Tips on workingroutines when milking with VMS

March 2014:

Work routines

In  The Netherlands you get a Logbook,  a map, which you received at the start-up, and where the mechanics often put their visit-reports in.

In this logbook we put also a list “A few tips for good VMS usage” :  At the bottom is an error number of your VMS region etc. This list is very important.

It is often shown at the start-up and used as a guide to learn the first steps in successfully use of your new milking robot => Read and watch carefully again, does it still match?

For who doesn’t have this list (anymore), I have a digital copy called “Work routine”, (supplemented with what I think is important too) (-:
Also in English.

Please email me.

 

January 2024:

Replace milk filter?

Sequence:  Press the yellow button, then wash your hands. If they are clean, the button will now light up and the filter can be replaced.
Or turn the green button on Duofilter.
Replacing the milk filter with clean hands ensures that the outside of the filter remains very clean. And that’s “the tank milk side!”

It is useful if there is a water hose nearby so that you can easily rinse the edges and thread + knob around the filter canister. When it’s easy, it always happens. And that is necessary because the edges and button must also remain clean.

 

November 2010:

Work routine.

After the VMS has been put into use, the daily schedule changes considerably. It is very important for success to introduce structure here (again).
Working in protocols is not always easy, but it does help.
It may be useful to put a few points on the calendar or at the service counter for the first period.

This could look like this:

First push feed in the morning and look in the stable (is it quiet?).

Then: rinse the sponge and squeeze it when rinsing boots

3 x per day: clean camera + VMS check (is it working properly) and 2-Minute Check;
1 x per day: clean and check milk cups, hoses and pre-treatment cup
1 x per week: clean VMS frame, feed trough, manure plate, rubber flap and photocell.

1 x per 1 / 2 weeks: check feed ration, change USB stick
1 x per month: check “VMS Animal Settings” via “Group entry”.
1 x per month: Dry cows (to be), + cows past 100 days in lactation, hoof care
1 x per 2 months: shave or burn udderhair
1 x per 3 months: calibrate feeders
1 x per 6 months: test emergency power generator.