Project background:

PigPass is a consignment-based livestock traceability system covering the pig production system from the property of birth to the point of slaughter and all movements in between. Australian Pork Limited (APL), as the administrator of the PigPass Database, provides relevant movement data to the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database. APL collects and administers the data on behalf of the industry and forwards appropriate identification and traceability data to Integrity Systems Company (ISC) as the managers of the NLIS database.

This ensures jurisdictions can access multiple species identification and movement data from a single database to meet the National Livestock Traceability Performance Standards (NLTPS). The PigPass system issues PigPass National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) in pre-printed books and online through the PigPass website. The books are expensive for users, subject to errors as they are completed by hand, and do not allow for real-time traceability.

Alternatively, the sender can generate electronic NVDs (eNVDs) from the PigPass Portal. The eNVDs offer instant data capture, including knowledge of commencement of movement and flexibility for APL in making changes and validating user input. They are also free for users to access. Many users are reluctant to use eNVDs because they cannot easily access a PC and printer at the point of completion (i.e., when pigs are being loaded) and prefer to use book NVDs. Other users report limited internet access at production sites.

To help overcome these issues, the PigPass App v1.0 for Android and iOS smartphone and tablet devices, which enables the completion of PigPass NVDs and lodging of movement reports, was developed. This app links with the existing PigPass database (Microsoft Dynamics CRM, version 9.1 On Premise with IFD enabled) and issues valid PigPass NVDs to users. For users out of coverage, the app “caches” all generated data so that it can still be used offline.

Data is then uploaded to CRM when data coverage is returned. The original scope for developing the PigPass App v1.0 focussed on replicating the paper-based process and overlooked opportunities to optimize the operation and maximize value for all stakeholders.

This has led to a low adoption rate. APL believes these issues can be overcome by redesigning the app solution from the ground up, using the latest technology, and being informed by extensive stakeholder consultation to define the technical specifications, which were recently completed. APL’s research activities identified straightforward ways the PigPass digital formats could be refined to simplify usage, enhance user experience, and improve data capture and quality.

Project aim and outputs:

This project aims to develop a PigPass mobile app that can trace animal movements in real-time (geo-location tracking of the vehicles carrying the pigs in real time) and replicate the processes of eNVD lifecycle as in current PigPass website. Building an API to connect the new app to existing system and building real time vehicle tracking dashboards for integration in new mobile app and existing web portal. This will reduce the industry’s still significant reliance on a paper-based traceability system and help move to electronic and mobile PigPass NVDs and activity reporting. This new App will address key issues that have impacted the uptake and usage of digital PigPass formats to date, including challenges related to connectivity (cellular and internet) and digital readiness (workforce digital skills and technology availability).