The Northwest Montana Fair is stepping up its computer technology this year by adding iPads to the entry and judging process.

For the first time, people bringing items to enter for competition will be able to self-check their items by entering the information into an iPad touch-screen tablet. Judges also will use iPads during the judging process to document the awards given, even taking them into the ring during livestock judging, according to Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell.

The Flathead City-County Health Department is loaning 10 iPads for use during fair week.

“It’s new technology” for the entry process, Campbell said. “We’re trying to handle the data flow of more than 8,000 entries more efficiently. It’s an app-based process through our entry software that will check and balance these things. It’s been all paper and manual steps in the past.”

Those not acquainted with the touch-screen computer technology shouldn’t worry, though, he said. There will be people on hand who will be trained to help enter items and print tags electronically.

“The ultimate goal is to get the community their fair awards much quicker and more accurately,” Campbell said.

The manual entry process of years past sometimes could be tripped up by poor handwriting or name discrepancies that “created the potential for information gaps,” Campbell added.

Entering items at the fair already is done largely online through the fair website at www.nwmtfair.com. Using the iPads simply takes the digital process a step further.

“It’s a challenge for change in general, but we’re trying to be more efficient where it’s possible,” Campbell said.

The 2017 fair book can be downloaded from the Northwest Montana Fair website, or copies are available at the fair office under the grandstand at the fairgrounds.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.