A new Farm CEO user of my Excel-VB driven Poultry Farm Manager (PFM) app recently wrote me a series of unusual but potentially useful questions about how to use it.

It occurred to me that others might be nursing similar questions, and would therefore appreciate having access to my responses, hence this blog starting with the question below:

Hi Tayo

I have purchased a new Apple MacBook and commenced download of your software but it appears it is not compatible with this the apple applications. Is this right? All the boxes and commands as shown in the video are not coming up on the apple system. Is this right or I am not doing something wrong?

My Response:

I did not realize you’d be getting yourself a Mac.

My app is built to work with Excel for Windows. So it behaves funny in Excel for the Mac OS.

The link below leads to a page containing the best support information I’ve so far been able to find for my Mac users (you’re number 4 so far).

Click here

Let me know how you get on. If it does not work out, we’ll discuss other ways forward.

Okay Tayo, I will try this out and see how it pans out.

You should also consider adopting your software to change with time to avoid restricting your clientele.

My Response:

Have actually tried modifying the code by consulting reviews of common coding syntax conflict areas, but eventually realised my best bet will be to do the modifications and thorough test running (like I did with the Windows version) on a full fledged Mac OS – not a cross platform.

This is so I can get the best possible impression of what users in the unique Mac OS environment will likely encounter.

Will get there eventually. It only makes sense to do so.

Hi Tayo

I have tried to download windows 7 onto the mac computer but this is proving to be a bit of brain test and I don’t have much time in the day to do my work, talk less of figuring out this conversion. To this end, I will have to temporarily download your software onto a holding laptop and move it later. I hope this will not prove to be problematic as the main server exist with you (I think), and as long as I use the username and password to gain access to my spreadsheet.

My response:

I have no “server” like access to your copy of the app or any other client’s.

I designed it to be an independent workbook app that the license owner can freely use on any computer of his/her choice that has the needed version of MS Excel.

So I expect you will have no difficulty getting it to run normally on the Windows based PC you’ve now chosen.

Let me know if you need any help. I’m sure we’ll resolve any issues that may arise.

Other questions he asked, with responses I gave follow below:

1. What would happen if I decide to change the laptop that the original software was downloaded onto. Would I lose all my farm information? Or do you have a server in the ‘cloud’ that stores all the information.

My response:

No. You would lose no data. And the app is not web enabled, so there’s no server or ‘cloud’ backend arrangement, It’s a normal workbook automation-enabled with VBA code.

However, I offer much more advanced DICTATOR apps that leave your data in seperate passworded workbooks or databases so that you can always upgrade to new versions without needing the hassle of moving your data from the old app into the new one. This ensures your sensitive business data remains with you – retaining its confidentiality.

The version of the app you’ve received has no such features built it. They are available only on request.

To make this app pocket friendly, I limited use of bells and whistles, sticking instead to the barest necessities.

Reason: I found many of the Farm CEOs who reached out to me to be often beginning or basic level users of computers and software in general. Most just wanted something simple, and my efforts to interest them in more met most times with resistance.

2. Can you detect if laptop changes?

My response:

Not with the version of the app that you ordered. But the full 12 month version of the app comes with the ability to detect if the computer on which it is being used is the licensed version.

If it’s not, it displays a message prompt informing the user that the PC is not licensed to run the app. Once the user clicks OK, the app quietly exits MS Excel.

Having said that, note that the app is licensed for use by YOU, on YOUR computer.

Feel free to transfer it between any number of PCs you use. I conceived it to be used that way.

Note however that the terms of use do not permit the app’s use on any PC that is not yours or to handle data for any activities outside the business entity for which you purchased it I.e Lynton farms.

3. Is the software you issued to me the latest version, and updated automated feed stock software as demonstrated in your video?

My response:

Yes it is.

4. From your video, the ‘feed stock movement’ appears to be based on feed purchase rather than production of feed on site.

My response:

That is correct.

5. I have constructed a feedmill house and purchased feedmill machine, hence production would be on site.

In this regard, how can I adopt the spreadsheet to reflect production of feed on site.

>>>> There is no default provision for that, but you can improvise in using the Suppliers Schedule by adding Lyton Farms Feed as an entry in the list of Feed Suppliers so that it shows up in the Suppliers Schedule. If the be told however, it may be a bit confusing.

The best way to go would be to build in a module to handle Feed Mill Data, linking where needed to the relevant interfaces in the full app.

6. My Pen house have been constructed to accommodate 2 cage rows / lines, hence would you need to adjust my software to reflect 2 cage lines per pen.

My response:

Not really. It just means you’ll not be making any entries into the row for the 3rd cage lines in each pen.

I’m thinking of organising a FREE demonstration workshop for all interested users of my software.

At the event, all issues would be treated and I would share tips for best user experience. Venue likely to be a Plaza in Ojodu Berger, Lagos. Details later.

I’ll be reaching out to everyone to arrive at a consensus, but I’m reasonably sure from past efforts to run my Feed Formulation workshop, that majority are likely to prefer weekend as well.

Many work 9 to 5 jobs during the week and run their farm businesses on the side with the help of their spouses.

Will keep you posted on developments.