As times change, technology requires updates, too, and the AQHA Information Technology Department wants to make sure AQHA stays on the cutting edge. To continue serving the members, it was time to tune-up the AQHA database which houses millions of American Quarter Horse and member records. The AQHA offices have been undergoing a three-year overhaul of the database and its associated systems in an effort to improve member services.
What does this mean for members?
Everything AQHA does is done with the member in mind. The update to the database is no exception.
This update will help the Association better assist members with questions and paperwork; provide more streamlined mail services; and much more.
Like any new technology, there may be bumps in the road along the way to a faster and better AQHA. As the transition begins to convert the old system to the new, members will find certain services on www.aqha.com are unavailable. They may also experience an increased hold time when calling the office, and it may take a bit longer for a representative to answer questions. We anticipate that delays members may experience during the upgrade will subside as the transition is completed.
AQHA hopes members will agree these small inconveniences are worth it to ensure records are properly maintained, business transactions are supported and communication with customers is more efficient when the new database is launched.
As changes transpire, AQHA will provide more detailed updates on how the database upgrade will affect members on the website at www.aqha.com.
Specifics that members need to know:
- AQHA’s online member services area will not be available February 15-28.
- This means current members can’t renew a membership online and new members can’t join AQHA online during the two week period. The ability to purchase a subscription to The American Quarter Horse Journal, submit stallion breeding reports, register a foal, and conduct any online AQHA business etc. will be unavailable in the member services area. After February 28, these services will resume with a few enhancements.
- Paperwork submitted after February 1 will be delayed.
- AQHA Incentive Fund payouts will be slightly delayed. Members eligible for Incentive Fund payouts should expect checks to arrive in March.
- There will be some changes to the current $10 in complimentary Internet records research for members with the new system.
Specifics on records research:
- For February only, the $10 in complimentary records will need to be used between February 1 and February 15. Between February 16 and February 28, this service will not be available. If there are funds you have placed in your records account, you can request them to be refunded or held on your account to do other AQHA business. In the new system, you will be able to enter a credit card and use it each time you do business on www.aqha.com.
- Records Research will continue to be a benefit of your AQHA membership. The current benefit is being restructured, not taken away. Promotion codes will be available each month, to each AQHA member, to use to purchase records. The promotion code will be listed in the Member Services section of www.aqha.com. For example: If the promotion code for March is a $10 discount on your total purchase and your purchase is equal to or less than $10, you will not owe anything at checkout. If you do not use the full $10 on your purchase, there will not be a credit of the difference to use later. However, promotions will vary every month, and AQHA will continue to develop promotions to allow members to get the most for their records research benefits. The next month, a new promotion code will be available. Please understand this is just an example and not the final decision on what the promotion will be for March.
- This decision was not a simple one and was well-researched and designed with intention as part of the system upgrade. Because the majority of AQHA members were not, in fact, using their complimentary $10 in internet records each month, the new promotion system is designed to allow for more options for records research by members.
- One final note: AQHA’s database upgrade is being done to better your member experience overall. We will keep you updated along the way to ensure your interactions with us on www.aqha.com are positive and productive.
If members have any further questions, please contact AQHA’s Customer Service department using the contact form or by calling (806) 376-4811.
