Compares: A Computerized Milking Parlor Evaluation System

¹ Department of Animal Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

A microcomputer-based system, Compares (Computerized Milking Parlor Evaluation System), was developed by the authors to evaluate the efficiency of milking parlor operations. The system utilizes a hand-held microcomputer to collect on-site milking parlor operation information, which is down-loaded to an IBM-compatible microcomputer to generate an analysis and summary report. The Compares system is capable of monitoring the activities of multiple operators in a milking parlor using a single hand-held microcomputer. Reports can be generated within minutes after the information is recorded, thus providing an immediate analysis of the milking system being examined. The Compares system excludes the human error that is possible in other manual recording procedures that can occur from transferring or calculating data, thereby reducing time and. effort required to collect parlor operation information and enabling extensive data collection. Thus, this system provides a convenient tool for studying milking parlor operations.

Key Words: milking parlor • time and motion study • computer application

Submitted on November 15, 1991
Accepted on April 14, 1992