used while wearing insulated gloves.
The Flokk does not need an always on connection to a phone, tablet, Internet, or other computer. It can handle livestock data updates and traceability movements on it's own, recording any updates required so that they can be handed off later when an internet connection is available.
Unlike cell phones and tablets, the Flokk's RFID tag reader is entirely integrated into the device and it's software, allowing most operations to be completed single handed.
Having the RFID reader always available means the herd management program can be designed to instantly, and appropriately, respond to a scan of an RFID tag, making operations at animal side fast and accurate in situations where the animal's RFID tag can be read.
And unlike a typical RFID tag reader, the Flokk contains sophisticated herd management software, customized for local requirements, that produces records and files that are ready for your use and for transmission to other parties. Other than a spreadsheet program, no PC based software is required.
The integrated Herd management software provides everything you need to maintain your herd records, collect vital animal information, and complete Canadian traceability reporting.
Your herd's current records are always with you in your Flokk, where you can view, and update them, instantly.
Functions include:
Back in the office, you connect your Flokk to any computer with a spreadsheet program. The Flokk emulates a USB storage device, so that your herd records can be easily accessed and updated.
Using this spreadsheet you can:
The flokk.ca website offers services which you can use, or subscribe to, depending upon your particular requirements.
At your request, your Flokk will update itself to the current version of it's software.
Wizards make initial setup, and any required configuration changes, easy.
For an annual fee, when an internet connection is available your Flokk will back up all of it's data to your personal and secure storage on flokk.ca. This will allow you to quickly return to where you left off if a Flokk handheld is lost or damaged.
The Flokk system enables you to quickly and accurately collect information once at the animals side, then automatically transfer it to other organizations that require information about your herd.
For a subscription fee, you will be able to send information to:
For a subscription fee, you will have access to supplementary reports and analysis tools:
An optional service allows multiple Flokk handhelds to be used with a single herd. Updates made with each handheld are reconciled, and current herd information is made available, to each handheld, every time they are able to connect to flokk.ca.
Flokk.ca is the comprehensive source for introductory, and in-depth, training on how to use your flokk.
Introductory tutorials are provided in written, and video, format. In-depth reference documentation is provided for reading on-line or downloading.
Flokk.ca provides a forum where you can research, and share, information on how you and others use the Flokk system, and where you can reach out to the Flokk developers with your ideas on how to make Flokk better.
Your flokk collects and maintains herd records stand alone. It does not require data connectivity or a supporting device to collect and maintain herd records.
To configure your flokk, access your herd records, and define vaccinations and medications, you will need:
1: A computer with:
2: a USB A-Male to B-Male cable (USB “printer”cable), which will have been provided with your flokk.
3: Your:
Pricing has not yet been established, but will be comparable to current herd management system offerings.
There will be flexibility in how Flokk is offered to accommodate different herd sizes and producer requirements and preferences.
The contents of this page are based on intentions and best information as of date of publication, and: