Flexibility is the Key

FLAGLER COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION USES AGTRAX FOR ALL ITS OPERATIONS

The Flagler Cooperative Association of Flagler, CO has been using AgTrax’s software technology to manage its petroleum, grain, feed, and hardware operations since 2002.

When Brent Oestman took over as general manager in 2004, he liked the flexibility and comprehensive business applications that AgTrax supplied.

“AgTrax can be adapted to whatever business we have,” Oestman says. “If they don’t have a specific software package for an operation, they can partner with other companies that do. It integrates multiple API platforms like the one we use for our feed business (Easy Automation Inc.), into the AgTrax core accounting system for billing, accounting, and other operations. The APIs are set up as a one-touch customer transaction and are bi-directional, with AgTrax responsible for propagating the data everywhere, no matter where the data is changed.”

Oestman says he especially appreciates the ability of AgTrax to communicate real-time data to Flagler Cooperative Association’s 550 members and other customers for its retail and grain businesses. “Customers can access the Bushel API Integration app on the grain side, when they dump a load at any of our five locations,” he explains, “and they can look up all the data from that load and all their previous loads for a real- time connection with what they have
stored in our facility.”

Accessing Contracts
Members and customers can access any contracts or balances they have for storage or payables, he adds. “They don’t have to call us to find out where they stand, so that frees up our staff from having to look up their information. And customers can look up their account information at any time, night or day.” AgTrax platforms are especially suited for cooperatives, Oestman notes, so its programs cover all the coop’s operations. “Coops have their patronage records, and you have to have an accounting package to handle that. AgTrax is an integral part of us tracking every aspect of our business.” AgTrax platforms are seamlessly integrated, he adds. For example, the AgRemote Live Scale program works with the Bushel app to tie activity at all five of Flagler
Cooperative Association’s locations.

“AgRemote Live Scale gives us the ability to monitor what is being delivered at each location in real time.”

Oestman has found AgTrax customer service to be very efficient and professional. “They get back to us and work out the best solution for any questions or problems we might have. Their customer service is very good for on-site training, and they do a lot of interactive training, as well.”