FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
This FAQ section is organised in a logical sequence by topics starting from an overview of GATE-ID to New Version releases of the GATE-ID Software.
Feel free to scroll through the pages and read the topic that addresses your specific need. Or simply click on the topics below to go to the relevant sections.
TOPICS
System Requirements
Device Requirements
Other requirements
How does GATE-ID Work?
What is RFID?
Will GATE-ID work with any brand of RFID Readers?
Installation
GATE-ID does not allow me to use all the functions and features.
How do I start the GATE-ID Software?
Bluetooth Set-Up for my RFID Reader
RFID Scanner Problems
GATE-ID is NOT receiving the Animal Tag data I just scanned
How do I enter data into GATE-ID?
Data Validation before Uploading to NAIT
How do I change the look and feel of my GATE-ID screen?
NAIT Reporting
How do I upload my files from GATE-ID to NAIT?
Can I use my own Excel Spreadsheets in GATE-ID?
Excel Worksheet limitations
What sort of on-going support do I get for purchasing GATE-ID?
How do I provide you my feedback on GATE-ID?
How often does Goshen release new versions of GATE-ID?
System Requirements
GATE-ID needs to following to run on your computer:
Windows Desktop or Windows Laptop (preferred)
Microsoft Windows XP and upwards (ensure you have all the latest MS Windows updates applied)
GATE-ID uses Windows NetFrame which is automatically loaded when you install and update your Windows Operating system.
MS Office (with MS Excel)
Sufficient Memory to run GATE-ID and MS Office
Sufficient hard disk space for GATE-ID and your data files
Laptop with Bluetooth or a Desktop with Bluetooth Dongle and the dongle Bluetooth Software
RFID Handheld Scanner or Stick Reader (Bluetooth preferred)
RFID Animal Tags (ISO11784/5 FDX or HDX)
Must be NAIT Approved RFID Tags to upload data to NAIT
Internet connection to upload files to NAIT
Make sure that your computer is stored in a secure and dry place on your farm and is within the range of your RFID Reader and your animal.
Fully charged battery for your RFID or spare batteries if using standard replaceable batteries.
Make sure your computer is set up to automatically check for and receive MS Windows Updates and related drivers. These are needed for GATE-ID and all your other software to run efficiently.
GATE-ID is easy to use and offers you great flexibility and customisation. It uses Microsoft Excel as its database and source data. It also interfaces (via Bluetooth or cable) with your RFID Scanner or RFID Stick Reader to receive animal tag data. The system comes with a set of Excel Files that match NAIT Compliance requirements.
You can also create new Excel files and use it as data files for GATE-ID. But you must make sure your Excel file follows these basic rules:
- The headings for the data must always be on Row 1
- One of the Headings must be named as EID, RFID, NAIT EID, or NAIT RFID (case insensitive). This is required to record the unique RFID Animal tag number.
- All the other headings can be called anything you wish.
Once you launch the GATE-ID application you need to ask it to open the right Excel file that you wish to use. GATE-ID then stores the entire data into its memory ready for you to use.
You can then manually enter/modify the data or use your RFID scanner or Wand to read each RFID Tag and write to the current file being displayed on your computer screen.
If your file already has an existing RFID Tag number, GATE-ID will automatically match what is read by your RFID Scanner and display all the details for that Tag Number on your computer screen
GATE-ID allows you to view the existing records in two ways:
a. Grid View – Rows and Columns
On the screen you can click on the tab that shows the name of the worksheet and you will see the details displayed in row and columns as in the same format as Excel.
b. EID Record View – Form View
You can click on the EID tab and this time you will see one record (one row) of your spreadsheet displayed in form view. You can edit what you see or click on the Previous and Next buttons to move to the record you want.
GATE-ID provides you the freedom to customise the Form View. You can change the screen colour, font type, font size, font colour as much as you wish to give you the exact “look and feel”. This is also useful if you wish to display these records on a bigger display screen or data projector for business and marketing purposes.
Whatever changes you make to the screen layout or data will be saved when you click on Save before exiting your program. You can see the latest changes in your Excel files as well.
Once your animal records are stored within GATE-ID, it creates a number of files in the right EXCEL CSV format for you to then upload these to the NAIT System. You simply Login to the NAIT System and point NAIT to the correct file created by GATE-ID. All the records from the GATE-ID file will be uploaded to NAIT.
RFID stands for Radio-frequency identification and is the wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency to transfer data. It is used primarily for the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically stored information. Some tags are powered and read at short ranges (a few meters) via magnetic fields. Others use a local power source such as a battery, or else have no battery but collect energy from the interrogating EM field, and then act as a passive transponder to emit microwaves or UHF radio waves (i.e., electromagnetic radiation at high frequencies).
In the case of RFID Animal Tags, most are called “Passive” tags. This means the tags do NOT have any battery or power inside the tags. The power is transmitted by the RFID Reader waves and when the RFID reader gets near the animal tag, it is then able to read the tag number which resides inside the animal tag. The RFID Reader does NOT actually touch or contact the tag.
The RFID Reader can then store and transmit the RFID Tag number to another device such as a computer or another receiving device (via Bluetooth) for processing.
There are two types of chips used in the Animal tags, namely, FDX (Full duplex) and HDX (Half duplex). Most good RFID readers will read both FDX and HDX Tags but some may not. So worth checking with your RFID Reader supplier what your RFID Reader can and cannot do and what Tags you need to buy and use with them.
Will GATE-ID work with any brand of RFID Readers?
GATE-ID is independent of the brand of RFID Reader you have purchased. The distance your RFID Device can transmit data is determined by the brand, cost and other technical factors. GATE-ID is designed to work with any RFID Readers. As long as your RFID Reader can transmit the data within the range the PC is located at, GATE-ID will receive the data and make it available for you to use. Whether it is a handheld reader or a more powerful wand or stick reader, you need to set this up as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
GATE-ID does not allow me to use all the functions and features.
- You may be using the FREE Trial Version which has some limitations. You need to purchase the FULL GATE-ID Version.
- If at any time you wish to purchase of Full Version which gives you all functions and features, you can purchase the licence by clicking on the Help menu and then selecting the Register option. Once payment has been made, you will be sent your unique Registration Code.
- You can then enter the Registration Code by clicking on the Help menu and then selecting the Register option. You will be presented with a pop up form to enter your code. You’re your Trial version will be changed automatically to the Full Version.
- If the standard download of GATE-ID does not open the Excel files, you will need to download GATE-ID 64 BIT Version specially created for Windows 64 Bit. If you still can’t open Excel files please also install the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 from the following link. http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13255
How do I start the GATE-ID Software?
You can start or launch the GATE-ID application by any one of these two ways:
1. Go to your computer desktop screen and double click on the GATE-ID (Globe) icon to start the application.
2. Click the Start icon at the bottom corner of your screen. Then click on All Programs. On the pop up list click on the GATE-ID program.
Bluetooth Set-Up for my RFID Reader
How do I set up my Bluetooth RFID Scanner/Reader to send Tag data to my PC or Laptop?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions). It is represented on your computer and many other mobile devices by a fish-like blue and white icon. It is very useful for farming applications as the farmer can work on a farm in wet or dirty conditions and scan animal tag data and transmit that data from the paddock to a Laptop or PC located some 10 meters away in a clean and dry shed or office.
GATE-ID is independent of the brand of RFID Reader you have purchased. The distance your RFID Device can transmit data is determined by the brand, cost and other technical factors. GATE-ID is designed to work with any RFID Readers. As long as your RFID Reader can transmit the data within the range the PC is located at, GATE-ID will receive the data and make it available for you to use. Whether it is a handheld reader or a more powerful wand or stick reader, you need to set this up as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Read the RFID Reader’s handbook supplied with your device. And ensure all the settings and options are set up correctly.
You need to set up your RFID Reader for Bluetooth connection. You will see the Bluetooth icon on the RFID device’s LED panel.
Many RFID Readers will turn themselves OFF after 30 seconds or one minute. So set your RFID Reader to stay on for 5 minutes or longer so as to keep it connected with your PC and GATE-ID.
Now you need to tell your PC/Laptop to recognise your RFID Reader. You do this by “Adding the Device” you your Bluetooth setting on your computer. So start your Bluetooth Connection on your PC. You can do this via Control Panel “Open devices and Printers” or by clicking on the Bluetooth icon on task bar at the bottom right hand corner of your PC screen.
When the Bluetooth Window opens, click on “Add Device”. If your RFID Reader is still on nearby, your PC will start scanning for devices and then display your RFID Scanner as an icon on your screen.
Double Click on that RFID Scanner icon and click on Properties.
Then click on Services tab. You will see the COM Port number e.g. COM 10, your RFID Reader is using. Keep a record of this COM number. You will need to enter this Com Port number when you start the GATE-ID Application in the Bluetooth Settings menu.
Every time your RFID Reader turns itself off, the Bluetooth connection with your PC will also be terminated. So you need to re-establish the Bluetooth connection by turning on the RFID Reader and clicking on the Bluetooth Menu on GATE-ID and enter the com port number again. Then click on the Connect button in GATE-ID.
GATE-ID is NOT receiving the Animal Tag data I just scanned.
The possible reasons can be any one or more of the following:
- Your RFID Reader is too far away from the computer. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to see how far it can transmit to. Get closer to the PC.
- Your RFID Reader has timed out and shut itself off. Turn the reader ON again and re-transmit.
- Your PC does NOT know the COM Port number your RFID Reader is currently using. Microsoft Windows dynamically allocates COM Port numbers every time you turn on your computer, your RFID Reader or start your GATE-ID Application. So check to see what COM Port number your RFID Reader is using now. Then go to GATE-ID and click on the Bluetooth Menu and set up the correct COM Port number there.
- “Bluetooth Connection with Reader Failed”
If you see this error when trying to read tags or bulk read tag numbers, this means that Bluetooth is unable to communicate with your RFID Reader.
To resolve this problem, do the following:
a. Check the COM Port number the RFID Reader is currently using and Set the Correct Com Port number in the GATE-ID Bluetooth Menu. See how to do this in the Bluetooth Connection section of this Help Menu.
b. If it still does not work, go to Bluetooth Setup by clicking on your Bluetooth icon on your computer. In the Bluetooth window, Right-click on the RFID Reader icon and click on “Remove” the RFID Reader.
c. Then click on Add Device and your RFID Reader will appear as an icon again.
d. Find out what COM Port your reader is now using and Set the Correct Com Port number in the GATE-ID Bluetooth Menu.
How do I enter data into GATE-ID?
GATE-ID allows you to enter data manually or via your RFID Scanner one by one.
You can also read and store the RFID Tag numbers on your reader while not connected to your PC. This is useful when you are on the farm and far away from your computer. When you get back to your home or office you can Bulk Read all the stored data from your RFID reader automatically into GATE-ID.
To BULK READ the Tag Data, click on the Bluetooth Menu in GATE-ID and then click on the Bulk Read button. All the Tag data will be read and displayed in a pop-up window in GATE-ID for you to highlight, copy and paste wherever you wish. Alternatively, you can open an Excel file in GATE-ID and then click on the Bulk Read button and all the stored data from your RFID Reader will be automatically written to your Excel sheet.
The unique data in the system is the RFID Tag number. GATE-ID validates the RFID Tag number to ensure that valid data is entered and also highlight is duplicate tag numbers are entered. The validation is as follows:
a. If an invalid RFID tag number is entered, GATE-ID will highlight the whole row in RED.
b. If a Duplicate RFID Tag number is entered, GATE-ID will highlight the whole row in Yellow.
c. GATE-ID will not allow you to save the file with highlighted errors until you have eliminated all the errors.
You can also enter data directly outside GATE-ID by using MS Excel to open your spreadsheet. In this case, there is no automatic validation done by Excel. So it is better to open your Excel file using GATE-ID as it performs a lot of validation, especially for NAIT requirements.
Data Validation before Uploading to NAIT
NAIT is very fussy about the accuracy of your data. If the data is NOT entered in the right format or the mandatory data is NOT entered, NAIT will REJECT your data.
So it is very important to validate all your data entries BEFORE you upload your NAIT report.
To minimise the errors, GATE-ID does a lot of the validation for you using NAIT’s own criteria. Once you have entered the data in the chosen NAIT report, click on the “Validate Report” button on the top left of your screen under the Menu items. GATE-ID will highlight the rows data in different colours where there are errors. You need to check that row of data and make the necessary changes.
You can also check for errors row by row by asking GATE-ID what is wrong with the row. To do this, select a row by right clicking the row at the left-most corner on the row number. Then click ‘View Validation’ from the popup context menu. This button will validate the selected row of data and show results in a popup window. You need to fix these errors.
How do I change the look and feel of my GATE-ID screen?
GATE-ID provides you the freedom to customise the Form View. You can change the screen colour, background and foreground, font type, font size, font colour as much as you wish to give you the exact “look and feel”. This is also useful if you wish to display these records on a bigger display screen or data projector for business and marketing purposes.
To customise your screen display, move your mouse on the heading that is displayed. Then click the right button on your mouse. A pop up list will be shown. You can then move your mouse pointer to any of the options on the list and GATE-ID will apply the feature you want. Simply play around and see the result until you are happy with the layout, colours, font and size. The pop up list also allows you to reset the screen view to system defaults or to your last settings.
Whatever changes you make to the screen layout or data will be saved when you click on Save before exiting your program. You can see the latest changes in your Excel files as well.
Once your animal records are stored within GATE-ID, it creates a number of files in the right EXCEL CSV format for you to then upload these to the NAIT System. You simply Login to the NAIT System and point NAIT to the correct file created by GATE-ID. All the records from the GATE-ID file will be uploaded to NAIT.
GATE-ID comes with the standard reports that NAIT requires. These reports are taken directly from NAIT and stored within GATE-ID for you to access.
To use any of these reports you do the following:
Click on the Reports menu on GATE-ID.
Select New Reports and GATE-ID will display a drop down list of all the available NAIT Reports. Move your mouse pointer to the file you want and click on it. GATE-ID will open that report for you to start entering your data. GATE-ID will also start validating your data entry as you enter them. Make sure you click on SAVE when you finish. See Data Entry section in this FAQ page.
The most useful feature GATE-ID offers you is the creation of the NAIT file in the right format. Once you open the NAIT file listed in the Report Menu, you can create or modify your animal records. Then you can save the files. GATE-ID formats these Excel files into CSV files as required by NAIT. You can then upload these files directly into the NAIT System. No more manual NAIT entries or update.
You should NOT change the layout or the formats of the NAIT files used by GATE-ID. So do not delete columns or rename the headings.
You can of course create and use any other Excel files and open them in GATE-ID for your personal or farm management purposes. One of the columns must be named EID, RFID, NAIT EID, or NAIT RFID (case insensitive) for the recording of the RFID Animal Tag number. The rest is up to you. Such personal files may not work as upload files in the NAIT System.
How do I upload my files from GATE-ID to NAIT?
Once you have entered all the required data in the NAIT reports using GATE-ID, you need to check it thoroughly and save it within GATE-ID.
Data Validation before Uploading to NAIT
NAIT is very fussy about the accuracy of your data. If the data is NOT entered in the right format or the mandatory data is NOT entered, NAIT will REJECT your data.
So it is very important to validate all your data entries BEFORE you upload your NAIT report.
To minimise the errors, GATE-ID does some format validation for you. Once you have entered the data in the chosen NAIT report, click on the “Validate Report” button on the top left of your screen under the Menu items. GATE-ID will highlight all data in colour where if there are errors. You need to check that row of data and make the necessary changes.
You can also check for errors row by row. To do this, select a row, by right clicking the row at the left-most corner on the row number. Then click ‘View Validation’ from the popup context menu. This button will validate the selected row of data and show results in a popup window. You need to fix these errors.
When you are ready and your entries are free of any errors, you can then upload these files to NAIT.
- To upload your files, Click on the Report Tab in the GATE-ID Application
- Click the Upload to NAIT Button on the top left of your screen.
- You will be automatically taken to the NAIT Website
You then need to Login to NAIT using your own Login and Password and then select the function you want to perform. You need to tell the NAIT system that you want to upload the relevant file. When it asks you to point to the right file, you then browse your computer for the right file created for you by GATE-ID and then click upload on the NAIT system. Your GATE-ID file will be in the right CSV format and will be uploaded to NAIT. If there are any errors in your entries, NAIT will reject them and send you the relevant message. You need to fix them and resubmit.
Can I use my own Excel Spreadsheets in GATE-ID?
You can of course create and use any other Excel files and open them in GATE-ID for your personal or farm management purposes. One of the columns must be named EID, RFID, NAIT EID, or NAIT RFID (case insensitive) for the recording of the RFID Animal Tag number. The rest is up to you. Such personal files may not work as upload files in the NAIT System.
Make sure you click on SAVE when you finish.
My big Excel worksheet fails to open or only shows limited number of columns. Why?
GATE-ID Software has set up some limitations:
The standard MS Excel spreadsheet (Workbook) can have any number of sheets depending on available memory. But GATE-ID can only open up to 10 worksheets (10 tabs) within a workbook.
(Reference: http://office.microsoft.com/en-nz/excel-help/excel-specifications-and-limits-HP005199291.aspx)
Each standard MS Excel worksheet can have over 50 columns, but GATE-ID has limited to load up to maximum of 50 columns.
Each spreadsheet can have as many rows as Excel will allow (currently 1 million), depending on the available memory on your computer.
These limitations have been set to ensure enough data can be presented on a single computer screen without having to scroll down. A very large Excel Spreadsheet is likely to take more time to load, display, refresh and save, thus slowing the whole application.
What sort of on-going support do I get for purchasing GATE-ID?
Our software is designed to be easy to use but we appreciate that you may need our help and assistance when you are not sure what to do. But before you contact us we’d like you to find some online answers to your queries as listed below:
1. Help Menu – The GATE-ID Software has a Help Menu with instructions on how to use the software. Make sure you check that first.
2. FAQ – We have for you the answers to a list of Frequently Asked Questions. This will be updated regularly. So click on this FAQ Page to get your answer.
3. Email Us – If you still cannot resolve your problem, please send us a clear and detailed email to contact@goshenconsulting.co.nz It will be very helpful if you can copy and paste any error messages you see on your screen, or send us the screen shot of the problem. We will look into the matter and respond to you within 24 hours.
4. Phone or Live Online Support – The GATE-ID Application is sold to you as a stand-alone user license. There is no support agreement attached to that license. Should you wish to call us for phone or live support via Skype or other video conferencing and remote support tools, we will advise you of the cost you may incur to receive our support. The best thing to do is send us your email with your problem and we will let you know if you will require online or phone support. In such cases we will send you via email a phone number or our Skype ID to call.
How do I provide you my feedback on GATE-ID?
We value and want your constructive feedback. Tell us about how you find using GATE-ID on your farm or for business.
Tell us what works for you and what frustrates you. If you spot any “bugs” let us know immediately.
Give us your ideas on how we can improve GATE-ID to make life easier for you.
We at Goshen Consulting will listen to your feedback and respond to you within 24 hours. All suggestions for new features and functions will be considered and prioritised for implementation.
Our management and development team will then incorporate prioritised functions and features in the next versions of GATE-ID.
All Registered users of GATE-ID will be notified of new updates and release of the enhanced version of GATE-ID. Existing registered users will be given preference and the opportunity to upgrade their existing version for a small fee.
Send us your feedback via this email address contact@goshenconsulting.co.nz of click on the Contact US menu on this site. Also check out our Support Page.
How often does Goshen release new versions of GATE-ID?
This depends on your feedback and our own innovative ideas for improvements. We aim to continually improve our GATE-ID software and in conjunction with changes that Microsoft or NAIT may make. Technology changes may also expedite the release of enhanced versions of GATE-ID.
Our goal is to release new versions at least twice a year.