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PC requirements

Check that you have a PC capable of running GrainPlan by reading the specification on the insert.

Instructions for use

Insert the CD into your CD-ROM or DVD drive. It should run automatically. If you have difficulties with running the CD-ROM, open Windows Explorer and at the CD-ROM drive open the file named "autorun.exe". NB. if you already have Version 2 installed do not remove this. Run the installation as given above and GrainPlan Version 3 will import and convert your version 2 Database.

Inputs required

To help with a smooth initial set-up of GrainPlan you should have the following information available. The names of your fields; names of staff and any certificates they hold; locations of rodent bait around your farm and a list of equipment used on the farm; the names of laboratories (merchants) who analyse your grain samples.

Setting up GrainPlan

When GrainPlan is first launched a Wizard will guide you through the set-up. This may take up to an hour. You can add more than one Storage Site by clicking on 'Add Another Site' on the last page of the Wizard. Don't worry if you don't add all the information (e.g. bait stations; equipment etc); you can do it latter from the Storage Site menu. Other items such as operators (staff), field names, laboratories, crop varieties (including other crops), can be added via the Tools menu by selecting User Definable Lists.

Adding grain stores

When you complete the Set-up Wizard, the Grain Store Wizard is launched. This will guide you through adding grain stores. The Store is just an area (in metres) with the name you give it. Make sure that you add fairly accurate dimensions as this affects the scaling of bins/bays and heaps (see next section). You can add additional Grain Stores at any time by going to the Grain Store menu and clicking Add.

Adding storage details

On completing the Grain Store Wizard you are taken to the main screen with a number of tabs to allow you to select individual Stores. Click on a store tab and then you can drag and drop storage areas doors and dividers from the icons on the left of the screen. When you drag a bin/bay/heap into a storage area a new screen appears that asks you to give a unique storage area name (i.e. Bin 1); a crop type (you can leave this empty as you will be asked to enter crop type when you first add grain to a storage area); and dimensions - make sure these are accurate as the image will adjust the symbol to the size you enter relative to the Grain Store dimensions. Click OK when you have finished and you will be returned to the Grain Store Screen. You can move the highlighted symbol by left click and drag or using the keyboard arrow (up/down/left/right). If the image is touching the Grain Store (orange) boarder you can only move it by 'click and drag'.

Preparing your empty stores

Before you can use a store it must be prepared and ready for use. GrainPlan helps you to record the cleaning, trapping and treatment required by Assurance Schemes. Go to the Grain Store menu and select 'Activity'. Open the 'Activity' drop-down and enter your actions. When you have completed the store preparation select 'Prepared'. Until you have entered 'Prepared' GrainPlan will not allow you to add grain to that GrainStore.

Adding grain and associated data

Now you have added Storage Areas you are ready to add grain to them. Either right-click the active area (shown with a dark border) or select Storage from the Storage Area menu. You must enter a 'Crop' in the 'General' screen before you can add grain. Click on the other tabs to add treatment, cooling, sampling results and notes.

Equipment and bait stations

Bait station and equipment records can be accessed from either the Storage Site menu or the two icons . By selecting an item and clicking the 'Detail' button or right-clicking the mouse, you can add maintenance records for both equipment and rodent bait stations.

Moving and selling grain

When you move grain to another Storage Area or you sell some, you can record these actions through the Storage Area menu and then Storage. Click on either 'Move' or 'Outload' and complete the details.

Monitoring

Add monitoring and trap positions by using Wizards. Select a grain store from the tab, then select a storage area and click on the required icon (for monitoring positions) and (for traps). Once positions have been added you can add data by right clicking a position and selecting Record Readings. If you use a hand-held PC, download the set-up and record results on the hand-held PC. Import results by synchronising each time results are entered. You need to select the correct Hand-held type (Pocket PC or Palm OS). From the Tools menu select Options and then the required PDA device. NB The PDA facility only works for a single site setup.

Reports

Click on the icon and select the report you need by clicking on the image. A tool tip tells you the report type and the Report Details box describes the report and report options that you need to select for this report. Use the active dropdown boxes to refine your selections. For Bait Stations, Equipment, Temperature and Moisture monitoring and Trap inspections you have the option of selecting individual items or All items.

Printing

Using the printer icon gives you a screen print. When an individual Grain Store is selected this gives an image of the store with the monitoring positions and may be useful when measuring and recording results in the store.

Backing up and archiving your results

To back up or archive your data select Backup/Archive from the File menu. Follow the steps in the Wizard to either backup or archive. The Wizard also allows you to restore your data. Archive is to be used at the end of each year. NB to archive you must tick the check box on the second page of the Wizard. This will then store your current records and empty the virtual store ready for the next season.