By: Tim Sands

The other day I was looking through some boxes in my basement and found some old books.  One was my Boy Scout manual from years ago.  I was reminded of the old Boy Scout Motto:  Be prepared.  It made me think of various conversations I’ve had while attending food focused trade shows or when visiting with prospects on the phone on the topic of being ahead of the game.  One of the common things I sense from these conversations is that some food manufacturers are overwhelmed with regulations such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points).  As much as companies would probably like to ignore HACCP requirements, they really can’t.  Many clients think they’re too small, that those regulations don’t apply to them, or they are “fine”.   Well, food and beverage manufacturers are required by the FDA to implement HACCP. 

When we start to talk with manufacturers about systems, processes, and SOPs, many people are surprised to hear that ERP (Enterprise Resource System) can help with HACCP and lighten the overwhelming burden of outlining the entire plan from scratch.  Implementing ERP as a tool to adhere to HACCP regulations will help minimize risks associated with FDA audits and/or product recalls such as loss of brand loyalty, litigation expenses, or consumer disaster.  In addition, an integrated system with a QC (Quality Control) application can have predetermined quality standards set to specific acceptable levels of identified hazards. Anything exceeding those standards is pulled from production.   The same QC application will keep record of the tested quality of all incoming raw materials and outgoing finished goods.  An ERP system can help manufacturers specifically with tracking, storing, and retrieving required records.  In addition, an ERP system that has been validated in an FDA environment can ensure speed and precision of traceability requirements under HACCP.  Advanced ERP systems will also offer extensive search and reporting capabilities, data analysis, and lot tracking.  Real-time data availability and validation will satisfy the strictest FDA regulations.  Manufacturers can breathe a sigh of relief that an effective ERP system addresses the most complex and time consuming principles in a HACCP plan. 

Be prepared.  No matter how complex the world gets, something as simple as my old Boy Scout Motto still applies today.  Be prepared and help your organization survive and thrive for years to come.