Gary A. Rodemeyer, BBA, RLATG
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

ARM Computer System

I have known Joe Gersztyn since 1987. That was when he began to write the Animal Resource Management system I have been using for nearly seventeen years.

I chose the ARM system because it is easy to use and people involved in the animal research industry help build it.  As needs have changed, so has the ARM system. That is the beauty of this system. Each of the first ten or so users had different, but similar requirements, and Joe was able to tailor the system to each client. That is still one of the benefits of the ARM system. One client is still using the original DOS version from 1988 and has little or no trouble with it, even after 16 years.

The system I have keeps track of my animal usage, protocols, and training. With the addition of the other two modules, I could do billing, cost accounting, and even tracking of veterinary care on a particular mouse or a group of ferrets. Joe is even working on a module for tracking breeding of transgenic mice and other animals. All you have to do is ask, and if it can be done, Joe can do it.

I have worked with and/or tried to become familiar with three or four different systems supposedly designed to help you run an animal research facility and none of them are as versatile or easy to use as the ARM system. I even had an Excel program to keep track of animals when I was not in a position to purchase the ARM system. I did my protocols on Word and File Maker. This all worked, but none of the programs talked to each other and updating was time consuming.

I would recommend the Animal Resource Management System to anyone in the market for a user friendly, easy to use, comprehensive vivarium/animal management system. I would be happy to talk to anyone about Joe and his system. With as much as this system is capable of, the cost Joe charges is well worth it. Thanks to Joe and his team for a great system.