Everything starts somewhere.  Our system begins with an "Create an Order".   The phrase  "schedule an animal" might be used.   Some prefer "book an appointment".    Regardless of how it is said,  you probably do something like this:

• Grab one of your blank paper forms and a pen.  
• Fill in the Customer name,  phone,  species & qty of animals.  
• Look on your Calendar for a day with an opening.
• Write that date on your form.
• Then write the name,  phone number, animals etc. again on a Calendar.

In your new system,  for an existing Customer,  that can be done with a few mouse clicks and keystrokes.

Here are some of the benefits of enter the Orders:

• You don't have to write anything.  You can easily print out a copy,  a calendar, a log if you want paper.
• Everyone can see the Order when they use the system.  From anywhere.  Anytime.
• If these are new names,  you will never have to type that info again.  Just a few keystrokes to search.
• The Producer can receive an email or text to confirm the Order.
• The system keeps track of each day so you do not overbook.
• You can put in Orders as far in advance as you want.    Need we say more  ?  

There are 7 steps to make an Order (6 if you are a Producer):

1. Producer  :   Who is bringing the animals.
2. Customer :   Who is getting the product.
3. What        :   The species and quantity.
4. Date         :   On what day will the animals be harvested.
5. Drop        :   Drop off date.
6. Verify       :   Animal information:   Ear tags,  Organs,  Labeling   etc. 
7. Save         :   Done with Order.     

That is it.  

You start by locating the name of the Producer.  For simplicity,  this example will be for one that already exists.

1. Type a few characters of the Producer name or phone number.  As you type a list appears with matches.
2. Click on the name when you see the correct Producer.
3. The heading turns green,  the panel closes and you have finished step 1.

Note:  When the Producer is new,  you will see a panel to enter their name, address etc.  At the end of this article you will find those instructions.

In most cases,  the Customer and Producer are the same. person (or company).  If that is the case click the blue "Use Producer" button.

When someone else is getting the product,  you can find (or add) their name in this panel.  

1. Type a few characters of the Producer name or phone number.  As you type a list appears with matches.
2. Click on the name when you see the correct Producer.
3. The heading turns green,  the panel closes and you have finished step 2.

Note:  When multiple people are getting product,  like quartering a Beef,  you will put in those names after you finish the Order.

Next you tell the system how many animals you plan to bring,  by Species.  This info will create a calendar of available days your plant can handle this Order.

1.  Click the + or - next to each species the Producer is bringing.   Leave it blank if they are not bringing that species.
2. As soon as you enter at least 1,  the green "View/Select Date"  button appears.
3. When you are ready to move on,  click the "View/Select Date" button.
4. The heading turns green and you have finished step 3.

The Calendar now appears showing you each day of the week.

 You can scroll up and down to see additional months.

Almost done.

When you have finished the Order,  you will see a screen like the one below.  From here you can:

• Go to the Order list and see your new Order as the first row
• Go to the Tag list
• Go to the Calendar
• Print the Order
• Add another Order for the same Producer
• Add another Order for a different Producer

When creating the Order,  you will be able to Cancel up until you click "Save".