The initial definition phase helped the client understand what is actually possible. The application received very good reviews from users already during the testing phase.
Did you know that pigs start biting each other's tails when stressed? Diseases caused by tail biting, deterioration of pig welfare, and economic losses are problems for many pig farms.
Tail biting can go unnoticed in the rush of everyday life if regular monitoring hasn't been established.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Helsinki wanted to find a light solution for monitoring, offered to all interested pig farms. Develore was selected as the application developer through public procurement.
- "First, they did a definition with us, where we considered needs, application features, and technical requirements. This was really valuable for us because we have never been involved in software development before," says Anna Valros, Professor of Animal Welfare Science.
The application prototype was built in spring 2021, after which it was tested by 15 different users for the rest of the year. The application was finalized based on feedback in early 2022.
- The feedback was already very good during the pilot phase. It was especially praised for its ease of use.
The idea of the application is to make farmers' everyday life easier by offering an easy platform where observed bites are recorded collectively. At the same time, risk factors of the farm and other notes can be recorded in the application.
The information stays in one place and it's easy to follow long-term development. Thanks to the application, producers have more data than before for analysis and possible improvements.
The application was developed from the start with the end-user in mind.
- "Producers were involved in the development work right from the start. As a result, a 'Tail-feeling' meter was also developed for the application, which can be used when the producer doesn't have time to count all the tails but wants to make a rough estimate of the situation. This was found to be a good feature," says Valros.
"Develore's enthusiasm also motivated us as clients"
Anna Valros describes Develore's way of working as flexible, plain-spoken, and enthusiastic.
- With Develore, it doesn't matter if you're technically limited yourself. We discussed openly and clearly what is possible and what is not. This helped in setting the goal.
In Valros' opinion, what was particularly good about Develore's operations was the developers' enthusiasm for the subject.
- The subject matter was completely new and unfamiliar to them. I suspect few of Develore's developers have ever even been to a pigsty. They very quickly grasped what kind of users there are and what things are important to them. The developers have been really excited, which has also motivated us as clients.
Small company feel, but iron-clad professionalism
Valros describes Develore as a company that has a small company feel but iron-clad professionalism.
- Develore's developers are motivated to genuinely do good for their customers. Their services are particularly well-suited for those who are embarking on the software development journey for the first time.
Valros believes that the Saparo application, launched in spring 2022, will improve pig welfare and make everyday life easier for pig farmers. Tail biting can be monitored and recorded without overburdening producers.
When people monitor the problem more than before, awareness also increases and thinking changes.
- "This project has been really relaxed and motivating, it's almost a shame that it's ending. We will surely think about next steps for this together with Develore," Valros concludes.
Anna Valros thinks Develore's way of working suits those who need software development and are looking for flexible and personal service.
User feedback on the Saparo application:
- The application was easy to use already in the testing phase.
- More attention is paid to monitoring than before.
- Problems are addressed more readily than before.
- The real situation is easy to follow from the statistics made by the application.
Technology used in building the application and selection criteria:
- The Tracker mobile application was required to work in pigsties where there is no network or mobile network functionality varies.
- PWA (Progressive Web App) technology was chosen, which can be installed from the browser on a mobile device.
- PWA enabled offline use. It was also cost-effective.
- The advantage of the chosen technology is compatibility between different devices, i.e., one application fits all devices
- Light implementation also allows for light maintenance and further development.
https://www.saparo-sovellus.fi
