PCC Release Notes

Refactored text-to-speech and custom sounds: We disabled some default English text-to-speech sounds to make PCC more user-friendly for non-English users. Previously, when the app recognized a phrase in a worklist, the app would play an English text-to-speech sound if there was no custom sound assigned to the phrase. In the latest version of PCC, the system will no longer play the English text-to-speech sounds listed below. Instead, the system will play the CORE sound (NEEDED) if there is no custom sound assigned to the phrase.

Disabled English Text-to-Speech Sounds

• ABT.WAV
• BST.WAV
• CHCK.WAV
• CONF.WAV
• CYST.WAV
• FRSH.WAV
• GBS.WAV
• GNRH.WAV
• HNPG.WAV
• LUT.WAV
• LUT1.WAV
• LUT2.WAV
• LUT3.WAV
• MSHT.WAV
• NOHT.WAV
• PREG.WAV
• PRGH.WAV
• RCON.WAV
• REPG.WAV
• XBRD.WAV

If you want to enable any disabled English text-to-speech sounds, expand the steps below to reinstall the text-to-speech sounds:

Reinstall English Text-to-Speech Sounds

1. Download the newest version of DairyComp 305 to get the text-to-speech sounds.
2. From Windows Explorer, open your DC305 > AXIM folder.
3. Right-click the zip file (ORIGINAL_ENGLISH_CUSTOM_TTS_SOUNDS_PLACE_IN_WAVS_FOLDER.ZIP), then click Extract All to extract the files.
4. Copy and paste the unzipped files you want into your DC305 > AXIM > WAVS folder.

(PCC-1327, PCC-1325)

Added fixes for certain Firebase crashes: This version resolves issues where Firebase would crash if the system received a null response for a previous lactation or if the check feature was enabled on Zebra devices. (PCC-1327, PCC-1309, PCC-1312)

• Improved speed and decompression times for core sound files: The latest version of PCC improves the playback speed of the core English sounds used in the app. In future updates, we may apply the same updates to sounds in other languages. (PCC-1318, PCC-1308)
• App now includes latest end-user license agreements: The app now contains the updated, combined end-user license agreements. (PCC-1318, PCC-1283)

• Fixed Add Batch routines for non-Source Farm herds: Previously, the system would duplicate Add Batch content or cause stuck transactions for some herds. The latest version of PCC has now fixed the issue. (PCC-1318, PCC-1317)
• Added a fix for certain Firebase crashes: This version resolves an issue where Firebase would crash if you tried to set PCC to night mode and the settings were not properly loaded. (PCC-1318, PCC-1283)

• Removed false error messages from ABORT events: The system incorrectly generated a false error message on every ABORT event. Now, PCC only displays the error messages under the correct conditions. (PCC-1310)
• Added new way to display items in VETFORM worklists: In Administration > Settings, you can now enable the Display Items from Vet Worklists option to include more items in your VETFORM worklist. When you enter your command, simply add the items in your worklist command between the SERVER command and any FOR statements.

For example, if you want the list to include the animal's ID, pen, vetcode (VETC), days in milk (DIM), days calf carried (DCC), andtimes bred (TBRD), enter the following command in the command line:

SERVER ID PEN VETC DIM DCC TBRD FOR VC>0 \V

However, we recommend that you do not include the following items at this time: Item Type #21 (REM), Item Type #60 (Age in Months), Item Type #84 (RPRO), and Item Type #85 (EVT).

(PCC-1304, PCC-1206)

• Added new warning if you try to add an ABORT date earlier than the conception date: PCC will no longer let you enter a Days Carried Calf or ABORT date that is set before the conception date and now displays a warning that you must acknowledge before you can pick a reproduction code. (PCC-1304, PCC-1290)
• Improved process for switching technicians: Previously, if you changed technicians, PCC would prompt you to confirm the change. Now, if you have enabled the Use faster workflow for Vet Entry option and switch technicians, PCC no longer requires confirmation. (PCC-1304, PCC-1293)
• Added new warning if you enter an ABORT date for an animal with CDAT>0 and VC=6 after a recent breeding: If you try to breed a PREG animal (CDAT>0) that has an ABORT vetcode (VC=6), the app now warns you if you pick an ABORT date that is dated after the most recent breeding. This message reminds you to abort the earlier pregnant breeding and to allow a new breeding for a future PREG check. (PCC-1304, PCC-1295)
• You can now configure shortcut buttons for hospital forms on PCC Android: In PCC Android, we added customizable shortcut options so you can quickly add events or expert batch commands when using hospital forms. Enable and configure this feature in your PCC settings in DC305, then use the feature in PCC:
Expand the steps below to enable and configure the shortcut buttons.

NOTE: To use this feature, you must have DairyComp 305 version 23.11 or higher. See Update DC305 to the Latest Release to learn how to download the latest version of DC305.

1. In DC305, enter SERVER\3 to open the Server Configuration screen.
2. In the PCC Entry tab, navigate to the Select Event or Expert Batch for Quick Pick on Hospital Forms columns at the bottom left side of the screen.



Each column corresponds to a switch that you can use in your worklist command:

• Form1: \HM1
• Form2: \HM2
• Form3: \HM3
• Form4: \HM4
3. To assign an event or expert batch shortcut to the \HM1 switch, go to the Form1 column and double-click <Available> to open the Select screen.
4. Select your most-used event and click OK.
5. Repeat the steps for each shortcut you want to quick pick in hospital forms and select your shortcuts by most used to least used. You can add up to 8 shortcuts per switch.
6. Create hospital worklists that implement the switches (\HM1 to \HM4) you just configured:
   • ZLHOSP1: SERVER ID DIM PN NOTE FOR PEN=99\HM1
   • ZLHOSP2: SERVER ID DIM PN NOTE FOR PEN=99\HM2
   • ZLHOSP3: SERVER ID DIM PN NOTE FOR PEN=99\HM3
   • ZLHOSP4: SERVER ID DIM PN NOTE FOR PEN=99\HM4
7. In PCC, open a hospital worklist to see your new shortcuts at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left to right to see all shortcuts:



(PCC-1304, PCC-1159)

Fixed an issue where grid view limited data to five characters: In the latest release, we increased the character limit for worklist data when you view the data in grid view. (PCC-1304, PCC-1266)

As we communicated previously, VAS will no longer support PCC for Android 7.x or Android 8.0 devices. Now, if you try to install PCC on an unsupported device, you will receive an error message.

If you access Pocket CowCard on an Android 7.x or Android 8.0 device and downloaded the September 2023 version of PCC, you must upgrade to a newer device by the end of 2024 to continue using PCC.

For a full list of devices supported by VAS, click here. If you have any questions about your options or if you want to purchase a new compatible device, please contact your PCC support representative.

(PCC-1287, PCC-1214, PCC-1202, PCC-1201)

• Use the new text-to-speech feature to hear the number of days for some vetcode constraints: In PCC, you can now enable a text-to-speech (TTS) feature to hear the number of days for some vetcode constraints. For example, you can set up a vetcode (PREG) and enter its primary time constraint (Days Since Last Heat) in DC305. Then, in PCC, you can tap on an animal with a PREG vetcode to hear the number of days that have passed since its last heat. Enable this feature in your PCC settings in DC305, then use the feature in PCC:

Expand the steps below to set up the new TTS feature

NOTE: To use this feature, you must have the DairyComp 305 version 23.6 or higher. See Update DC305 to the Latest Release to learn how to download the latest version of DC305.

1. In DC305, enter ALTER\5S to open the VetList Options window.
2. Open the vet code you want to edit.
3. In the vet code's Vet List Parameters window, check the Play Speech box and enter the primary time constraint in the Cnst 1 field to indicate when the system should play the sound. For example, you can enter DSLH>33 so PCC plays a sound to let you know how many days have passed since an animal's last heat.



4. Save your changes. In the VetList Options window, the system displays a Y in the Play Speech column to indicate that the system will play a TTS sound for the vetcode.
5. In PCC, go to the Administration > Settings tab and check the Use "Text to Speech DAYS" sounds with VET CODES box to enable TTS.

Note the guidelines below when using this TTS feature

• This feature works best with time constraints that are measured in days. When you enable this feature, PCC will say the primary time constraint value, then "days."
• PCC will say "days" in the supported language you have selected.

(PCC-1287, PCC-1012)

• Improved the display for queued animal IDs: When you use dark mode and open the VETFORM entry screen, the font color for queued animals is now white instead of magenta. (PCC-1287, PCC-1282)
• Removed support for internal RFID reading devices: PCC no longer supports internal RFID reading devices or Android devices using OS version 8.0 or lower. See IMPORTANT:  PCC no longer supports Android devices using OS version 8.0 or lower for more information. (PCC-1287, PCC-1289)
• Added a warning that displays if you enter an ABORT date before the last PREG event: If you try to enter an abortion date that is earlier than the last PREG event entry, PCC now displays a warning message. (PCC-1287, PCC-1271)

• Fixed the "IsNeeded" sound when the sound is not available: We fixed the core "IsNeeded" sound on worklists when a custom sound is not available. (PCC-1297)
• Removed extra sounds that play during text-to-speech: We fixed an issue where the system would play extra sounds if you used text-to-speech (TTS) for items that consisted of a single letter or a period. We recommend that you do not include periods (.) when you create task sounds e.g. P.1, P.22, P.P, etc. (PCC-1287, PCC-1280)
• Tested and fixed numerous crash scenarios: In the latest release, we implemented additional code to help prevent the app from crashing when no herd is detected or during item entry when pen validation is active. (PCC-1279, PCC-1285)

If you are accessing Pocket CowCard on an Android 7.x or Android 8.0 device, please update your PCC app to the September 2023 version immediately to continue using PCC on your device without interruption. The September 2023 release version is expected to be available until October 30, 2023.

As we communicated previously, VAS will no longer support PCC for Android 7.x or Android 8.0 devices. As a temporary solution, update your app to the September release version using the in-app updater in PCC. However, you must upgrade to a newer device by the end of 2024 to continue using PCC.

For a full list of devices supported by VAS, click here. If you have any questions about your options or if you would like to purchase a new compatible device, please contact your PCC support representative.

(PCC-1268, PCC-1214)

• PCC now supports item entry in CowCards: The app now supports the ability to enter item values directly from the Items tab of an animal's CowCard. First enable item entry from your PCC settings in DC305, then use the feature in PCC:
Expand the steps below to set up item entry in DC305
1. In DC305, enter SERVER\3 to open the PCC Server Configuration window.
2. Open the PCC Entry tab:



3. In the Enabled Items for Entry column, check the boxes next to the items you want to enable.
4. Click OK at the top right corner of the screen to save your changes.
Expand the steps below to use item entry in PCC
1. In PCC, open an animal's CowCard and tap the Items tab:



2. Tap Item Entry at the bottom of the screen.
3. In the Select Item window, choose the item you want to edit from the drop-down list:



4. In the blank box, enter the item value.
5. Click Accept edited command to save your changes.

(PCC-1268, PCC-1152)

• DRY events can no longer be applied to animals that aren't cows: The app now warns you if you try to apply a DRY event to youngstock animals. If you need to apply a treatment protocol from a DRY event to a youngstock animal, reach out to your support representative for an alternative treatment protocol option. (PCC-1268, PCC-1241)

• New Herd TODO page affected tablet user interface: When you open the herd TODO tab on a tablet, the upper section of the worklist controls now works correctly. (PCC-1238, PCC-1268)
• Fixed Out of Bounds error in worklists: We fixed an issue that would result in an Out of Bounds error in worklists. Previously, if an item in a worklist contained the single letter P, the system would confuse the worklist command with the text-to-speech sound used for pen moves (the GOTO item P sound). (PCC-1268, PCC-1274)
• Tested and fixed numerous crash scenarios: In the latest release, we have implemented additional code to help prevent the app from crashing during the following instances: checking List Activity, using the Mark Cow process, or when the PCC service is not initialized and the app tries to launch a notification. (PCC-1199, PCC-1256, PCC-1257, PCC-1260, PCC-1261, PCC-1268)

• VETFORM entry screen is now available in Day or Night Mode: You can now choose between two color themes for the VETFORM entry screen: Day Mode or Night Mode. In PCC, change your color theme in Administration > Settings.



(PCC-1243, PCC-1226)

• Added BRED events to the OTHER event selection screen in VETFORM: On the VETFORM event entry screen, you can select OTHER to see a list of an events to choose from. Now, the list of event includes the BRED event. (PCC-1243, PCC-1225)
• Added text-to-speech sounds for GOTO items: The latest version of PCC now plays sounds for GOTO items with values between P1 to P9999. The system will say the number in the language you selected if the translation is supported. The system does not say "pen" in English, German ("grupp"), or Spanish ("corral"). You can also create your own sound files (WAV or MP3) to override the text-to-speech sounds. (PCC-1243, PCC-1218)
• Added the ability to auto-skip vet codes on a VETFORM worklist: We added the ability to automatically Skip (Mark as Done) selected vet codes on a VETFORM worklist. To use this feature, you need to edit the vet code in DairyComp 305 and edit your settings in PCC.
Expand the steps below to set up auto-skip!

1. In PCC, go to Administration > Settings and check the boxes for Use faster workflow for Vet Entry and Enable Automatic SKIP for defined VET Codes.



2. In DC305, enter ALTER\5S to open the list of vet codes.
3. Double-click the vet code that you want the system to automatically skip and mark as done.
4. In the Vet List Parameters window, check the Auto Skip box.



For more information, contact VAS Support. This feature can also be enhanced by using a OnDone or PostProcess command. (PCC-1243, PCC-0855)

Fixed the animal order shown in the Vet Queue: PCC now lists animals by oldest ID to newest ID in the Vet Queue. Previously, the system incorrectly listed the newest IDs first. (PCC-1243, PCC-1255)

• Added ability to view all animals in the To Do tab: In the To Do tab in worklists, you can now view all animals from all pens. Tap the All Pens button to view all To Do animals in the herd:



This improvement makes it easier and quicker to complete tasks like pen validation. If an animal is in the wrong pen, you can still check the animal in the To Do tab. (PCC-1232, PCC-1154)

• Added ability to view all animals in the Done tab: In the Done tab in worklists, you can now view all animals from all pens. This improvement will make it easier and quicker to make changes for multiple animals in multiple pens at once. To view all the Done animals in the herd, tap the ALL button at the top right:



Example: Quickly complete a PREG check for multiple animals across multiple pens!

In this scenario, imagine that you need to complete a PREG check for 100 animals in the herd. Out of the 100 animals, 99 animals need to be marked as PREG and only one animal needs to be marked as OPEN. Follow the steps below to quickly complete the PREG check:

1. In the To Do tab, mark all 100 animals as PREG.
2. Go to the Done tab and find the one animal that requires a different status.
3. Tap the animal's Recheck button and change the animal's status:



(PCC-1232, PCC-1154)

• Added a warning message when duplicate EIDs are detected: If you refresh PCC from DairyComp 305 and the system finds duplicate EIDs, PCC will now notify you. Click Acknowledge and fix the duplicate EIDs in DC305:



You can also check for duplicate IDs directly in DC305.

1. In DC305, open the Server Configuration screen by entering SERVER/3 in the command line.
2. At the bottom of the Server Configuration screen, click Check for Duplicates:



3. Check the text file to see the list of duplicate EIDs:



(PCC-1232, PCC-0421)

• Fixed an issue where PCC did not import Scan Date and Scan Time: When you use an ADD BATCH command with source farm identifiers, the system now imports Scan Date (SCDAT) and Scan Time (SCTIM) values correctly. (PCC-1232, PCC-1234)
• Resolved a crash issue caused by duplicate EIDs: PCC no longer crashes if the system finds duplicate EIDs during an ADD BATCH command. (PCC-1232, PCC-1234)

• Added support for Type 190 option 7: PCC returns item type 190, option 7 if the semen is sorted as Sexed or Unsexed (conventional) and is a Beef type.

(PCC-1222, PCC-1150)

• Added support for SFID.SF with ADD BATCH commands: Like PCC for Windows Mobile, PCC for Android now offers full support for the WITH statement in ADD BATCH for source farms based on the PCC journal method. PCC for Android no longer warns you if a duplicate source farm is entered. Like PCC for Windows Mobile, the duplicate entry is discovered by DCSERVER after the entry.

(PCC-1222, PCC-1189)

• Resolved an EXPERT BATCH crash: Expert Batch no longer crashes when adding a command to a blank Simple Batch command. (PCC-1222, PCC-1200)
• Resolved a duplicate number issue in the Vet Queue: The same animal is no longer displayed multiple times in the Vet Queue. (PCC-1222, PCC-1219)
• Resolved a Sort by Scan filter issue: Animals added and queued to the Vet List are now displayed at the top of the list. (PCC-1222, PCC-1221)
• Resolved a SIMPLE BATCH empty input box issue: An empty box no longer displays after tapping on the Simple Batch command when DC305 has no items defined for input. To fix the issue, PCC now requires item definitions in SERVER\3 before Simple Batch can be used. (PCC-1222, PCC-1220)
• Resolved a PCC null exception error: We fixed a null pointer exception error that was discovered in the June 21, 2023 release. This error was fixed in the July 7, 2023 hotfix release (2.0.18.63). (PCC-1222, PCC-1227)

• Added End of Support warning for Android 7 and 8 devices: After each refresh, users will be notified that devices that are running Android version 7 and 8.0 will no longer be supported after the August 2023 release.

(PCC-1208, PCC-1202)

• Added the ability to use custom sounds: You can now use custom sounds for the "No, not this animal" (buzz sound) and "Cha-ching" sound files when using ADD, SIMPLE, and EXPERT commands. Your sound files must be named NONOTTHISANIMAL.MP3 or .WAV and CHACHING.MP3 or .WAV (file name must be ALL CAPS). Save the .mp3 or .wav files to the X:\DC305\AXIM\WAV DairyComp folder.

(PCC-1208, PCC-1184)

• Enhanced VET FORM entry capabilities: Like PCC for Windows Mobile, PCC for Android now offers a setting that allows you to quickly enter vet check results. See the information below to enable faster Vet Entry and enter Vet Check results:

In the PCC mobile app, open the Settings menu and check the Use faster workflow for Vet Entry box.



You can then go to your Vet List, tap an animal, and then tap on Events.



1. Vet Check Reason: The reason for the vet check is displayed next to the Cow ID.
2. Event and Remark: Tap to pick an event and then set a remark. An event must be selected before setting a remark or a tech.
3. Store: Tap to store the events and remarks.
4. +Event: Tap to add a second or third event to an existing entry.
5. Ignore: Tap the Back button to ignore and cancel the entry.

For faster input, PCC stores the previous technician used. VAS recommends using the same Event Tech team for the most common Vet Form events.



By default, you can add three events to single animal. Tap +Event to add additional events to the same animal.



PCC now supports all other events. Command abbreviation content is not available, but we do support protocols that move to a given pen.



(PCC-1208, PCC-0624)

• Resolved a Pen Validation crash for Chinese localizations: We have fixed an issue from the March 22, 2023 release that caused Pen Validation to crash while running PCC for Android in the Chinese language. (PCC-1208, PCC-1195)
• Resolved an issue when adding an animal to a Vet List: We fixed an issue where adding an animal to a vet list was not working properly when a new animal was added to the vet form list and then queued. (PCC-1208, PCC-1188)
• Resolved an issue with the PCC splash screen: We updated the splash screen date in the About tab to make it clear that you are not running an older version. (PCC-1208, PCC-1210)

Added the SIMPLE BATCH command feature: Like PCC for Windows Mobile, you can now use the Simple Batch feature in PCC for Android. Use the SERVER\3 command in DairyComp to select the items that can be input.

1. In DairyComp, enter SERVER\3 in the command line to open the Server Configuration window, and then follow the steps below to select items for entry.

   

   a	Select the PCC Entry tab.
   b	Select the items to enable for batch entry from PCC.
   c	Click OK.

2. In the PCC mobile app, follow the steps below to select the items to enter in batch from PCC.

   

   a	On the Batch tab in the PCC mobile app, select Simple Batch Command.
   b	Click the lock icon at the top right to unlock the content.
   c	Select the items to enable for batch entry.
   d	Enter the value for the batch item, which is the pen number in the example above, and tap ENTER.
   e	Tap the lock icon at the top right to confirm the content.

(PCC-1153, PCC-1124)

• Resolved an issue when changing an RFID on an existing animal: We have fixed the ability to assign a new RFID change for SFID.SF identification on selected herds. With this fix, the system now accepts the Source Farm DOT.ID selection when you change the RFID on an existing animal. (PCC-1153, PCC-1190)
• New production versions now display the correct expiration dates: We applied two code fixes to ensure that your current version of PCC displays the correct expiration dates as well as the final expiration of the PCC application. With this fix, the system should no longer display expiration dates from older releases. (PCC-1153, PCC-1191, PCC-1185)
• Resolved a problem with ADD\Z and ENTER\Z commands not showing in herds using DCLANG Spanish: We applied a code fix for displaying ADD BATCH commands in herds using the DCLANG.SPA (Spanish) file with the command verb named AGREGAR. This was not supported in the PCC Android app, so we have requested that DairyComp support both English and localized translations for ADD\Z and ENTER\Z in a future release for PCC payload creations. (PCC-1153, PCC-1186)

• Added the ability to select an unlisted pen on a worklist by choosing OTHER pen: You can now select a pen that isn't listed on the worklist. This feature helps you maintain an organized inventory count of any pen while finding animals you may need. With all pens selected, tap OTHER to select a new pen assignment. The example below displays Pen 4 with no animals.

  

(PCC-0708, PCC-1155)

• Automatic pen entry for worklists: The new Automatic Pen Entry feature makes it easier to move all animals from one pen to a new pen. When enabled, the system displays an option to automatically move all animals. A pin code must be entered to enable this feature. When the feature is not enabled, the system displays a confirmation message for each animal move.



(PCC-1141, PCC-1155)

Expand the topics below to learn more about using this feature:

Enable Automatic Pen Entry

To enable this feature, go to System Settings. In the Enable Automatic Pen Entry field, enter 1983 and check the box to activate this feature.



When the feature is enabled, a Read icon is displayed at the top right corner of the worklist.



Tips for using Automatic Pen Entry
• The system only displays the Automatic Pen Entry option in worklists. It is not available in any other features.
• After you use this feature for a pen, make sure you exit out of the pen and switch to a new pen before using the feature again.
• You will not see this feature if you select All Pens. This feature only works if you only select one pen.
• To reset the pen validation, simply exit the pen.

• Resolved an issue that occurred when using Expert Batch command: Previously, the system would prompt you to add new records to DairyComp when Cow IDs were manually entered during the Expert Batch process. We have fixed the issue.(PCC-1149, PCC-1155)
• Investigated and fixed a Firebase crash: We applied a code fix to prevent a Firebase crash that was occurring in PCC. (PCC-1143, PCC-1155)

• Added the ability to add an animal to the VETFORM worklist: Similar to PCC for Windows Mobile, you can now add an animal to the VETFORM worklist, then mark it as done in PCC for Android. Tap the red + button to add the animal to the VETFORM. The green + button indicates that the animal ID shown under the eye icon is on the list.



(PCC-1140, PCC-0198)

• Removed the term "Add" from new records created under the Expert Batch command: You can no longer use the EXPERT BATCH command to add new records. You must now use the ADD BATCH command to add new records automatically to DairyComp. The removal of the ADD verb allows you to enter information like birth weights and genomic sample barcodes after adding records to a FRESH event. Contact VAS Support for more information.

(PCC-1140, PCC-1121)

• New QUADRANT picker for protocol events that define the affected quadrant: When entering an event where the protocol requires you to select the affected quadrant(s), such as the teat for MAST or the hoof for LAME, you can select the quadrant(s) in the new graphical image show below. Your selections on this image will then add the quadrant code(s) to the REM field for that event.



The quadrant codes that are added to the REM field are determined by the abbreviations that are set for your Remark Prompts in DairyComp under the SETUP command found under the Codes tab (see below). The A4 abbreviation is for All Quadrants.



Be aware that the length of the REM item in your cowfile may limit how many quadrants you can select. If the REM field is limited to 8 characters, you may not be able to select more than one or two quadrants. If your cowfile allows the REM item to include 16 characters, you should be able to multi-select quadrants. Tapping on the animal in the center of the image will select all quadrants, which inserts a REM of A4, which works for REM fields that are both 8 or 16 characters long.

(PCC-1140, PCC-0435)

NOTE: The CULTURE event used with the AUTOMAST feature of DairyComp has not been modified.

• Fixed an issue where new records were being created when scanning from CowCard and worklists: We fixed a regression where DairyComp would automatically add new records when scanning from the CowCard tab and all worklists. These entries will now be held by the DairyComp server for review. (PCC-1140, PCC-1126)
• Investigated and fixed a Firebase crash: We applied a code fix to prevent a Firebase crash that was occurring in PCC. (PCC-1140, PCC-1142)
• Corrected an unposted data system notification issue: The system was notifying users that there was unposted data for a new herd when there wasn't any data available to post. We have applied a code fix for this issue. (PCC-1140, PCC-1106)
• Corrected and issue where the list name was not displaying on the Cow tab screen: The list name was not displaying on the Cow tab screen when activating a list from inside of the selected list. We have applied a code fix for this issue. (PCC-1140, PCC-1104)

• Added the ability to run the OnDone and PostProcess commands with Vetlists: If you enter a command with an OnDone and PostProcess command, the system lets you automatically enter the same events and remarks for multiple animals. To enable this feature, contact VAS Support to create an OnDone and PostProcess command in DC305.



After successfully setting up an OnDone and PostProcess command for an OvSynch task, simply open the vetlist on PCC and tap the Skip button to process the animals.



(PCC-1110, PCC-1105)

• Updated button labels on the screening tool of the Breeding Grid: We've changed the phrasing of the button labels to now display Don't Breed instead of Do Not Breed to avoid confusion with the terms used for RPRO, the reproductive code known as DNB (Do Not Breed) in DairyComp. (PCC-1122, PCC-1134)
• Enhanced the pen validation feature so it works every time a cow is scanned: A warning message now displays every time you scan or input an animal's number if the animal is in the wrong pen. Previously, PCC would not repeat the wrong pen warning if an animal was already entered in the workflow. (PCC-1073, PCC-1134)

• Fixed a SERVER\3 settings issue that affected Events: We fixed an issue where the system would allow Event entry for Events, even after you updated SERVER\3 settings to not allow Event entry for the Event. (PCC-1110, PCC-1105)
• Corrected an EID import issue on Android 11+ devices: Electronic IDs (EIDs) now load correctly when using Android 11+ devices. Previously, when Android 11+ devices were used to complete an ADD BATCH routine and a transaction backup folder was defined, EIDs did not import correctly. (PCC-1110, PCC-1103)
• Fixed an issue where using the ADD\Z command would sometimes result in EID loss: Previously, some ADD BATCH routines would fail and EIDs would be lost when using an ADD\Z command. This issue has been fixed. (PCC-1110, PCC-1105)
• PCC now correctly displays daily and weekly milk totals: We resolved an issue where PCC was not correctly showing daily milk totals (Item Type #121) and weekly milk totals Weekly Milk (WMLK1). The issue is now resolved for herds that milk twice a day (2X) or three times a day (3X). The app does not currently support herds that milk four times a day (4X). (PCC-1110, PCC- 1111, PCC-1105)

• Added ability to add events higher than 63 on V9 cowfiles: You can now pick events higher than 63 when using the new CowFile 9 database. (PCC-1101, PCC-1089)
• Optimized EXPERT BATCH sounds to play faster: In this release, we optimized the sounds to play faster like previous versions. The sounds included in the September 2022 release were slower than earlier versions. (PCC-1101, PCC-1099)
• Added Time Since Last Reboot to the home screen: The app now displays how long a device has been running since its last reboot on the Home screen and the About screen. We recommend that you reboot your device on a daily basis for the best performance.



(PCC-1101, PCC-1094, PCC-1088)

• Fixed an issue where Animals Not Needed did not buzz when the Cows tab was open: Previously, animals not needed would not buzz correctly if one or more lists was being used and if the Cows tab was opened on one of the lists. This issue has been resolved. (PCC-1101, PCC-1098)
• Fixed PCC daily milk totals that didn't match DairyComp 305 daily milk totals: We corrected an issue where daily milk totals (Item Types #120 and #121) shown in PCC were very different from the totals shown in DairyComp 305. We updated the rounding method, so now, the values shown in PCC will be within 2-3 units from the values shown in DairyComp 305. (PCC-1101, PCC-1071, PCC-970)
• Corrected an issue where the system recognized pending transactions that didn't exist: After all transactions were erased and the app was refreshed, the system would still behave as if there were pending transactions even though none were shown. This issue has been fixed. (PCC-1101, PCC-1096)
• Identified and fixed a potential Transaction Batch data loss scenario: We discovered a scenario where the transaction log would become unstable if there was a communication interruption when transactions were delivered over WiFi or Ethernet. We have fixed this and hope that it resolves intermittent data loss issues that occur from time to time. Please follow the best practices when delivering transactions and do not refresh between deliveries to ensure that no transactions are lost. See Known Issues for workaround instructions. (PCC-1101, PCC-1085)

• Support has ended for Android 6.x (or lower) devices: PCC no longer supports older Android OS versions (6.x or lower), so please upgrade or replace your device. (PCC-1082, PCC-1004)
• Phase 2 sound improvements (hospital lists and more): PCC now includes improvements to phrases/sounds used in the English version of the app, as well as new sounds for the spoken phrases in Chinese, German, Russian, and Spanish. See Change the Language of PCC Sounds to see the full list of sound improvements, which include sounds for hospital lists, and to learn how to implement the updates.

(PCC-1047, PCC-1026)

• Added ability to immediately select protocols after you enter an event: After you select an event, PCC can immediately display a list of protocols for you to choose from. To enable this feature, go to Administration > Settings and check the Immediately select a protocol box.



• Improved numbered keypad screen: On the TAP entry screen, we added more space between the number keys to make it easier to use.

• Fixed display error when switching between Day Mode and Night Mode: Previously, the system did not display the refresh status bar correctly whenever you switched between Day Mode and Night Mode. The system now displays the refreshing screen correctly. (PCC-1082, PCC-1054)
• Resolved app crash issue that occurred when viewing a CowCard's Item tab: Previously, the app would crash when users opened a CowCard for an animal with no sire ID, then viewed the Item tab for Item Type #190. This issue has been resolved and the app no longer crashes. (PCC-1082, PCC-1084, PCC-1077)
• Fixed filter error that occurred while using Expert Batch command: We fixed an issue where the Expert Batch command would process any animal even if the animal was on an active filtered list. The error only occurred when a transaction was deleted from the transaction log while you were still using the Expert Batch command. (PCC-1082, PCC-1072)
• Investigated and fixed various Firebase crash reports: Several crash reports were investigated and fixed. (PCC-1082, PCC-1064, PCC-1075, PCC-1080, PCC-1081)
• Fixed instances where Expert Batch incorrectly configured ++ content: We fixed an issue where the order of ++ content affected certain combinations of data input. (PCC-1082, PCC-1086)

• PCC can now create automatic backups every time you send transactions to DairyComp (Android 11+ devices): With this enhancement, PCC creates automatic backups before the system sends the transactions to DairyComp! If you use an Android 11+ device, you can enable the Allow backup of transactions option in the Administration > Settings tab to start using this feature. (PCC-1069, PCC-1061)



• Implemented support for most Item Type #190 options: We have added support for Item Type #190, which displays various types of sire table names (Date Type 19 item). The following options are now supported: Name, Default, Breed, Stud Code, AI, Sexed, and Stud Name. (PCC-1058, PCC-1046)



• Recommended replacements for Item Type #128 and #129: We have determined that Item Type #128 and #129 require a disproportionate amount of mobile support. We recommend that you replace the item types if you use them for mobile processes:
  • Item Type #128: Use Item Type #52 (305ME) instead.
  • Item Type #129: Use Item Type #49 (RELV) instead.

  (PCC-1069, PCC-1051, PCC-1053)

• Events with protocols now include Day 1 details: The system now shows Day 1 details and detail definitions for events. (PCC-1069, PCC-773)
• Added the PCC version number to the main home screen: When you view the main home screen, the system now clearly displays the PCC version number (in orange text) below the DairyComp version number (in yellow text). (PCC-1069, PCC-1049)



• Updated the Erase Transactions screen to match the rest of app: To improve the consistency of PCC's screens and make it easier to use, we updated the Erase Transactions YES/NO screen to match the other YES/NO screens in PCC. (PCC-1069, PCC-625)

• Fixed an error that affected Item Type #91 and LACT=1: Fixed a divide by zero error for the ARELV item (Item Type #91) on the first lactation (LACT=1). (PCC-1069, PCC-467)
• System now counts events correctly even if an event occurs on the FDAT: We fixed an error where the system did not count events correctly if an event occurred on the FRESH date (FDAT). (PCC-1069, PCC-801)
• Resolved Add Batch and Expert Batch journal corruption: We have identified and prevented situations where the app would crash and cause journal corruption after ~200 ADD BATCH or ~1000 EXPERT BATCH transactions. (PCC-1069, PCC-1066)

• Added support for multiple DairyComp item types: PCC now supports the following item types (PCC-1058):
  • Item Type #132: Department of Transportation (DOT) ID values that can be used for source farm identification (PCC-1056)
  • Item Type #133: Animal gender, determined by the reproductive codes of both dead and alive records. PCC Android stores some sold or dead (RC=7) animals in its payload. (PCC-1046)
  • Item Type #144: Tech number (PCC-1045)
  • Item Type #145: Tech name (PCC-1050)
  • Item Type #173: Protocol description (PCC-687)
• Added support for API level 31 and 32 for Android: The Pocket CowCard app now supports Google API levels 31 and 32. (PCC-1058, PCC-1043)

• Added support for item type #54: PCC now supports DairyComp item type #54, substring, which is commonly used to capture event remarks.

  

  (PCC-1047, PCC-675)

• Beta Testing PCC: We've made beta testing PCC more convenient! After you're done testing the app, you can smoothly revert to a production release without having to remove the beta app. (PCC-1047, PCC-1033)
• Phase 1 sound improvements: PCC now includes improvements to the four core phrases/sounds used in the English version of the app, as well as new sounds for the spoken phrases in Chinese, German, Russian, and Spanish. See Change the Language of PCC Sounds to learn how to implement the sound improvements, including the new spoken phrases.
  NOTE: If you don't like the new COWFOUND sound included in the updates, you can change it to a ping sound. See Change PCC Sounds to learn more.

(PCC-1047, PCC-1026)

• Add Batch/Expert Batch: An issue that occurred when you used Add Batch followed by Expert Batch has been addressed. The last animal added no longer shows as a transaction. (PCC-1047, PCC-1024)
• Clear Row function in breeding grids: The Clear Row function now works as expected in breeding grids. (PCC-1047, PCC-1025)
• Outdated alert code: We removed older messaging code to prevent an alert that was triggered for some users. (PCC-1047, PCC-1044)

• Improved Android 11+ performance: PCC now installs to and runs from device storage on Android 11 or 12 devices. This greatly improves app performance and speed on Android 11+ devices, including faster worklists and RFID scanning. If you are running Android 11+, you will be prompted to allow PCC to manage all files on your device. Be sure to update this system setting to Allow access when prompted.

  

  See Update PCC on your Android Device to learn more about updating the app. (PCC‑999, PCC‑1029, PCC-1030, PCC-1034)

• New backup options on Android 11+ devices: Android 11+ devices are now equipped with backup options to make sure your transactions are saved in case your device fails or is damaged. To set your recovery options, go to Settings and scroll down to the Allow backup of transactions checkbox. Check the box and then tap PCCRecovery location to set the folder.

  

  See Backup PCC Transactions to learn more! (PCC‑999) 

• One-time Sync Settings option on Android 1+ devices: PCC supports a one-time sync of your settings from the SD card when you upgrade the app on your Android 11+ devices. After the one-time sync, the app retains your settings for future updates automatically. Tap the Sync PCC settings option. Then tap the Copy PCC settings button and Yes to confirm.

  

  A message displays to confirm the sync was successful. Press and hold the Restart PCC option to restart the app.

  

  NOTE: If you attempt to Sync the PCC settings a second time, the app will notify you that settings files were Not detected. This is due to the fact that the files were already transferred from the SD card to device storage.

  

  (PCC-1034)

• Reboot required after an update: A reboot is no longer required after an app update on most devices. We're continuing to investigate rare cases where a reboot may still be needed. (PCC‑1034,PCC-1040)

• Improved BATCH numeric keypad visibility – PCC‑1032, PCC‑1027: The numeric keypad used for BATCH entries is now easier to see and use in direct sunlight. The keypad background is dark and the numbers are white for greater contrast.

  

• Pop-up message Yes/No button size fix – PCC‑1032, PCC‑1023, PCC‑1018: The Yes/No buttons on pop-up messages now adjust based on the device being used.
• Error on Scan button for internal RFID readers – PCC‑1032, PCC‑1021: Addressed issues and errors on devices with internal RFID readers, including the PAC-5000 and CopperNic C-One2.

• Improved home screen navigation – PCC‑1014, PCC‑276: Navigating the home screen has been improved. A pop-up message now appears when clicking the back button in the action bar.
• Online release note link improved – PCC‑1014, PCC‑976: The tab to the Changelog has been changed so that now it links to the online release notes (since the Changelog has been deprecated on the PCC HELPDESK server). You must be connected to the internet to view the online release notes.
• Users now being warned about support ending for Android 6 devices – PCC‑1014, PCC‑998: We have begun the process of notifying users through the In-App-Updater feature in PCC that we will no longer be supporting Android 6 (API level 23 or lower) devices after 8/15/2022 for PCC Android. Please upgrade or replace these devices going forward after August 15th, 2022. Contact your support specialist for more information.

• The "Prompt for remark Y/N" option in Alter\7 for protocols has been fixed – PCC‑1014, PCC‑995: The prompt was not working when set to "N" for both cows and heifers. This issue has been fixed so that the remark prompt no longer appears when the Alter\7 setting is set to "N" for cows or heifers.
• Fixed the following error mesage: Fatal Exception: java.lang.NumberFormatException For input string: "118." on KeyPadWidget.java line 183" – PCC‑1014, PCC‑996: Fixed a situation in which someone would tap in a period (.) after a number on the herd id keypad.
• Fixed sorting of the DONE Panel – PCC‑1014, PCC‑1017: The DONE Panel was sorting from oldest to newest scan time on worklists, instead of the correct method of sorting from newest to oldest time. This issue has been fixed.
• Smaller YES-NO prompt on Android 11 devices when using the Breeding Grid – PCC‑1014, PCC‑997: The small box size for this area of the app has been fixed.
• Fixed automatic numeric increment and creation of ADD Batch commands – PCC‑1014, PCC‑1002, PCC‑1002: We fixed an incrementing issue for ITEM TYPES that are integer based in EXPERT BATCH commands and fixed an issue with ADD batch commands not making transactions.
• The In-App Updater reported some crash details – PCC‑1014, PCC‑1019, PCC‑1020: Some issues reported in Firebase from the In-App Updater have been fixed.

• The In-App Updater now ensures updates are not installed until unposted transactions are delivered – PCC‑991, PCC‑989: We have improved the In-App Updater process to check for unposted transactions before announcing any updates are available. Once you have delivered transactions, you will see a notification to apply an update (Picture 1). A message appears when you have no pending transactions to deliver (Picture 2):

  Picture 1

  

  Picture 2

  

• Show SIRE ID, SHORT NAME, REG, and eventually semen sort when picking a sire for BRED event and Breeding Grid – PCC‑991, PCC‑307: We have improved the search functionality for selecting sires in the BRED event. When using the Quick Pick Sire selection, you will see four pieces of information (SIRE ID, SHORT NAME, ISO IDENTIFICATION, and SEMEN TYPE) for each service sire. When searching, the filter shows the sire information as it is typed; the beginning part of the sire data item is used for the search. You can search for SIRE ID, SHORTNAME, or ISO IDENTIFICATION. See examples below.

  

• ABORT entry on PCC vetlist should show grey "Accept" button until RPRO Status is selected – PCC‑991, PCC‑986: This issue has been fixed so that you cannot accept an ABORT event until the RPRO STATUS is selected. Once the RPRO STATUS is selected the "Accept" button turns green.
• Wrong Pen unable to pick any pen, only those with animals from the worklist – PCC‑991, PCC‑971: The pen choice prompt has been fixed so that you can choose any pen defined in the ALTER\4 command in DairyComp (except for pen zero).
• Crash report for "MainActivity.java line 35" – PCC‑991, PCC‑983: We have fixed some crashes reported recently by Firebase.
• No warning for HOSPITAL events in the future – PCC‑991, PCC‑948: We have fixed the app so that it now warns when a PROTOCOL EVENT is dated after the SETDAY date used on a refresh. The app now plays the following sound: WARNING. TREATMENT DATE is in the future. Check your systems. Click here to hear what this message sounds like.
• Investigated two crash errors (line 308 and line 1620) – PCC‑991, PCC‑988: We have fixed some crashes reported recently by Firebase.
• Changed color or Accept/Cancel button font on ABORT event – PCC‑991, PCC‑658: The font color on the ABORT event has been changed to match the rest of the events.
• Item names for SIR1, SIR2, SIR3, as well as the phrase "Last Sire use the name of item #25" were missing when picking up the breeding sire – PCC‑991, PCC‑690: We have fixed the labels for some of the sire items on the BRED EVENT FORM.

  

• Expert Batch Command form for automatic increment of a value was broken in certain syntaxes – PCC‑991, PCC‑993: We fixed the auto increment issue for items like USDA inputs. Example: 93VAS0001++

  

• New in-app update feature to replace current, non-working process – PCC‑978, PCC‑932: We've created a new method for being notified about and downloading the latest PCC releases, along with a link to the associated release notes. Other download pathways will be deprecated in the future.

  

  

  

• Parity support for Scan Device ID now available – PCC‑978, PCC‑686: You can now identify your Android device with a number from 0 to 250 in order to mark tasks for animals by the device used. This new feature allows you to define the Scan Device ID (SCDID) "item name" under the ALTER\2 and SERVER\3 areas of DairyComp. Then, on your PCC Android app, set a number of 1 to 250 (zero being the default) under the settings screen, as shown below.
  IMPORTANT: The ability to use this parity feature requires the upcoming December release of DairyComp, version 21.12.

  

  

• Entering a BRED event from the CowCard within a vet form caused "wrong" data line in journal file – PCC‑978, PCC‑847: This issue has been fixed so that herds without defined breeding codes can enter breedings anywhere within the app where breeding entries can take place. The previous release did not allow breeding to occur without a breeding code.
• Tap feature of bottom status bar unavailable on pen tab when four animals shown – PCC‑978, PCC‑920: This issue has been fixed so that the bottom navigation bar allows you to tap in an animal ID when the list gets down to four animals.
• App crashed when using vet lists – PCC‑978, PCC‑969: We fixed several lines of code related to the crash details reported in Firebase. Please note that we have no easy way to test or replicate these changes. We need to wait and see if the crash details stop reporting with the changes that have been made.

  

• Improved identification process for 15-digit ISOs – PCC‑967, PCC‑966: The user experience for identifying ISOs that start with 0 (zero) has been enhanced.

  

• Improved process for marking animals as DIED – PCC‑967, PCC‑797: The process for marking an animals as DIED when refreshing the herd with a non-current setday has been improved. Now, users can bypass the acknowledge prompt by clicking outside of it or by using the Android back button.
• Entering a Bred event from the CowCard inside of the VETFORM caused a "wrong" data line in the journal file – PCC‑967, PCC‑847: This issue has been fixed so that herds without defined breeding codes can enter breedings anywhere within the app where breeding entries can take place.
• Russian localization issue on Pen Validation button – PCC‑967, PCC‑949: A display issue has been fixed that impacted the settings screen for Russian localizations.
• Small YES/NO button for some Android versions – PCC‑967, PCC‑944: A modal screen issue has been fixed that resulted in small YES/NO buttons on PCC APK for Android 11 and some Android 10 units.

  

• Added support for ITEM TYPE 121 – PCC‑967, PCC‑944: We fixed the app implementation for showing weekly milk totals (WMLK1) for 4X milking schedules.

  

• Worklist Column ID view crash issue – PCC‑967, PCC‑972: An issue caused the app to crash when viewing worklists in the Column ID view. This problem was introduced in version 2110051153 on October 5, 2021 but has now been corrected.

• Improvement to new animal records creation procedure – PCC‑959, PCC‑956: The app has been improved to no longer create records of new animals found while RFID scanning in the LISTS and COWS tabs. These transactions will now be held in the SERVER cache of DairyComp for review, as is done in the BREEDING GRID area. These changes now match more closely how PCC Windows Mobile handled these types of entries. We are allowing EXPERT batch to add them to the herd, because many users have not yet migrated to ADD\Z since that parity was added about two years ago.

  

• PCC scan failed to recognize item #5 when posting data – PCC‑959, PCC‑955: An issue has been fixed in which the term "EID" was transmitted instead of the RFID item selected (such as "CREG" or REG1") during an ADD/EXPERT batch routine to add new records.
• App crash when selecting "No" button in the "No Read Permission" window – PCC‑959, PCC‑961: An issue has been fixed related to app startup and the PIN code feature introduced a few months ago that caused the app to crash in some instances.
• App crash in Firebase PCCService.java line 119 – PCC‑959, PCC‑958: An area of the app related to some crash recently reported by users has been fixed. This area is difficult to test and our hope is that these changes have solved the problem.
• App crash related to large worklists on certain devices running Android 11– PCC‑959, PCC‑953: The part of this issue that caused the app to crash while waiting for large worklists to synchronize has been fixed. Previously, the delay might have led users to think that the app was not working. A spinner notification now informs users that the app is working while data is being surfaced the first time after a refresh. The speed issue will be addressed in a future release. For now, the app should no longer crash while data is being surfaced.

  

• Changed "PING" sound to "HORN" sound for found animals – PCC‑950, PCC‑947: The "PING" sound used to announce found animals under the Cows tab or when using Expert Batch has been changed to a "HORN" sound. This was done to make the sound easier to distinguish from sounds made by BT Scanner. The long-term goal is to allow users to place their own sound file preference into the workflow.

  

• ISO tags beginning with 0 (zero) failed to record properly in DC305 – PCC‑950, PCC‑925: Fixed the ISO values that look like an integer of 14 digits to include a 0 at the beginning. For example: 032123456789012 would store as 32123456789012 and DC305 would sometimes show it as 320123456789012.
• Scannable RFID items display choices were changed to RFID assignable item choices – PCC‑950, PCC‑924: Fixed an issue where SCANNABLE ITEMS choice were displayed instead of the ASSIGNABLE ITEMS choice when scanning in the app.
  IMPORTANT: Users CANNOT exclude ITEM #5 from being scanned, and it is recommended that users DO NOT select ITEM #4 (when it is a TYPE #31) as an ASSIGNABLE or SCANNABLE item in order to maintain genomic import routine mappings and milk meter interfaces. Best practice is to maintain a match of each item on each side for RFID assignments.

  

• Added support for turning back on Pen Validation from the Settings menu – PCC‑930, PCC‑846: The "Don't ask me again" selection for Pen Validation routines has been changed so that the Pen Validation feature can now be reset from the Settings menu.

  

• Fixed several issues regarding scan dates, scan times, scan methods, and pen validations when using the EXPERT BATCH feature and filtering it with lists – PCC‑930, PCC‑916, PCC‑664, PCC‑765: All animals now receive pen validation prompts and scan item data inputs while scanning or tapping their IDs, whether or not they are on the filtered list.
• Fixed disappearing "Scan" button when DairyComp PIN codes module disabled – PCC‑930, PCC‑526: An issue has been fixed in which a SCAN license was unable to scan when PIN codes were disabled for the new PIN codes feature in DairyComp.
• Fixed display of next values for EXPERT BATCH command – PCC‑930, PCC‑549: An issue prevented the next value to display when using ITEM=nnnn++ or ITEM=nnnn-- on the EXPERT BATCH command. This issue has been fixed so that the next value now shows properly.

  

• Support added for PAC-5000 at higher API levels – PCC‑915, PCC‑912: With assistance from Allflex, support has been added for their PAC-5000 model at higher API levels. Please note that support for this device and its integrated reader will be deprecated in the next 12 months or so, due to the QA and development time required.
• Show EULA/PP/T&C (aka "DOCS") when updated – PCC‑915, PCC‑908: Updated versions of the End User License Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Terms and Conditions documents (also known as "DOCS") now display automatically without neededing to reinstall the app when future changes to these documents occur.
• Set up automatic Enter key selection for imager scans – PCC‑915, PCC‑763: When using devices equipped with a data wedge feature (such as the Zebra TC-52), an improvement has been made to automatically select the Enter key for Export/Add Batch commands after receiving an imager scan into the batch field. For details on how to configure a Zebra device to send an Enter key, contact EQ support. The flowchart below shows how this feature is set up on a Zebra TC-52.

  

• Sound added to Expert Batch/Add Batch commands – PCC‑915, PCC‑913: An improvement has been made so that a "PING" sound is now emitted when a batch field is ready for input upon executing Expert/Add Batch commands. This now matches the PCC Windows Mobile experience. This "PING" sound also replaces the "FOUND HER" sound played under the Batch and Cows tabs.

  

• Support added for DairyComp PIN codes – PCC‑915, PCC‑907, PCC‑906: With the move to support higher versions of Android API levels, the device IDs of Android devices may change. This can cause issues for users that want to control who can refresh their DairyComp at will.

  If you are using “Goodwill Certificates” with DairyComp, you do not have to do anything more. With the May 2021 release of DairyComp (version 21.5), PCC Android can now be set to use PIN code permissions set in DairyComp. PIN codes will not affect Windows Mobile users; those users still need to be managed as usual.

  To locate this feature in DairyComp, enter SERVER\3 in the command line and select the PCC Pin Codes tab. You can set up various users with a numerical PIN code of 1 to 999999. You can be granular to each device or not. DairyComp PRO users that visit your site should be given a PIN code to use across several sites, as PIN codes are saved per device.

  

  Be sure to select the option to Require PIN Codes for using PCC-Android if you want to control which users of PCC Android can refresh. More information on setting up PIN codes for PCC Android devices is included below in the release notes.

  There are three levels of access for PCC users (assuming they are on the current releases for both DairyComp and PCC Android), as well as a level for blocking access:

  • Read/Write: User has full features, can scan with RFID, and enter data.
  • Read Only: User can see animal data but cannot enter or send data.
  • Pocket Breeder: User is limited to the Breeding Grid under the Batch tab, has no access to lists, and can enter a subset of events.
  • Blocked: A way to stop access by a user without deleting their credentials. User will be unable to refresh, and users without a matching PIN code will also be unable to refresh.

  For more information on setting PIN codes, see this video.

• Input and store PIN codes on refresh (for DairyComp Unlimited users) – PCC‑915, PCC‑906,PCC‑907 : DairyComp Unlimited users can now control who refreshes from the DairyComp Server, using a PIN code in the PCC app that's set up under the Settings menu.

  

  Additional Notes:

  • PCC PRO Android users that update will need to get permission from a customer that chooses to use this feature.
  • Only one PIN code is stored, so users of multiple sites need to coordinate a unique 6-digit PIN code that can be used at each location they visit.
  • PIN code activation does not affect users of PCC Windows Mobile or older versions of PCC Android. Those APK versions will eventually expire.
  • By default, the PIN code is set to zero (0). One cannot refresh with a DairyComp Server that has a PIN code activated if the device PIN code is set to zero (0).

• Fixed issue with displaying newly added breeding techs – PCC‑915, PCC‑910: An issue has been fixed in which newly added breeding technicians failed to display within the Breeding Grid unless the app was deleted and then reinstalled.
• Fixed issue with movement of animals between TODO and DONE tabs – PCC‑915, PCC‑899: An issue has been fixed in which tapping an animal ID within a worklist failed to move the animal from the TODO tab to the DONE tab.

• Warning for Android 5.x users – PCC‑905, PCC‑874: Users who install the PCC app from an unofficial source (i.e., "sideload") onto an Android version 5.x device will receive a "Parse Error" warning message that their device is no longer supported.

  

• Updated End User License Agreement, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy – PCC‑905, PCC‑889: When installing the app, please review the latest updates to the legal documentation related to its use.

  

• New PIN code feature coming (for DC Unlimited) – PCC‑905, PCC‑880, PCC‑885: A new PIN code feature is being developed to allow users to control refreshes from their DairyComp server. Additional information about this feature will be provided in the near future. For now, you can view this upcoming feature in the PCC Settings menu.

  

  To use this feature with the current version of PCC, users must have a goodwill certificate established on the VAS Licensing Server (CURTIS) for their DairyComp Unlimited license.

  Additional notes:

  • This feature works with the current and future version of PCC for Android, but will not function until the upcoming version of DC305 is released (in approximately 4-6 weeks).

    

  • Windows mobile devices are still supported via the DEMO certificate.
  • PCC PRO Android users that update will need to get permission from a customer that chooses to use this feature. PIN codes trump PCC PRO Android users.
  • Only one PIN code is stored, so users of multiple sites need to coordinate a unique 6-digit PIN code that can be used at each location they visit.
• Updated target API level for Android – PCC‑905, PCC‑873, PCC‑898, PCC‑881: The API level of the app is being upgraded to support the release of the app in the Google Play Store. In the near future, this method will be used to install and support the app. The previous method will be deprecated due to inefficient notifications and server instability during downloads. This version of the app must be allowed access to the areas shown in the example below.

  

  Note that the following screen may be presented after updating the app, showing the permission allowances. In this case, select Continue to proceed.

  

  You can review these permissions under the Settings menu of your device.

  

  As shown in the example below, these settings can be enabled post-install.

  

  NOTE: During testing, no changes were observed to the device's ID on Android 9 or 10 systems. This may not be the case depending on the model of your device or once the app is live on the Google Play store.

• Repaired crashing issue on Administration screen – PCC‑905, PCC‑898: An issue caused the app to crash when tapping the About tab on the Administration screen. This issue was traced back to the use of PIN codes in the PCC settings and has been resolved.

• Improved display of protocols on event entry – PCC‑887, PCC‑541: During event entry, protocols are now shown by display order instead of protocol number order.

  

• Added support for longer protocol remarks – PCC‑887, PCC‑873: You can now enter protocol remarks as long as 16 characters. The previous limit was 8 characters.

  

• Repaired use of multiple worklists – PCC‑887, PCC‑541: Users can scan animals across multiple open worklists while not focused on the Cow tab. This provides a "short term" way to combine worklist actions into a single worklist for the long term. Note that this method is considered experimental and may not be sustainable for future versions of the app or for DairyComp mobile.
• Corrected error when scanning with an open prompt – PCC‑887, PCC‑861: An error occurred within the breeding grid when RFID scanning while a system prompt was open. This issue has been resolved. However, it is still best practice to not scan while a system prompt is open or when inputting data.

• Improved animal scanning speed with worklists – PCC-878, PCC-868: The time it takes to process an animal in a worklist has once again been improved (down from 100 to 35 milliseconds), allowing you to scan more animals in less time with fewer app crashes.

  

• Updated version of Firebase in the app – PCC‑878, PCC‑859: The version of Firebase used by the app has been updated from a version previously deprecated by Google.
• Updated End-User License Agreement (EULA) for the app – PCC‑878, PCC‑866: A revision has been made to the EULA as of January 11th, 2021.

  

• Show all "day details" on the hospital form – PCC‑878, PCC‑464: The "Day" field on the hospital form now shows details on event protocols that have designated day details defined after the treatment days of a protocol are complete.

  

• Pocket CowCard app file available through DC305 Web Updater – PCC‑871: Users who are downloading/installing the PCC app from an unofficial source (i.e., "sideloading") can find the latest version of the app after performing an update to DC305 from the Web Updater. The file name is PCC-ANDROID.APK and is located in the DC305\AXIM or DC\AXIM folder.

  

  See Update DC305 to the Latest Release to learn more.

• End of Life for Android 5.x devices coming in March! – PCC-862, PCC-848: Support for PCC Android 5.x devices will end on March 19th, 2021, and this release includes a notification that your devices should be running Android operating system 7.x to 11.x before that date. Be sure to upgrade or replace your devices before March 19th!

  

  

• Improved scanning speed with worklists – PCC‑862, PCC‑856: The app now processes scans more quickly (down to 100ms from 300ms), allowing you scan more animals in less time and with fewer app crashes.
• Increased battery life with worklists – PCC‑862, PCC‑860: The app now requires less battery power while processing worklists. As part of our effort to improve scanning speeds, we also made code enhancements that increase battery life and boost app stability.

• Scanning issues with unanswered PEN validation prompt – PCC‑862, PCC‑853: Repaired unexpected crashes that occurred when continuing to scan animals while the “Wrong Pen” prompt remained unanswered. VAS recommends responding to any screen prompts before proceeding to the next RFID scan.

• Android 11 Support – PCC‑845, PCC‑852: PCC Android now supports devices running the Android 11 operating system.

• Scanning Issues in Latest Version – PCC‑840, PCC‑852: Repaired unexpected crashes that occurred while scanning animals in the previous PCC Android app version released on October 6th, 2020 (V2010021354).

• 2023/07/19- PCC may crash when adding an existing animal to a herd that uses source farm ID items: On rare occasions, the versions of PCC released on June 21, 2023 or July 7, 2023 would crash if you used the ADD BATCH command to add an existing animal to a herd that uses source farm identifier items (SF and SFID).

If you are entering an ADD BATCH command, we recommend that you do not enter the source farm ID by entering SF=%SF and SF=1;2;3, then selecting an ID from the pick list:



Instead, enter the source farm ID by entering the source farm ID number. For example, enter SF=21 if the source farm ID number is 21.



• 2023/06/19 - PCC may crash when entering a BRED event using the Enhanced VET FORM: PCC may crash if you try to enter a BRED event by selecting Other Event, and then BRED. This only occurs if you have enabled Enhanced VET FORM by selecting the Use faster workflow for Vet Entry setting.

• 

• Click here to view our recommended workaround.

  When Enhanced VET FORM is enabled, use the steps below to add a BRED event.

  

  1. Tap View from the Vet Entry form to open the CowCard.
  2. Tap New Event to open a list of events.
  3. Select the BRED event.
  4. Enter the BRED event details and tap Accept:
• 2023/04/10 - PCC unable to recognize 2 separate animals when using a Source Farm ID with ADDBATCH commands: When using this feature in DC305 to add two or more animals with the same visual ID (SFID) in the same session, the application is unable to recognize that there are 2 separate animals. We are working to add the necessary logic to this workflow in a future release. As a workaround, please type the complete identification (SF+SFID and any preceding zeros) in cases where 2 or more animals are added in the same collection session.
• 2022/10/12 - Some Batch menu entries are not being collected: There have been a few cases where the system loses new entries created from the Batch menu on PCCAndroid. The loss only occurs if you edit the Expert Batch command after you have already started entering data for a batch or if you do not refresh the device before you start entering data for a new batch. We are working diligently to resolve this issue. We have had no reports that the ADD batch is affected.
IMPORTANT: If you experience this issue, contact VAS Support before you refresh the device. There may be a chance that we can recover missing data before you refresh.
Click here to view our recommended workarounds.
• Consider upgrading PCC to the latest version and rebooting your device daily.
• Send collected batch data to DairyComp before you enter a new batch.
• Only edit the expert batch command after you have sent collected data and before you enter a new batch using the new expert batch command.
• Refresh the device before you enter a new batch.
• Alternatively, you can create specific PCC commands for each new batch entry. For example, if you want to create a SHIP event and collect data for multiple lots in separate transactions, you can create specific commands for each lot:
1. To collect data for the first lot, enter the following command in the command line. In this example, we collect data for lot 16:
Create ZSHP16:

ENTER\Z EC=32 EDAY=SCDAT PEN=999 LOT=16

2. To collect data for a new lot, re-enter the command in the command line and replace the existing lot number with the new lot number:
Create ZSHP62:

ENTER\Z EC=32 EDAY=SCDAT PEN=999 LOT=62

3. Repeat this command and replace the lot number for each lot you need to enter.
• 2022/12/15 - When adding a new record by scanning from the CowCard or worklists, the record is sent to DairyComp as an ADD and is not being held on the DairyComp server: With this bug, new records are being sent to DC305 when scanning in CowCards and worklists. We are working on a fix that will hold the records back on the DairyComp server. Additionally, the fix will do the same with Expert Batch.
• 2022/10/21 - After refreshing a new herd, an error message warns that the new herd has unposted data: The system displays an error message after you refresh a new herd to your existing PCC app. Until we can resolve the issue in a future update, follow these steps if the system display the Unposted data error message.

  

  1. Tap Open [HERDCODE]. Instead of [HERDCODE], the system displays your actual herdcode.
  2. Tap Continue.
  3. Tap Abort Changes.
  4. Enter the new herd's herdcode, then tap Accept.

  After completing the steps, the system should no longer display the error message if you refresh the new herd again unless the app is deleted. If the workaround fails and the system displays the message again, contact VAS Support.

• 2022/10/04 - Unsupported events shown in SERVER\3 settings: When we started supporting events higher than 63 for cowfile 9 users, we discovered a bug for all users. You may now see the option to select FRESH, CALFVAC, and COMBO events on Pocket CowCard, but PCC does not support these events. Do not use these events on PCC. This issue will be resolved in a future release.



All other events are now supported. If you do not want to use certain events that are now supported, inform your staff that they should not use them.

• 2022/09/26 - Backups for ADD BATCH routines do not include EIDs: When you use an ADD BATCH routine with a scanner, the system will send a backup without EIDs for the new records if you allow transaction backups. Until we can resolve this issue, if you plan to use any ADD BATCH routines with a scanner, we recommend deselecting the Allow backups of transactions option in the Settings tab. If you do are not using an ADD BATCH routine with a scanner, check the box to enable transaction backups.



• 2022/02/22 – Support for Android 6 OS and earlier ends on 8/15/2022: PCC support for older Android OS versions has ended, so please upgrade or replace your device.
• 2021/12/31 – Version 5 cowfiles are not supported in PCC Android: Support for Version 5 cowfiles on PCC Android ended in 2019. Any changes made after support ended are not compatible with older version cowfiles like 3, 5, and 7.
• 2021/10/29 – Android 11 runs very slowly with the app installed on the SC card: There is a known issue that affects PCC Android when using devices with Android 11 with an SD card and large worklists. Our current recommendation is to only use devices in the 8.1 to 10.0 versions of Android while working with large worklists. We are working on alternatives for handling the changes Google is making with apps that are installed on the SD card. Please refer to the chart below for which devices to use for PCC Android. You can learn more about this on the Reddit forum.

  

• 2021/06/08 – List completion percentages on some devices: There is a known bug that affects certain OS versions of devices on the list's completion percentage. Re-installing the app solves this issue in the intermediary. This issue will be watched to see if a pattern develops, as it is presently difficult to reproduce across all devices.
• 2021/06/08 – PIN codes for PCC Android are here; your device ID may change: Please consider using the PIN codes in DairyComp for controlling the devices that refresh from your DairyComp Server. Specifications from Google require that we move to using Android ID, which may cause your device ID to no longer be available. PRO SCAN and Pocket Breeder Android users will retain their license but need a PIN code to access a herd that has PIN codes activated. Windows Mobile users are not affected by this change. See this video for more details.
• 2021/05/12 – IMPORTANT: Users must allow all permissions to use the PCC app: Please allow all permissions on any releases dated after 2021/03/31. The app will guide you through the permission process upon installation.
• 2020/12/23 – IMPORTANT: RFID scanning with outstanding prompts may cause crashes: VAS recommends responding to any screen prompts before proceeding to the next RFID scan. Continuing to scan animals with outstanding prompts causes known issues in the Vet Form, Hospital Form, and Breeding Grid. We are investigating these issues and will address them in a future release.
• 2021/04/22 – IMPORTANT: Users must allow all permissions to use the PCC app; Device ID may change: When installing the PCC app, users MUST allow all permissions. The app will guide you through the permission process during installation. Also, many users will be informed that their device ID is no longer valid when using higher versions of Android devices. Users configured for PCC Unlimited (i.e., those using goodwill certificates) should not be impacted. Please contact VAS Support to update your PCC certificates if you are not using goodwill certificates or are a PCC Pro user.
• 2020/12/03 – Must use the COW tab when using multiple TODO lists: We have encountered issues when processing multiple worklists from outside of the COW tab, as the app only finds animals on the list that you currently have open. VAS recommends only working from the COW tab when processing multiple lists. Or, an even better solution is to redo your worklists into a single list. The option to process multiple lists concurrently is becoming increasingly complicated and is not sustainable on the Mobile Platform in the long run. This feature will be deprecated in favor of speed, dependability, and simplicity.
• 2020/11/17 – How to prevent an Android Device from auto-updating its OS: To prevent issues in the future, please turn off your device’s ability to auto update its OS, see basic example for 9.0 devices:
  1. Swipe down from the top edge of your screen to reveal the quick settings menu.
  2. Tap the cog (also called ‘gear’) icon, which is usually in the upper right corner.
  3. Tap “Software Update” from the list of options.
  4. Deselect “Download updates automatically”.
  5. Make sure all options are deselected.
• 2020/08/04 – Android 10/11 no longer supports the display of (IMEI) DEVICE IDs: Customers who are affected will need to contact support in the event their device is not registered and are not using “Good Will” PCC license certificates.
• 2020/05/26 – DC305 license and application upgrade required: Future improvements for the Android version of PCC and the VAS Platform will require that you upgrade your Version 5 DC305 licenses to Version 8. An application upgrade to the XE version of DC305 will also be required.
• 2020/05/26 – Ending PCC Android support for the DC305 Version 5 Cowfile/License: To streamline programming and improve the support experience with PCC Android, we are announcing an “End of Life” in supporting data exchange with the DC305 Version 5 Cowfile/License.
  IMPORTANT: Customers are encouraged to migrate to the Version 8 Cowfile/License by December 31st, 2020 to continue using PCC Android in 2021. Please contact your Sales/Support Specialist for assistance in making the needed upgrade to Version 8.
• 2020/05/19 – Update to Google's security regarding apps from unknown sources: This is the first release where a new Google security notification has popped up for PCC APK. Users must click Install Anyway, or else PCC will not install.
• 2020/01/13 – CAUTION: Uninstalling the PCC app will remove it and all associated data from your device: This means you will lose all your custom settings, herd folders, unposted transactions, and archived transactions on the device if you uninstall the PCC app. If you must uninstall your app, please deliver any unposted transactions to DC305 first, and then consider renaming your app folder COM.VAS.PCC. We are looking at ways to preserve some of the content, if possible, based on how Google’s Android handles the uninstall process.
• 2020/01/13 – The server that handles the distribution of the PCC Android app will be discontinued soon: We are planning to use the Google Play Store as the new method for distributing the PCC Android app.
• 2019/12/12 – Scanning new animals into the herd from a TODO list or AD-HOC event: Scanning of a new animal into the herd currently adds that animal to DC305 immediately. In a future PCC Android release, we plan to match the current Windows Mobile functionality and instruct the DC305 Server to hold those new "add" transactions rather than immediately adding them to the system.
• 2019/11/13 – Scan method overwrite: Scan method items may be changed inadvertently from their original values when tapping on animals from the QUEUE or DONE tabs in worklists. For instance, an R or V method may update to a T. This issue will be addressed in an upcoming release.
• 2019/10/11 – DC305 license and application upgrade required: Future improvements for the Android version of PCC and the VAS Platform will require that you upgrade your Version 5 DC305 licenses to Version 8. An application upgrade to the XE version of DC305 will also be required.
• 2019/03/07 – Android Nougat 7.1.2, 8.1.0, and other newer versions cannot read 8-digit SD Card – PCC-315: Google has removed the ability to read the 8-digit SD Card ID on newer versions of Android. The current method is to use the Device ID for the licensing of Pocket CowCard at the time of registration.