We have come a long way with electronic processing at the Association. You are the reason why.

The history of data processing at the American Angus Association has followed a natural progression based on demand, because of quantity of records and availability of technology advancements. In 1951, there was a 25% increase in registrations and nearly a 20% increase in transfers. 

To maintain timely processing, modernization had to occur with implementing technology to process records. The first IBM and Burroughs office machines were purchased to handle the growth. These punch-card machines and card readers were able to replace hand-typing certificates and allowed for current records to be maintained. 

During the course of a decade, turnaround times for registrations or certificates took about five days, but that was accomplished only by 130 employees filing and processing data to keep pace. The growth led to the first computer being installed at the Association in 1962. 

Computers, while much more powerful than the first computer installed, are still at the center of data processing today. Today, members anticipate records to be processed and returned within one business day — a testament to how far technology has come in a relatively short amount of time. 

In 1984, the first computer software package was provided for breeders to keep records on their home computers. It was this same year the first weights were transmitted electronically from a member’s home computer to the Association. A decade later, Angus Herd Management Software was completed and released to members, later being improved and renamed to Angus Information Management Software (AIMS). A short two years later, in 1996, the World Wide Web was a game changer for capabilities for the Association. From the first website being launched to the first email capabilities, this was just the start of the opportunities the internet would provide for both the Association and members.

Present day

Looking at where data processing is today, advancements have come a long way. From a registration perspective, 95% of the registrations in fiscal year 2024 were submitted by members electronically, whether through AIMS, AAA Login or spreadsheets. For weaning weights, 96% were submitted electronically. Angus members have gravitated towards the ease and convenience of electronically doing business with the Association. 

Beyond data submission, members may also store their registration certificates electronically. This means instead of receiving printed paper registration certificates in the mail after registrations are completed, we store them electronically. By keeping them in an electronic format, it allows members to have quicker turnaround not only receiving registrations back, but quicker turnaround if corrections need to be made or when transferring the animal to a buyer. 

Since 2008, there has been steady growth in the percentage of registration certificates stored electronically. In 2008, 25% of the registration certificates were stored electronically (Figure 1). That percentage grew to 53% in 2018 and most recently to 71% in 2024.