July 1998
SHETLAND SHEEP
This breed has recently been added to the list for which the Canadian Sheep
Breeders Association is responsible. The first of 58 animals now in the Canadian herd
book was registered in May of 1998. Most of these animals have been in one flock and
trace back to importation from the Shetland Islands starting in 1948.
WORKLOAD
Overall work to date in 1998 has surpassed expectations. Unfortunately this heavy
work does create longer turnaround time but we are making progress in that area as well.
While studying some of the statistics, it would appear that there is a trend that the
"Traditional" breeds of livestock are declining in numbers of registrations while the
newer "Alternative" breeds are increasing. This certainly provides a good balance at
CLRC but "WHY" is this happening?
WORKING FROM HOME
In recent years, many companies have permitted staff to work from home via
modem connections for various reasons. At CLRC, our 2 programmers and the General
Manager have had the ability to log onto the main computer and we have tried to
encourage other staff to "give it a try". Glenn Clark does work from home on a fairly
regular basis and says that, without interruptions, it is his most productive time. A
requirement for all Registrars to work an extra hour each day to get the work up to date
has brought a renewed interest in staff getting their home computers connected. At this
time, 3 Registrars, Laura Lee Mills, Betty Foti and Lorna Jones are putting in their extra
hours via modem. So far, only one limitation has surfaced and comments from staff are:
"EXCELLENT".
PROCEDURAL REVIEWS
On an ongoing periodic basis, CLRC staff review various areas of the operation to
determine efficiency. During late 1997 and early 1998, a more extensive in house study
was conducted. That study, in conjunction with new technology, showed areas which
could be improved upon. Many, where no financial outlay was required, have been
changed, while others will await the results of an independent review. Proposals are
presently being studied by the Board. It is expected that a decision will be made in the
near future and that an extensive review may commence this summer.
STAFF RESIGNATION
After over 20 years of service with CLRC, Jennifer Lowry resigned in May in
order to start her own business. Through the years Jennifer has been in charge of
inventory, herdbooks, publications and design work on forms and certificates. Jennifer
has offered her services to CLRC on a contract basis. This will provide us with the time
to evaluate the position and its future requirements while still allowing us to provide any
or all services previously offered. In the meantime, Registrars are learning a little bit
about design work as they are now required to at least maintain and correct existing
forms.
COMMENTS FROM REGISTRARS
I have been requested by several Registrars to remind breeders that many of the
50 associations now have charges for Rush and Rejected applications. Many of the
members of the various associations do not appear to be aware of this and quite
frequently do not forward enough money. The comment was made that associations
which have authorized the use of VISA credit cards have greatly reduced the number of
applications being rejected due to fee shortages. As there is a 2% administration fee
levied by VISA, each association must agree to its acceptance.
NEW LOWER COST PHOTOCOPIER
For the past 30 plus years, CLRC has been using the same make of photocopiers;
likely, in part, because lease contracts were being rolled over prior to termination and
were being locked in for long periods of time. This time we allowed the lease to run to
termination, which opened our options on replacement equipment. We ended up
purchasing a Canon copier which will be depreciated over 5 years, but at a lower rate, as
there are no leasing interest charges. This has enabled us to lower the rate to our member
associations for photocopying.
ASSOCIATIONS RETURNING &/OR DEPARTING CLRC
During 1997, after an absence of 20 years, the Canadian Parthenais Association
returned to CLRC for provision of registry services. When they were with CLRC in the
1970's, it was within the GS&HB. An association was later incorporated and all registry
options studied with a decision being made to have another livestock association process
their work. The return to CLRC in 1997 has brought very positive feedback in
comparison to their past experience elsewhere. Another beef association is presently
contemplating a return to CLRC based on their own and the Parthenais experience.
At the end of 1997, the Belgian Horse association left to set up its own system and
the Ayrshire and Jersey associations gave notice that they intend to leave CLRC at
the end of 1998.
While we regret the loss of these traditional long time members, the new
associations for alternative livestock as well as returning associations are keeping CLRC in
a healthy state as the most technically advanced registry.
SWINE
I am pleased to report that efforts over the past year in setting up both a paperless
registration system as well as electronic registration for multiple owners from a single
source have gone very well. With sufficient education, these systems have the potential to
reflect considerable savings to breeders. When fully perfected, similar procedures for
other species will be modeled on the same principles.
YEAR 2000 (Y2K COMPLIANT)
For a number of years CLRC staff have been preparing the main database and
programs to handle 4 digits for the year. A test will be occurring later this year, but no
problems are expected in the main system.
PC's, PC software and most other office equipment, too numerous to mention
could be a different story and work will continue on checking them out. To date we have
checked and found the following:
· PC's: Very few are fully compliant and most may require a manual adjustment.
· Phone & Voice Mail: Have been advised that both are compliant.
· Software packages: So far only the front office accounting has been checked. It was
found to be non-compliant (only 2 digits) and requires an upgrade. This upgrade has
hardware requirement greater than the machines in use, which has meant hardware
upgrades to 2 PC's.
· Postage Scale: An upgrade of some sort will be required as it is already "Not
Supported".
· Postage Meter: An upgrade to an electronic meter will be required as all meters
apparently have to be capable of Postage by Phone by 2000.
There are many more items still to be checked.
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