User Guide

Welcome to Cattlemin! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the application, from initial setup to advanced features. Whether you’re managing a small family farm or a large commercial operation, this guide will help you maximize the efficiency of your cattle management.

Getting Started

First Time Setup

When you first access Cattlemin, you’ll see the welcome screen with a modern, clean interface featuring:

• Welcome Message: “Welcome to Cattlemin” with the tagline “Minimize your herds’ records”
• Get Started Button: Takes you directly to the locations dashboard
• Learn More Button: Navigates to the documentation

Authentication

Cattlemin uses Cloudflare Access for secure authentication. You’ll need to:

1. Sign In: Use your provided credentials to access the application
2. Stay Logged In: The application maintains your session securely
3. Logout: Use the account menu in the top-right corner when needed

Dashboard Overview

Main Dashboard Layout

The main dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your cattle operations:

Header Cards

The top of the dashboard displays four key metric cards:

1. Total Records: Shows the combined count of all records across locations
2. Cattle Records: Number of individual cattle tracked
3. Birth Records: Count of documented births
4. Vaccination Records: Number of vaccination events recorded

Each card includes:

• Icon: Visual representation (cow, cake, activity icons)
• Main Number: Current count
• Subtitle: Growth metrics and trends

Navigation Tabs

Below the header cards, you’ll find tabbed navigation:

• Overview: Combined view of all record types
• Cattle: Dedicated cattle records view
• Births: Birth records management
• Vaccinations: Vaccination tracking

Data Table

The main content area displays a comprehensive data table with:

• Record Type: Shows whether it’s a cattle, birth, or vaccination record
• Tag Numbers: Ear tag identification
• Sex/Gender: Cattle type (Heifer, Bull Calf, etc.)
• Date of Birth: For cattle and birth records
• Age: Calculated age in years
• Parent Tag: For birth records, shows parent identification
• Date: For vaccination records
• Actions: Edit, delete, and additional options

Table Features

Sorting and Filtering

• Column Headers: Click to sort by any column
• Filter Options: Use the filter controls to narrow down records
• Search: Global search across all fields
• Column Visibility: Show/hide columns as needed

Mobile Responsive

On mobile devices, the table automatically switches to a card-based layout for better touch interaction.

Location Management

Creating Your First Location

1. Navigate to Locations: Click “Get Started” or go to /locations
2. Add Location Button: Click the “Location” button (with plus icon)
3. Location Dialog: Fill in the required information:
   • Name: Enter a descriptive location name (e.g., “North Pasture”, “Main Farm”)
   • Geolocation (Optional): Add GPS coordinates for mapping
   • Notes: Add any relevant information about the location

Managing Multiple Locations

Cattlemin excels at multi-location management:

Location Dashboard

Each location has its own dedicated dashboard showing:

• Location-specific metrics: Records count for that location only
• Filtered data: All records automatically filtered to the current location
• Location settings: Quick access to location management

Switching Between Locations

• Location Selector: Use the location dropdown in the navigation
• Direct Links: Each location card links directly to that location’s dashboard
• Breadcrumb Navigation: Easy navigation back to the main locations view

Location Settings

Access location settings to:

• Edit Location Details: Update name, coordinates, or notes
• View Location Summary: See all records for this location
• Export Location Data: Download location-specific reports

Cattle Records

Adding Individual Cattle

1. Navigate to Location: Select the appropriate location
2. Add Record: Click the “Record” button (plus icon)
3. Select Cattle: Choose “Cattle” from the dropdown menu
4. Fill Form:
   • Tag: Enter the ear tag number (required)
   • Type: Select cattle type (Heifer, Bull Calf, etc.)
   • Date of Birth: Set the birth date
   • Parent Tag: Link to parent cattle (optional)
   • Age: Automatically calculated from birth date

Form Features

Mass Entry Mode: Enable this option to add multiple cattle without closing the form:

• Toggle Switch: Turn on “Mass Entry Mode”
• Stay Open: Form remains open after saving
• Reset Fields: Form clears for the next entry
• Efficient Entry: Perfect for bulk registration

Cattle Record Management

Viewing Cattle Records

Cattle records display in the data table with:

• Tag Number: Primary identification
• Type: Cattle classification
• Age: Calculated from birth date
• Parent Information: Linked parent records
• Actions: Edit, delete, and add calf options

Editing Cattle Records

1. Click Record: Select any cattle record from the table
2. Edit Dialog: Modify any field in the form
3. Save Changes: Updates are applied immediately
4. Validation: Form validates all inputs before saving

Cattle Actions

Each cattle record provides several actions:

• Edit: Modify cattle information
• Add Calf: Create a birth record with this cattle as parent
• Delete: Remove the record (with confirmation)

Cattle Types and Classification

Cattlemin supports standard calf classifications:

• Heifer: Female cattle that hasn’t had a calf
• Bull Calf: Male calf

Birth Records

Recording New Births

1. Navigate to Location: Select the appropriate location
2. Add Record: Click “Record” → “Birth”
3. Birth Form:
   • Calf Tag: Enter the new calf’s ear tag
   • Parent Tag: Enter the parent’s ear tag
   • Birth Type: Select Heifer or Bull Calf
   • Date of Birth: Set the birth date

Automatic Record Creation

When recording a birth, Cattlemin automatically:

• Creates Calf Record: Generates a cattle record for the new calf
• Creates Parent Record: If parent doesn’t exist, creates a parent record
• Links Relationships: Establishes parent-calf relationships
• Calculates Ages: Updates age calculations

Birth Record Management

Birth Record Display

Birth records show:

• Calf Information: Tag, type, and birth date
• Parent Information: Parent tag and relationship
• Birth Type: Heifer or Bull Calf classification
• Actions: Edit and delete options

Editing Birth Records

• Modify Details: Update any birth information
• Change Relationships: Modify parent-calf links
• Update Dates: Adjust birth dates as needed

Vaccination Tracking

Recording Vaccinations

1. Navigate to Location: Select the appropriate location
2. Add Record: Click “Record” → “Vaccination”
3. Vaccination Form:
   • Date: Set the vaccination date
   • Vaccination Types: Select from available types:
     • Black Leg: Standard vaccination
     • Respiratory: Respiratory disease prevention
     • Lepto: Leptospirosis vaccination
     • Wormer: Deworming treatment

Vaccination Types

Cattlemin comes with standard vaccination types, but you can customize these per location:

• Default Types: Black Leg, Respiratory, Lepto, Wormer
• Custom Types: Add location-specific vaccinations
• Type Management: Configure vaccination types in location settings

Vaccination Record Management

Vaccination Display

Vaccination records show:

• Date: When the vaccination was administered
• Types: List of vaccinations given
• Location: Where the vaccination occurred
• Actions: Edit and delete options

Vaccination History

Track vaccination schedules:

• Historical View: See all past vaccinations
• Schedule Planning: Plan future vaccinations
• Compliance Tracking: Ensure all cattle are properly vaccinated

Data Management

Data Validation

Cattlemin uses robust validation to ensure data quality:

• Required Fields: Tag numbers and dates are validated
• Format Checking: Ensures proper data formats
• Relationship Validation: Verifies parent-calf relationships
• Duplicate Prevention: Prevents duplicate tag numbers

Data Export and Backup

Export Options

• Location Data: Export all records for a specific location
• Record Types: Export specific record types (cattle, births, vaccinations)
• Date Ranges: Filter exports by date ranges
• Formats: Export in common formats (CSV, JSON)

Backup Features

• Automatic Backup: Data is automatically backed up to Cloudflare
• Version History: Track changes over time
• Recovery Options: Restore data if needed

Data Security

Your data is protected with enterprise-grade security:

• Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Authentication: Secure login with Cloudflare Access
• Access Control: Role-based permissions
• Audit Logs: Track all data changes

Mobile Usage

Mobile Interface

Cattlemin is optimized for mobile devices:

Mobile Dashboard

• Card Layout: Records display as cards instead of tables
• Touch-Friendly: Large buttons and touch targets
• Swipe Actions: Swipe to reveal action options
• Responsive Design: Automatically adapts to screen size

Mobile Forms

• Simplified Input: Optimized for touch input
• Quick Actions: Streamlined workflows for field use
• Offline Support: Works without internet connection
• GPS Integration: Automatic location detection

Field Usage Tips

Best Practices for Mobile

• Pre-load Data: Sync data before going to the field
• Use Offline Mode: Continue working without internet
• GPS Location: Enable location services for automatic coordinates
• Quick Entry: Use mass entry mode for efficient data collection

Mobile Workflows

1. Pre-field Setup: Load location data and prepare forms
2. Field Collection: Use mobile interface for data entry
3. Sync Data: Upload changes when back online
4. Review: Check data accuracy on desktop

Tips and Best Practices

Efficient Data Entry

Use Mass Entry Mode

• Bulk Registration: Add multiple cattle quickly
• Batch Processing: Handle large groups efficiently
• Time Savings: Reduce form navigation time

Keyboard Shortcuts

• ⌘C: Quick cattle entry
• ⌘B: Quick birth entry
• ⌘K: Quick vaccination entry

Data Organization

Location Strategy

• Logical Grouping: Organize locations by function or geography
• Consistent Naming: Use clear, descriptive location names
• Hierarchical Structure: Consider main locations and sub-locations

Record Management

• Regular Updates: Keep records current and accurate
• Consistent Tagging: Use consistent tag numbering systems
• Relationship Tracking: Maintain accurate parent-calf relationships

Reporting and Analysis

Built-in Analytics

• Record Counts: Track total records and growth
• Trend Analysis: Monitor changes over time
• Location Comparison: Compare performance across locations

Custom Reports

• Export Data: Download data for external analysis
• Filter Options: Create focused reports
• Date Ranges: Analyze specific time periods

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Form Validation Errors

Problem: Form won’t submit due to validation errors Solution:

• Check required fields are filled
• Verify date formats are correct
• Ensure tag numbers are unique
• Check for special characters in text fields

Data Not Saving

Problem: Changes aren’t being saved Solution:

• Check internet connection
• Refresh the page and try again
• Verify you’re logged in
• Clear browser cache if needed

Mobile Sync Issues

Problem: Mobile data not syncing with desktop Solution:

• Ensure mobile device has internet connection
• Force refresh the mobile app
• Check for pending offline changes
• Restart the mobile application

Advanced Features

Custom Vaccination Types

Adding Custom Types

1. Location Settings: Access location configuration
2. Vaccination Types: Navigate to vaccination type management
3. Add New Type: Create custom vaccination types
4. Save Configuration: Apply changes to the location

Type Management

• Standard Types: Use built-in vaccination types
• Custom Types: Add location-specific vaccinations
• Type Organization: Group related vaccination types

Data Import

Import Options

• CSV Import: Import data from spreadsheet files
• Bulk Upload: Upload multiple records at once
• Format Requirements: Follow import format guidelines
• Validation: Import data is validated before saving

Import Process

1. Prepare Data: Format data according to import requirements
2. Upload File: Select and upload your data file
3. Review Data: Check imported data for accuracy
4. Confirm Import: Finalize the import process

API Integration

External Systems

• Data Export: Export data for external systems
• API Access: Programmatic access to data
• Webhook Support: Real-time data synchronization
• Integration Tools: Connect with other farm management systems

Conclusion

Cattlemin provides a comprehensive solution for cattle management, combining ease of use with powerful features. By following this guide, you’ll be able to:

• Efficiently manage multiple locations and large herds
• Track important data including births, vaccinations, and cattle records
• Maintain data integrity with robust validation and backup systems
• Use mobile devices effectively for field data collection
• Generate reports and analyze your cattle operations

Remember that Cattlemin is designed to grow with your operation. Start with the basics, and as you become more comfortable, explore the advanced features to maximize your efficiency.

For ongoing support and updates, visit the documentation regularly and stay connected with the Cattlemin community.