The Sow Planning Assistant (SPA) is one of three Planning modules that utilize the data from the Sow Information Manager (SIM) and the Grower Information Manager (GIM) to project Gilt replacement needs and piglet production based on production targets and production capacities. Performance profiles are created by breed or genetic distinction with the option to apply seasonal factors in order to provide complete and actual projections. SPA imports historical herd data to make initial projections, but allows a user to update the projections with real-time information.

SPA has the ability to generate placement schedules for gilts transferring onto a sow farm as well as piglets being transferred to a nursery. The placement planning process also allows a user to set up constraints with which to base the transfer process. Some of these constraints are genetics, capacity, out time, age, distance, travel time, and weight. It is also possible to identify special programs requiring specific breed types during the projection process as well as establishing preferred delivery routes.

Once the placement projections are established, a user has the ability to override or update the projections with any changes that have been received from the field. The projections can be run to produce both long and short range forecasts. The long range forecasts are typically based on company standards and long range business objectives. The short range forecasts take into account the long range projections, but also include real time data, herd history, and additional constraints, like transportation, in order to suggest up-to-date placement schedules. Finally, these forecasts, projections, or hypothetical scenarios can either run globally, by division, by region, or by farm; thus providing the flexibility to meet the demands of a growing business.

  • Analyzes herd performance by sow, farm, division, breed, producer, and season in order to accurately predict production capacities.
  • Identifies periods of long and short production based on business targets and corporate objectives.
  • Long-term and Short-term forecasting available.
  • Considers all out time requirements, farm constraints and production capacities during the production cycle.