HeardMASTER FAQ

FAQ Section 1: Migration and Upgrade

Q: How do I upgrade from HerdMASTER 4 to HerdMASTER 5?

Answer:
To upgrade from HerdMASTER 4 to HerdMASTER 5:

Before upgrading:

• Create a backup of your HerdMASTER 4 database (File → Backup Database)

• Note your current CRN (Customer Registration Number)

• Ensure you have your license information available

Download and install:

• Download HerdMASTER 5 from the ABRI website

• Run the installer and follow the prompts

• HerdMASTER 5 can be installed alongside HerdMASTER 4

Database migration:

• Launch HerdMASTER 5

• Use the Database Setup Wizard

• Select Import from HerdMASTER 4 Database

• Browse to your HM4 database location (usually Documents\HerdMASTER)

• Allow the migration process to complete

Post-migration checks:

• Verify animal records are correctly imported

• Re-download EBV data from BREEDPLAN

• Confirm worksheets and reports function as expected

Note:
The migration preserves all animal data, breeding records, weights, and measurements. Some custom layouts require recreation.

Q: What happens to my data during migration?

Answer:
During migration from HM4 to HM5:

• Preserved: Animal records, pedigrees, weights, measurements, breeding records, pregnancy tests, calving data, movement history

• Converted: Database structure is upgraded to the new schema

• Re-download required: EBVs must be re-imported from BREEDPLAN

• Recreation required: Custom worksheets and some report layouts

Q: What are common migration errors and how do I fix them?

Answer:

FAQ Section 2: EBV Data

Q: Why are my EBVs not showing?

Answer:
Common causes include:

EBV data not downloaded

• Go to Reports → Download EBV Data

• Enter BREEDPLAN credentials

• Select society/breed and download

After migration

• EBVs are not migrated from HM4

• EBVs must be re-downloaded in HM5

Incorrect Breed Group Code

• Confirm BGC matches BREEDPLAN registration

• Check Setup → Database Settings

Animal submission status

• Only animals submitted to BREEDPLAN receive EBVs

Display settings

• Ensure EBV columns are enabled

• Right-click grid headers → Show Columns → Select EBV fields

Q: How do I import EBV data?

Answer:

1. Go to Reports → BREEDPLAN → Download EBVs

2. Enter society credentials:

   • Society Code

   • Member ID / Username

   • Password

3. Select the most recent run date

4. Click Download

5. EBVs are matched using BREEDPLAN IDs

Troubleshooting:

• Verify internet connectivity

• Confirm credentials are correct

• Ensure animals have valid BREEDPLAN IDs

Q: EBVs show for some animals but not others. Why?

Answer:
This occurs when:

• Animals have different submission histories

• Animals belong to different breed groups

• BREEDPLAN IDs do not match downloaded data

• Purchased/imported animals are not linked to BREEDPLAN

Resolution:
Confirm the BREEDPLAN ID in the animal record matches society records.

FAQ Section 3: Central Sync

Q: Why is my sync failing?

Answer:

Common causes include:

Internet connectivity

• Confirm internet access

Server availability

• Central Sync server outage

• Contact support if persistent

Authentication issues

• Verify settings in Setup → Central Sync Settings

• Re-enter URL, Database Name, and Auth Code

Database conflicts

• Sync devices one at a time

Version mismatch

• Ensure all machines run the same HerdMASTER version

Error reference:

Q: How do I set up Central Sync?

Answer:

Primary computer:

1. Go to Setup → Central Sync Setup

2. Select Create New Central Database

3. Enter a database name

4. Record the generated Auth Code

5. Complete setup and perform first sync

Secondary computers:

1. Install HerdMASTER 5

2. Use Database Setup Wizard

3. Select Restore from Central Sync

4. Enter:

   • Central URL

   • Database Name

   • Auth Code

5. Download the database

Requirements:

• Central Sync licence

• Internet connection

• Matching HerdMASTER versions

Q: How do I sync between multiple computers?

Answer:

1. Sync before closing HerdMASTER

2. Click Sync (toolbar or File → Sync)

3. Wait for completion

4. Open HerdMASTER on the other computer and sync again

Best practices:

• Sync frequently

• Avoid simultaneous edits

• Record error messages if failures occur

FAQ Section 4: Worksheets and Reports

Q: How do I create custom worksheets?

Answer:

1. Open Worksheets

2. Select New Worksheet

3. Define:

   • Name

   • Filters

   • Columns

4. Add required data fields

5. Set sorting and grouping

6. Save

Tips:

• Start from built-in templates

• Use filters to limit scope

• Save reusable layouts

Q: Why can’t I generate reports with EBVs?

Answer:

Ensure:

• EBVs are downloaded

• Animals actually have EBVs

• Correct report template is used

• Filters do not exclude EBV animals

Common causes include incorrect templates or restrictive filters.

Q: How do I export worksheet data?

Answer:

1. Open worksheet

2. File → Export (or right-click → Export)

3. Select format:

   • Excel

   • CSV

   • PDF

4. Choose destination

5. Export

FAQ Section 5: Backup and Restore

Q: How do I back up my database?

Answer:

1. File → Backup Database

2. Select location

3. Click Backup

4. Confirm completion

Backup format: .sbb

Best practices:

• Weekly backups

• Multiple locations

• Backup before updates or major changes

Q: How do I restore on a new computer?

Answer:

1. Install HerdMASTER 5

2. Copy backup file to new machine

3. File → Restore Database

4. Select backup file

5. Verify

6. Restore

7. Restart HerdMASTER

After restoration:

• Verify data

• Re-download EBVs

• Confirm licence activation

Q: How do I transfer HerdMASTER to a new computer?

Answer:

Old computer:

• Create backup

• Record CRN and licence

• Copy backup externally

New computer:

• Install HerdMASTER 5

• Activate licence

• Restore backup

• Configure Central Sync if used

Licence transfer:
Contact ABRI support if required.

FAQ Section 6: Breeding and Calving

Q: How do I record pregnancy tests?

Answer:

1. Breeding → Pregnancy Tests

2. Add new record

3. Select animals

4. Enter test details

5. Save

Batch entry available via worksheets.

Q: How do I record calving data?

Answer:

1. Breeding → Calvings

2. Select dam

3. Enter calving details

4. Save

The system automatically creates the calf record and updates histories.

Q: How do I set up mating groups?

Answer:

1. Breeding → Mating Groups

2. Create new group

3. Assign dates and sires

4. Add females

5. Save

FAQ Section 7: Account Management

Q: How do I reset my password?

Answer:

• HerdMASTER login: Contact ABRI support with CRN

• BREEDPLAN: Contact breed society or use website reset

• Central Sync: Contact support if Auth Code is lost

Q: How do I check or update my licence?

Answer:

1. Help → About HerdMASTER

2. Help → Licence Information

3. Help → Activate Licence

Contact ABRI for renewals or transfers.

FAQ Section 8: Technical Issues

Q: Why won’t my reports print correctly?

Answer:

Q: How do I fix export problems?

Answer:

Excel:

• Ensure Excel installed

• Try CSV

PDF:

• Use Microsoft Print to PDF

Permissions:

• Export to Documents

• Run as Administrator

Q: Weight data isn’t saving. What’s wrong?

Answer:

Check:

• Numeric values and units

• Correct animal selection

• Disk space and database integrity

• Save/Commit after batch entry