{"id":6148,"date":"2026-09-14T17:08:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T11:38:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/?p=6148"},"modified":"2026-09-14T17:09:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T11:39:52","slug":"livestock-erp-software-connect-animal-management-farm-operations-inventory-and-finance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/livestock-erp-software-connect-animal-management-farm-operations-inventory-and-finance\/","title":{"rendered":"Livestock ERP Software: Connect Animal Management, Farm Operations, Inventory and Finance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\tBook a Free Demo<\/a>\r\n\n\n\n\n

This is where Livestock ERP Software becomes important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A livestock ERP connects animal and farm operations with inventory, procurement, sales, costing and finance so that management can see both what is happening on the farm and what it means financially.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Livestock ERP Software?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock ERP Software combines livestock specific operational management with wider business functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A livestock operation may need to manage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm movement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suppliers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm expenses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accounting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A standard accounting system may handle purchases, invoices and the general ledger very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it normally does not understand livestock activities such as breeding, gestation, birth, weaning, animal movement, feed consumption and mortality without livestock specific functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A livestock ERP connects these two sides of the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock Operations and Finance Should Not Be Separate Worlds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm teams think in terms of animals and production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance teams think in terms of inventory, cost and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both are looking at the same business from different angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider a feed issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the farm manager, it is feed consumed by a group of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the store, it is inventory leaving a location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For costing, it is a cost against an animal group or production batch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For finance, it ultimately affects inventory value and production cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If each department records the transaction separately, differences are likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A connected Livestock ERP System allows one business activity to provide information to the relevant functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal Management Remains at the Centre<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ERP integration should not turn livestock into ordinary inventory items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animals have a lifecycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may be born, purchased, transferred, bred, treated, weighed, grouped, culled or sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding animals may continue through several reproductive cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing animals may move through different production stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock operational layer should therefore maintain the animal lifecycle while the ERP manages the corresponding commercial and financial processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual Animal and Batch Based ERP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different livestock operations need different levels of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP may need to support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal groups<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production batches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding groups<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm stages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This provides flexibility for businesses where some animals need individual tracking while others are managed collectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal Master and ERP Information<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The animal record can contain operational information such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal ID<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tag or RFID<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gender<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth date<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parentage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding status<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health status<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP does not need to force all of this information into the financial chart of accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock application manages the operational detail while the relevant financial transactions flow into the ERP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm Operations Should Drive Inventory Transactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest benefits of livestock ERP integration is connecting physical farm consumption with inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suppose the farm issues feed to a group of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The operational record can identify:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal group<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the relevant inventory transaction can reduce feed stock according to the configured process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management no longer needs one feed consumption number from the farm and another stock number from the warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed Purchase to Farm Consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A connected feed process can follow the complete flow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase requirement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase order<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goods receipt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quality check where applicable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm store inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed issue<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal or group consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost allocation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial posting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This creates traceability from the supplier purchase through to actual farm consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed Cost Should Reach the Correct Animal or Batch<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed is normally one of the largest livestock production costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the total feed expense is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management needs to understand where that cost was consumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock ERP can associate feed consumption with the relevant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Batch<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This provides a stronger basis for livestock costing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine and Vaccine Inventory Should Work the Same Way<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine and vaccines also move through purchasing, inventory and farm consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receipt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Batch or lot<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expiry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm transfer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issue<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal or group usage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory reduction<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The operational health record and the inventory transaction should remain connected where required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expiry Control for Farm Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain livestock supplies have limited shelf life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system can maintain relevant expiry information for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaccines<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other controlled consumables<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This helps farm and store teams identify material that should be used or reviewed before expiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Procurement Should See What Farms Actually Need<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without integration, procurement may receive purchase requests by email, phone or Excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Livestock ERP can provide better visibility into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current stock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm requirements<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planned consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open purchase orders<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier lead time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reorder levels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This helps procurement make purchasing decisions using operational information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase Approval<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock businesses may also need control over farm purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the company policy, purchase requirements can follow an approval process based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amount<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Item<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management level<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This brings farm procurement into the company’s normal purchasing governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The business can maintain supplier information for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed ingredients<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaccines<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm supplies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veterinary services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can review supplier transactions and performance within the wider ERP process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal Purchases Need Both Operational and Financial Records<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When animals are purchased, two things happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The farm receives animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The business incurs a financial cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock system can create or update the relevant animal records while the ERP manages the purchasing and financial side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This reduces the need to maintain one animal purchase record for the farm and another unrelated transaction for finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth Is Different from Purchase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An animal born on the farm has a different business process from an animal purchased from a supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock system needs to understand this distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth updates the biological population and animal records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The costing and accounting treatment should follow the company’s defined accounting policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an important reason why livestock ERP implementation needs proper process design rather than treating every animal movement like a normal inventory receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal Transfers Between Farms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animals may be transferred from one farm or location to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operationally, the system needs to update:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal or group<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a management perspective, the business may also need to carry the relevant cost and organisational information with the transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exact financial treatment depends on whether the movement is within the same company or between legal entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality Has an Operational and Financial Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When an animal dies, the farm population reduces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that animal may already carry accumulated cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock ERP should therefore maintain the operational mortality record while supporting the company’s defined costing and accounting treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can then analyse mortality not only as a percentage but also as a business cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Culling and Disposal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Culling may have different commercial outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An animal may be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Removed from breeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transferred<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disposed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Processed according to the business model<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock ERP should maintain the operational reason and support the appropriate inventory, sales or financial transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock Costing Is Where ERP Integration Becomes Valuable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm managers often know production performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance knows total expenditure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management needs the connection between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock ERP can bring together relevant costs such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal purchase or opening value<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaccination<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veterinary services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilities<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm expenses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other allocated costs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This allows the business to calculate livestock cost at the level required by management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost Per Animal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For individually managed livestock, the business may need to understand the cost accumulated against an animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can help management evaluate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High value animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cattle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long lifecycle livestock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The costing method should follow the company’s accounting and management requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost Per Batch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For group based production, batch costing may be more practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The batch can accumulate relevant production costs throughout the growing cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can then calculate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Total batch cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost per animal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost per kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost by production stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives a clearer picture of production economics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage Wise Costing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costs may also be analysed by lifecycle stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, in pig farming:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gestation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farrowing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weaning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finishing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can understand where costs are accumulating rather than seeing only the final cost at sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed Cost Versus Other Costs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A livestock costing report can separate major cost components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veterinary cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm overhead<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This helps management identify which area is driving changes in cost per animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standard Cost Vs Actual Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some livestock businesses may use planned or standard production costs for management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP can compare these with actual costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can review:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planned feed cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actual feed cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planned medicine cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actual medicine cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planned farm expense<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actual farm expense<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Total variance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This helps identify where the production cycle moved away from plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality Changes Unit Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suppose a batch starts with 1,000 animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costs accumulate throughout the production cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If mortality reduces the final saleable population, the cost per remaining animal may increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A connected costing system makes this impact visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is much more useful than reviewing mortality and finance as separate reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight Based Costing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For livestock sold by weight, management may also want to calculate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost per kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average sale weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selling price per kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margin per kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This connects animal performance directly with commercial performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm Expenses Should Reach the Correct Cost Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm expenses may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electricity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintenance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veterinary services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consumables<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other overheads<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP can record these against appropriate dimensions such as farm, department, location or cost centre according to the company’s accounting structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm Wise Financial Reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A multi farm livestock business should be able to understand the financial performance of each farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management may want to review:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Revenue<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm expenses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gross margin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Profitability<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This connects the farm’s operational KPIs with financial results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock Sales Should Connect with Animal Records<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When animals are sold, the commercial transaction should remain connected with the livestock record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal or group<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selling price<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invoice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Payment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sold animal should no longer appear as an active animal while its history remains available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales by Actual Weight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many livestock sales depend on actual weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP can maintain the relevant quantity and weight information and use it during sales and invoicing according to the company’s commercial process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer Specific Pricing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different customers may have different commercial agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pricing can depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal category<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grade<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contract<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP can manage the commercial rules while the livestock system provides the operational animal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer Credit Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before confirming a large livestock sale, the business may need to review:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer credit limit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outstanding balance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overdue invoices<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Payment terms<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the advantages of connecting farm operations with an ERP rather than running sales independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Order to Invoice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A connected process can link:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer order<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal selection<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dispatch<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invoice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receivable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Payment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance does not need to reconstruct the transaction from a farm sales report at month end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock Inventory and the General Ledger<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operational inventory and financial inventory should reconcile according to the company’s accounting design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relevant transactions may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchases<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receipts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transfers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP provides the financial control while NAVFarm maintains the livestock specific operational context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm to Finance Integration<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important concept in Livestock ERP Software is the connection between farm activity and financial information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A simplified flow may look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm Activity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed or Medicine Consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory Transaction<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal or Batch Cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales or Output<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial Posting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management Reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The objective is to reduce repeated data entry and give management a consistent view of operations and finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance Should Not Wait for Month End Farm Reports<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a disconnected environment, finance may receive farm consumption and production information only at the end of the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This creates delays in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory reconciliation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management analysis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When farm activities are integrated with ERP transactions, relevant information becomes available much earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chart of Accounts Should Not Become an Animal Register<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One common ERP design mistake is trying to solve operational reporting by creating too many general ledger accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chart of accounts should remain financially meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operational details such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal group<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Batch<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can be handled through the livestock application and appropriate ERP dimensions or analytical structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This provides detail without making the financial chart unnecessarily complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget Versus Actual Farm Expenses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance can prepare budgets for livestock operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actual expenditure can then be compared against:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expense type<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production cycle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can identify areas where expenditure is moving above plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cash Flow Planning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Future livestock production also creates future cash requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed purchases need funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine needs funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour and farm expenses continue throughout the cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A connected ERP gives finance better information for planning working capital and cash requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multi Company Livestock Operations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some livestock groups operate several legal entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm company<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed company<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Processing company<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trading company<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Separate regional businesses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A suitable ERP structure can support the legal and financial requirements while NAVFarm manages the relevant farm operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final design depends on the organisation structure and transaction flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multi Farm and Multi Location Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory may be stored at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central warehouse<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm store<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed store<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine store<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different farms<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different legal entities<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system should provide visibility into stock at the appropriate location while maintaining the required accounting control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management Reporting Should Combine Operational and Financial KPIs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior management should not need two completely different reporting packs to understand the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A useful livestock ERP dashboard can bring together information such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal population<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Births<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost per animal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Revenue<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm profitability<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives management a more complete view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm Performance Without Cost Can Be Misleading<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two farms may have similar mortality and weight performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one may be using significantly more feed or incurring higher operating costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operational performance should therefore be reviewed together with financial performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best performing farm is not necessarily the one with the highest output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may be the one producing the required output at the right cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost Without Farm Performance Can Also Be Misleading<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance may identify that one farm has higher expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That does not automatically mean the farm is inefficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different production stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher output<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different feed requirement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different location cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The operational context helps finance interpret the numbers correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock ERP Integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NAVFarm can work with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to connect livestock operations with wider ERP functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the implementation scope, Business Central can support areas such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General ledger<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accounts payable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accounts receivable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fixed assets<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Banking<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dimensions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NAVFarm provides the livestock and farm operational layer required to manage animal specific processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, the solution can connect farm operations with business and financial management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NAVFarm With an Existing ERP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not every livestock business wants to replace its current ERP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A company may already have an established finance, procurement or corporate ERP platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In such cases, NAVFarm can be positioned as the livestock operational system while relevant transactions are exchanged with the existing ERP through an agreed integration design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exact integration depends on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Existing ERP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Required transactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data ownership<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master data<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Posting frequency<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Integration technology<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business controls<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives livestock companies the option to digitise farm operations without automatically replacing every corporate system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Information Can Be Integrated With an ERP?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the project design, integration may include relevant information such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Items<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vendors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase information<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial dimensions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other required transactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The integration should be designed around the customer’s actual process rather than sending every farm record into the ERP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master Data Needs Clear Ownership<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Integration projects often fail because both systems are allowed to maintain the same master data without clear ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project should define which system owns information such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Item<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vendor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unit of measure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial dimension<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This reduces duplicate and conflicting records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transaction Integration Should Also Be Defined<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implementation team should clearly define which farm activities create ERP transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does a feed issue immediately reduce ERP inventory?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does farm mortality create a financial transaction?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are animal transfers treated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is animal cost updated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are farm expenses allocated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When does a livestock sale create the sales transaction?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are business design decisions and should be agreed during implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Integration Should Not Mean Duplicate Data Entry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The objective of integration is not to enter the same transaction in NAVFarm and then again in the ERP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where integration is implemented, relevant information should move between systems according to the agreed workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This reduces manual effort and improves consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile Farm Data Can Reach the ERP Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm workers may record activities using a mobile device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a farm user records feed consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That operational activity can become part of the relevant inventory and costing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management receives farm level information while finance receives the business transaction required for accounting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where farm digitisation and ERP integration start delivering real operational value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Role Based Access<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not every farm employee needs access to financial information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution should allow access according to responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A farm worker may enter daily activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A farm manager may review animal and production performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A store user manages inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Procurement manages purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance manages accounting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior management reviews combined operational and financial information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This keeps the system practical for different users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approval Workflows<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ERP integration also allows livestock businesses to introduce structured approvals where required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase approval<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expense approval<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price approval<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales discount approval<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory adjustment approval<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other financial controls<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This brings corporate governance into farm operations without making every daily farm activity dependent on head office approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audit Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management should be able to understand who recorded or changed important transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An audit trail can support investigation of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory adjustments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost changes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal movements<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase changes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales transactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other controlled activities<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This improves accountability across farm and head office teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Practical Feed to Finance Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider a livestock business purchasing 100 MT of feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Procurement creates the purchase order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The feed is received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the feed is transferred to Farm A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The farm issues 5 MT to a growing batch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NAVFarm records the operational consumption against the batch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relevant inventory is reduced according to the configured process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The feed cost becomes part of the batch cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance receives the corresponding inventory and financial information through the ERP process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can now answer three different questions from connected data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much feed is left?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which animals consumed it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did that consumption cost?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Practical Medicine Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company purchases veterinary medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The medicine is received into inventory with the relevant batch and expiry information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stock is transferred to the farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The veterinarian records treatment against an animal or group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The operational record shows what treatment was given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inventory record shows what quantity was consumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost can be included in the relevant farm or animal costing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One activity now supports health, inventory and financial reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Practical Livestock Sale Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A group of animals is ready for sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The farm confirms the available population and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sales team confirms the customer and commercial terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The required animals are selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The animals are dispatched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The livestock records are updated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ERP processes the sales and invoice transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer receivables are updated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can compare sales value with the accumulated production cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This creates visibility from farm production through to commercial profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Practical Multi Farm Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A livestock company operates four farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each farm records animal movements, feed consumption, mortality and other daily activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head office manages procurement and finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of collecting four separate monthly spreadsheets, operational information is available centrally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed inventory is visible by location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm costs can be analysed separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management can compare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Population<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost per animal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Profitability<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across all four farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why a Generic ERP Alone May Not Be Enough for Livestock<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A standard ERP is designed to manage business transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may handle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accounting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But livestock operations need additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The business needs to understand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal lifecycle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pregnancy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weaning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal movement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed consumption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A livestock specific operational layer fills this gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why a Standalone Livestock App May Also Not Be Enough<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The opposite problem can occur with a simple livestock application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may provide excellent animal records but remain disconnected from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier transactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accounts payable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accounts receivable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General ledger<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management then has good farm information but still needs manual reconciliation with finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock ERP integration connects these two requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Look for in Livestock ERP Software<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before selecting Livestock ERP Software, businesses should evaluate both operational and ERP capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important livestock capabilities may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal registration<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual and batch management<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RFID<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weaning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Movement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traceability<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important business capabilities may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Procurement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier management<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm expenses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer management<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit control<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accounting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiple locations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiple companies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approval workflows<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dashboards<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ERP integration<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The right solution should connect farm activities with business transactions without making farm users work like accountants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Livestock ERP Software?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock ERP Software connects animal and farm management with business functions such as inventory, procurement, costing, sales, accounting and financial reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Livestock ERP different from Livestock Management Software?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livestock Management Software primarily focuses on farm and animal operations. Livestock ERP extends that information into broader business areas such as purchasing, inventory, costing, sales and finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can NAVFarm work with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. NAVFarm can work with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to connect livestock operations with ERP and financial management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can NAVFarm integrate with an existing ERP?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Where required, NAVFarm can exchange relevant information with an existing ERP based on the agreed integration architecture and implementation scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does a livestock ERP manage feed inventory?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Feed purchasing, inventory, transfers, issues and consumption can be connected with livestock operations according to the company’s process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can livestock ERP track cost per animal?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Relevant costs can be accumulated and analysed at animal, batch, stage or farm level depending on the implemented costing model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can farm expenses be connected with finance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Farm expenses can be recorded against appropriate farms, locations, departments or other financial dimensions according to the ERP design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can livestock ERP manage animal sales?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Animal or batch sales can be connected with customer, weight, pricing, dispatch, invoicing and financial transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can livestock ERP manage multiple farms?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Multiple farms and inventory locations can be managed while providing head office with consolidated operational and financial visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does every farm user need access to the ERP finance module?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No. Role based access can allow farm users to work with operational functions while finance and management users access the information relevant to their responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Animal Activity to Financial Performance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A livestock business does not operate in two separate worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The farm and finance are part of the same operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feed consumed on the farm has a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine used on an animal has a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mortality has a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm labour has a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal movement affects where that cost sits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when an animal is finally sold, management needs to know whether the complete production cycle generated the expected return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the real purpose of Livestock ERP Software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not simply about putting accounting and animal records on the same screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is about creating a clear connection between animal management, farm operations, inventory, procurement, costing, sales and finance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NAVFarm provides the livestock operational layer, while Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can provide the wider ERP and financial foundation. For organisations already operating another ERP, NAVFarm can also form part of an integrated architecture based on the customer’s existing systems and requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For livestock businesses still reconciling farm registers, inventory sheets, purchase records and finance reports manually, connecting farm operations with ERP can provide a much clearer view of both animal performance and business profitability<\/strong>. To understand how NAVFarm can work with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or your existing ERP, request a NAVFarm demonstration using your actual livestock lifecycle, farm structure, inventory, costing and financial processes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is where Livestock ERP Software becomes important. A livestock ERP connects animal and farm operations with inventory, procurement, sales, costing and finance so that … Read More ›<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[284,196,263,276],"tags":[214,318],"class_list":["post-6148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-accounting-software-for-livestock","category-agriculture-and-farm","category-agriculture-farm-management-software","category-agriculture-management-software","tag-livestock","tag-livestock-and-dairy-farm-management"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6148"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6150,"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6148\/revisions\/6150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navfarm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}