By: Anne L. Coulombe
June 1999

Computer technology is one of the tools of my trade, however it is certainly a tool to increase your trade be it an expansion or a competitive advantage for your business. We know that to survive and prosper in a farm, you must run a business well. There are many technology solutions to help you manage you business well, how do you decide what is best for you?

Overwhelmed by technology? Are you finding that computers and software change too often and it is hard to keep track of? Do you need the newest P350, will and older P100 suffice? Here are some tricks to work your way through the maze of technologies:

1- Before starting any project in which you may consider use of computer technology (for your office functions, to track production, to increase exports, for a greenhouse, for a research project, etc.) be clear on your project goals as well as your criteria for success.

2- Project goals, criteria for success: quantify and qualify your project goals in terms of the results technology should bring to you i.e. increase my production by 10%, decrease costs by 6%, reach a new market by September, etc. Be able to describe what you consider a successful project such as computers and network operational by August 1st, customized solution increases our production by November, sleep-in 1/2 hour longer (while the system is already at work!), first to market, etc.

3- Take ownership of the project, after all it is your business!

4- Do some research, talk to other farms, talk to technology people who may be outside your business areas however have great solutions that can be slightly modified to fit your needs.

6- Make a purchase decision however don't overbuy for your needs! Computers and the programs they run will continue to change, you may not need the latest and greatest to operate your farm efficiently.

7- Implement your plan with the new technology, make sure that you meet your criteria for success as outlined earlier.

8- Maintain the solution, be sure that the vendors are involved for as long as you need them.

9- Post-project review: come back in 6 months and review the results of this project to make sure that you have indeed gained a business advantage by upgrading or implementing technology.

Similar to constructing a building, implementing technology requires a clear plan and certainly a clear vision of the desired results. We must start with a master plan, build the foundation before the walls, put in the right infrastructures, add the finishing touches to complete the project. Inspect the project and it's components to make sure they are meeting the goals and all applicable laws.

Sit back and know that you have made good technology decisions that will profit your business for many years to come.

Anne L. Coulombe is a consultant who has been project managing business related technology implementations for both the agriculture and technology industries. She can be reached at (604) 878-0982 or acoulombe@sciplan.com.