Preparing for an Animal Identification Campaign: 7 Things to Consider
A successful identification campaign begins well before the first ear tag is applied.
For a cooperative, distributor, or livestock organization, September is an especially good time to plan ahead for the coming months.
The goal: to prevent any issues with inventory, compatibility, or equipment from coming to light on the very day the equipment is needed.
1. Estimate the volumes
The first step is to plan ahead:
● the number of animals;
● the species;
● new needs;
● replacements;
● safety stock.
This estimate allows the distributor to plan its orders and the manufacturer to plan production.
2. Check which templates are needed
Cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs do not always require the same tag sizes.
The dimensions, weight, and attachment methods must be appropriate.
A tagging campaign may also combine several types of tags depending on the animal category.
3. Prepare the customization
When loops are to be marked with a serial number, logo, barcode, or other information, this data must be approved before production.
This is particularly important for large production runs or institutional programs.
4. Inspect the installation clamps
An excellent buckle used with a worn-out or unsuitable clamp can lead to a poor experience.
Before the campaign, check:
● condition of the pin;
● closure mechanism;
● compatibility with the buckles;
● availability of parts;
● number of clamps.
5. Test the RFID tag
When electronic identification is used, the entire chain must be tested: tag → reader → software or management system.
The goal is not merely to verify that the reader powers on, but to ensure that the identifiers are actually read and transmitted as intended.
6. Prepare users
A few minutes of training can prevent many errors.
In particular, users need to know:
● the correct positioning;
● how the clamp works;
● compatible part numbers;
● RFID reading procedures;
● equipment maintenance procedures.
ARDES offers product training to its distributors, either remotely or on-site.
7. Plan for needs after the campaign
Planning shouldn’t stop at installation.
You need to plan ahead:
● replacements;
● spare parts;
● new births;
● potential increase in herd size;
● additional requests.
A distributor capable of maintaining a consistent inventory after the season improves service continuity for its customers.
Preparation is also a competitive advantage
Planning ahead allows you to:
● reduce emergencies;
● improve availability;
● better forecast production;
● limit incorrect SKUs;
● provide better customer support.
In a regulated industry, a supplier’s availability and reliability are key factors in the business relationship.
Are you preparing your next identification campaigns?
ARDES assists its partners in selecting the necessary loops, accessories, RFID equipment, and quantities.
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