Optimizing Dairy Testing Operations with a Custom Mobile Application
Case Study with Vanden Bosch, Inc.
Case Study Summary
Vanden Bosch, Inc. partnered with SOLTECH to modernize a critical application supporting its dairy testing operations. By designing and developing a custom mobile solution, SOLTECH helped the company transition from aging technology to a modern platform built for long-term reliability, efficiency, and growth.
“SOLTECH is willing to go above and beyond what you need from them. They are always thinking outside the box.”
— Steven Vandenbosch, President, Vanden Bosch, Inc.
Key Results
- Replaced unsupported Windows CE software with a modern Android application
- Successfully modernized field operations supporting 10 dairy farms
- Preserved compatibility with existing Bluetooth RFID scanning hardware, protecting prior technology investments
- Delivered 10+ iterative software releases to refine functionality through client feedback and field testing
- Reduced manual errors with automated sample tracking and audit logging
- Established a scalable platform that has already led to 1 commercialization initiative
Client
Vanden Bosch, Inc. is a dairy testing services provider headquartered in Jerome, Idaho. Since 1995, the company has helped dairy producers track milk production and collect laboratory samples to support herd health, productivity, and compliance. The company serves 10 dairy farms across the region with a team of approximately 15 employees.
Business Goals: Future-Ready Field Operations
Vanden Bosch relies on accurate field data collection to support daily dairy testing operations. When the software powering those operations reached end-of-life and vendor support was discontinued, the company recognized the need to modernize its technology platform and reduce long-term operational risk.
The company sought a partner that could understand its specialized workflows and deliver a modern mobile solution without disrupting daily operations. Key objectives included improving reliability and performance, preserving existing hardware investments, and establishing a foundation for future growth.
Business Challenge: Legacy Mobile Technology
The existing dairy testing application operated on unsupported hardware and software with no viable upgrade path. At the same time, the solution depended on specialized RFID scanning equipment already deployed across multiple dairy sites, making a simple replacement impractical.
The new application also needed to function entirely offline in environments where connectivity is limited or unavailable. In addition, testers required a user experience that supported fast, accurate data collection in demanding agricultural settings.
Vanden Bosch needed to replace unsupported legacy technology without disrupting the daily operations their customers depend on.
“They met all deadlines. They also listened to what we needed, and they delivered. SOLTECH is willing to go above and beyond what you need from them. They are always thinking outside the box.”
– Steven Vandenbosch, President, Vanden Bosch, Inc.
Solution: Custom Android Application
SOLTECH began the engagement with a dedicated solution design phase to fully understand Vanden Bosch’s workflows, operational requirements, and technology needs before development began.
Through on-site visits and stakeholder collaboration, SOLTECH documented existing processes, evaluated hardware options, and developed a roadmap for the future solution. The result provided a clear blueprint for implementation and aligned both teams on scope, priorities, and technical direction.
Following solution design, SOLTECH assembled a cross-functional team to develop a custom Android application tailored to Vanden Bosch’s field operations. Built for rugged handheld devices and designed for offline use, the solution integrated seamlessly with the company’s existing RFID scanning hardware, allowing Vanden Bosch to modernize without replacing critical field equipment.
Core Capabilities Delivered
- Daily data import and dairy configuration management
- Bluetooth RFID scanning with manual entry fallback
- Cow record management and editing capabilities
- Automated sample numbering for laboratory submissions
- End-of-day production and testing data exports
- Administrative configuration and database management tools
- Multi-language support
- Audit logging and diagnostic reporting
- Enhanced security controls and backup management
SOLTECH delivered the application through an iterative development process that included regular client demonstrations, field testing, and weekly stakeholder reviews. More than ten releases were deployed throughout development, enabling continuous refinement based on user feedback and operational testing.
Project Highlights
- Conducted on-site discovery and workflow analysis at active dairy operations
- Completed a comprehensive Solution Design engagement before development
- Developed a native Android application optimized for field use
- Preserved compatibility with existing Bluetooth RFID scanning hardware
- Implemented an offline-first architecture for uninterrupted operation
- Automated sample tracking to reduce manual processes and errors
- Delivered more than 10 iterative releases throughout development
- Performed user acceptance testing with dairy testing personnel
- Completed security reviews and production hardening
- Established a scalable platform for future enhancements
Impact
The new mobile platform provides Vanden Bosch with a reliable, modern solution to support its dairy testing operations today and into the future. By replacing unsupported technology, the company reduced operational risk while improving the speed, usability, and maintainability of its field data collection process.
The solution also protected Vanden Bosch’s investment in existing RFID scanning equipment, eliminating the need for costly hardware replacement. With a scalable platform now in place, Vanden Bosch is well positioned to support future enhancements and continued growth.
