Use of specific computer software to plan costs and output in crop science
The article aims to describe algorithm features and interface of specific software for ECM “ХОСТ-2.3”, its application possibilities and competitive advantages. The program “ХОСТ-2.3” (self-financing stimulation) is intended to plan labour input and costs to cultivate crops, as well as operating profit per area unit and economic return from products sale. Extra features of the software are: calculation of price and accord rate for labour per unit of work and products, tariffs for services. It also includes a section that allows to form a budget for crop-producing departments, adjust them by the end of the economic year for actual output and reveal inefficient cost saving that caused a shortage of products. Use of the software tool saves the working time of a specialist significantly. To solve a specific task, an agronomist or economist can use the program without any additional training. The advantage of “ХОСТ-2.3” is that it provides for the adaptable design of production schedule, taking into account the “local” natural, economic and social conditions. It calculates not only costs but cost-effectiveness indicators. It has a section for self-financing planning and stimulation for staff members. It determines favourable, normal and negative economic conditions. The program can be used in related industries (construction and process industries). The application is tested on the basis of several agricultural producers in Ivanovo oblast and Upper Volga Agrarian Research Center.