Before the turn of the century, the American Angus Association launched their Angus Information Management Software (AIMS) in 1997. This was the start of electronic data submission for Angus members. Beginning in 2001, the AAA Login platform was launched and was revolutionary for those transitioning to electronic data submission. 

During the last 20 years, members have embraced using electronic data submission. In the last nine years, there has been an increase from 87% to 95% of weaning weights submitted electronically. There was an 11% increase from 2014 to 2023 for the percentage of registrations submitted electronically. In fiscal year 2023, 94% of registrations submitted were electronic. 

Possibly the biggest categories to see growth during the last decade include storing performance registration certificates electronically and thus, being able to transfer cattle electronically. In fiscal year 2014, 41% of registration certificates were stored electronically. Nine years later, 68% were stored electronically. 

There has also been a similar increase in transfers completed electronically. From fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2023, there was an increase from 44% to 68%.  

Why choose electronic?

There are multiple reasons members choose to embrace electronic preferences while working with the Association. 

For many, the ease of not having paper records to manage is a large benefit. When storing registration certificates electronically, papers are never lost among the shuffle of hard copies. With today’s genetic evaluation updated weekly, it also means EPDs (expected progeny differences) viewed online are always up to date. In addition, the transferring of animals can be completed online and in one business day. A printed copy of the e-stored paper can be requested at no charge.

Data processes quicker when submitted electronically as well, typically in one business day. For weights, scores and other records, the results can be viewed the following business day in your AAA Login account. This provides the opportunity to quickly review the records submitted. Many of the records can be exported to a spreadsheet for further review. Corrections can also be processed electronically. 

More recently, the option for paperless billing and paperless reports was offered. This means for billing, all invoices and monthly statements for the account can be emailed. All are visible in AAA Login and can be printed as needed. For reports, the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) data submitted is available for viewing online. Both options keep the information electronic.

Continuing to grow

In 2024, Pathfinder® certificates were transitioned to an electronic certificate, with the option to be printed and mailed by the Association.  For the election process, most have shifted to submitting their nominations via an electronic form and 2024 will be the first year that eligible voting members are able to cast their vote for delegates online.To ease the potential membership lapse, the auto dues renewal option was added for members to enroll in to automatically have dues renewed annually.

Want to participate?

If you are interested in participating in more electronic preferences for your herd, you can update these in your AAA Login account by visiting the My Account tab. Auto dues renewal, registration certificate storage preference, billing preferences and even report preferences can all be managed under the My Account tab. As always, you can contact the Association for more information.