With the increasingly global nature of the food and supplement industries, quality assurance regulations have become incredibly complex. Despite this evolution, a surprising number of companies still rely on a paper-based system for their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. HACCP is an internationally recognized system of proactivity in the management of a company’s quality and safety obligations.
The FDA requires manufacturers to have a HACCP plan in place.
How Does HACCP Fit In and Why Is It Important?
There are a growing number of businesses in the food and supplement industries adopting more modern solutions to a HACCP plan. Finding a business size-appropriate software solution is the direction these forward-thinking companies are going.
A software solution, typically a full-scale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, can streamline food and supplement manufacturers’ response to issues when they arise. A good ERP solution can help maximize the manufacturing processes too.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the rates of food-borne illness have remained about the same annually in the past decade. That said, recalls have been on a rise, especially since the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has more authority to monitor and regulate food and supplement manufacturers in an effort to keep the public safe.
The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) says overall, food recalls have increased 10% from 2013 to 2018. However, these numbers shouldn’t frighten food and supplement manufacturers. PIRG goes on to say that this is likely a result of more advanced identification and detection techniques. The numbers are also likely higher due to companies executing more voluntary recalls. Recalls are more easily executed, or ideally avoided, with the use of well implemented HACCP plans.
Compliance doesn’t have to be hard
An ERP system, big or small, which incorporates quality management, gives a business a leg up on the competition. Companies looking to enlist the help of more advanced software can catch problems as they arise — such as preventing the event of a costly recall.
More importantly, ERP systems aid in the creation of a higher quality product. A solid ERP system helps with developing plans for HACCP. When an issue arises, the system aids in the development of corrective and preventative actions (CAPA)’s too.
A powerful ERP for food and supplement manufacturers doesn’t have to be complex or costly. Crystal System’s Clarity Plugins provide an advanced ERP system using QuickBooks. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a demo.