Several years ago, a large food manufacturer has come under scrutiny for having to recall a product that was sold to millions. General Mills, commonly known for the manufacturer of our breakfast cereals, recalled 10 million pounds of flour that is sold under a few different brands and labels. The flour was found to be contaminated with E. coli and is related to 38 illnesses across 20 different states. Having to recall 10 million pounds of flour is a nightmare. Using process manufacturing software can take some of the headache out of a recall, but also help to prevent it in the first place.
These four functions of process manufacturing software can save you from a nasty recall that could be reputation damaging.
1. Recipe Management
Recipes for process manufacturers are as important as a bill of material is to a discrete manufacturer. If your workers are not consistent in their recipes every time a product is made, you could end up with a disastrous and unsellable product. Process manufacturing software can keep all product recipes in the system and accessible to those who need it.
2. Allergens Reporting
Every year, more children are being affected by common, and sometimes deadly, allergies. From dairy products to nut allergies, it is critical that you have oversight into whether an allergen could contaminate your food products. Especially if you carry these types of allergens in your facility, you should be utilizing process manufacturing software to be sure that nothing slips through the cracks.
3. Real Time Reporting
One of the most important functions of process manufacturing software is real-time reporting. Catching a possible disaster before it happens is possible with real time insight into every line. You will be able ensure that the right temperature is being achieved at all times for perishable items and that all machinery making the products is working properly.
4. Lot Tracking
Although the ultimate goal is to never have to file a recall, it does and can happen. However, using process manufacturing software makes a recall easier to deal with. Lot tracking allows visibility into all the production so you can easily isolate a product before anything else is contaminated, or easily find which batch the recall effected. This cuts down on waste and ensures no guesswork is occurring.
No business has a 10 million pound product recall on their list of goals for the year. The best way to avoid a situation like that is to be using process manufacturing software to have visibility and tracking into all your batches. Further, if you do find yourself in a recall situation you can better manage it and keep damage to a minimum.We put together a one stop shop to provide you with videos and resources to learn more about e2b teknologies Food Industry ERP. Click the button to learn more.
