Understand Alert Codes

Alert codes serve as the means of communication between milkers and AfiFarm. They are used to flag the operator in the milking pit regarding irregular operations required for specific cows.

Alert codes are assigned to cows automatically by AfiFarm, or manually by the operator. Alerts are displayed as codes to point out the special attention required by the cow. 

Note: Code definitions are determined by each farm. Each farm is responsible for explaining to parlor operators the codes’ operational meanings. 

Alert codes are defined in AfiFarm using one or two digit number sequences. Codes may be programmed to have specific operational implications.

The codes provide one of the following three security levels:

  • Low – milking may proceed,

  • Medium - Operator must press Start twice.

  • High - High level alert codes are assigned to cows whose milk may contaminate the bulk tank (for example: colostrum or antibiotic requiring bucket milking). A code is displayed and the Start is blocked. Operator must press the following password to release it:

Alert Codes Display

After the cow is identified in the stall, her cow number and any code is displayed on the MPC Control Box at the corresponding milking point. Alert codes (if assigned to the cow) flash alternately with the cow number.

For example, the display for cow number 7721 with Code 07 will alternate between:

Note: Up to three codes may be displayed for each cow. Codes appear on the left side of the display; cow numbers (if shorter than four digits) appear on the right side of the display.

Alert Codes: Additional Details

Additional detail and information can be assigned to alert codes.

Three types of detailed information is available:

  • User defined – A number accompanying the code has specific meaning (for example, the number of medication doses can be added to a treatment code).

  • Location – Indicates a particular quarter of the udder.

  • Life Time – A number accompanying the code is a sessions life-time counter (for example : Colostrum Code 08 may be accompanied by the number of milking in colostrum OR Antibiotic Code 07 may be accompanied by the number of sessions after the end of treatment – for withholding the milk)

Code details appear as a single digit alongside the code, on the right hand side of the display. See Create Codes with Additional Information

For example:

  • Code 02 with detailed indication 1 signifies a foot problem; one session left for end of treatment.

  • Code 03 signifies a dry quarter and the symbol accompanying the code indicates front-left quarter Г.

Alert Codes: Types

The following types of alert codes are displayed: