Existing users
If you are currently a TANDEM user and you require support or you have suggestions for future versions please email support@cowsintandem.com and we will respond to your query within 24 hours. If you would like to download a copy of the user guide please click here.
New customers
As a TANDEM user you will be added to our support network with free email support and access to regular technical tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your new software. Before you decide to purchase your copy of TANDEM you may wish to read are Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who will benefit from using TANDEM?
2. What software do I need on my computer in order for TANDEM to run?
3. What hardware do I need in order for TANDEM to run?
4. Can I enter my own farm data?
5. What does or doesn't TANDEM consider when calculating the results?
6. In what form does the TANDEM software arrive and can I download it?
1. Who will benefit from using TANDEM?
TANDEM is designed to be used as a predictive tool to assist those who have direct input into the management of the dairy herd. Advisors, veterinarians, and herdsmen can all benefit from TANDEM's ability to tease apart the complexities of herd fertility. An objective view can be gained about the benefits of particular management strategies for your herd.
2. What software do I need on my computer in order for TANDEM to run?
For TANDEM to run correctly you will need to have Microsoft Windows 2000 or higher (XP) installed on your PC. In addition to this you will need Microsoft Office 2000 (SP3) or greater (XP,2003). These products can be purchased at any good software supplier and often come pre installed on a new PC.
3. What hardware do I need in order for TANDEM to run?
Any computer that is capable of running the minimum software requirements described above should cope with TANDEM under normal usage conditions. The greater the processor speed the quicker the simulation will be completed. As a rough guide a computer with a 1GHz processor and 256Mb RAM would be the recommended minimum.
4. Can I enter my own farm data?
TANDEM is a simulation tool and its objective is to highlight future trends over a 5 year period. As such it does not analyse your own data directly. However, you can start the simulation with a herd that looks similar to your own and see what happens under different management practices. As the outputs from TANDEM include measures that are often available on farm (such as serves per conception etc...), you can make comparisons between the simulated results and your herd's current performance.
5. What does or doesn't TANDEM consider when calculating the results?
All mathematical models involve assumptions regarding what actually occurs in reality and therefore, there inevitably some factors that are beyond the limits of a program such as TANDEM. We have tried in TANDEM version 1 to include the main drivers of dairy herd fertility such as conception rate, heat detection rate, voluntary waiting period etc... At present there are some variables that are not included of which the user should be aware. Calf values, veterinary costs associated with calving, and automatic adjustments to the lactation curve to account for pregnancy are not yet included. However, facilities for their inclusion will be present in later versions and as long as the user remains aware of existing limitations the general message to be gained from the programs results should not be affected.
6. In what form does the TANDEM software arrive and can I download it?
Once you have completed your order we will send your copy of TANDEM on CD by post. We are not offering a download service at present.
