Connecting every stage of a product’s life cycle is vital for manufacturers seeking to prevent costly recalls. Here’s one way to aid with that connectivity.
Picture this – a chocolate manufacturer has found that a certain milk derivative used in its product is either contaminated or deemed unsuitable for consumption. To track and identify products across the brand portfolio formulated with the ingredient will be time-consuming, laborious, and costly. Additionally, the manufacturer runs the risk of recalls, which will harm the brand’s reputation in the saturated, competitive market.
But that is only the beginning. In an industry like food and beverage, a single case can snowball into government sanctions, lawsuits, decline in cash flows and potential desertion. Even the smallest of issues that seep through the cracks are on the shoulders of the manufacturer. So, how does the industry ensure safety?
Food and beverage manufacturers manage large amounts of information across the life of a product – from initial formulation and ingredient sourcing through to packaging, labelling and market distribution. Connecting that data through an effective product lifecycle management (PLM) system has become critical to preventing errors that can lead to food recalls.
While the importance of the system is apparent in the industry, manufacturers are finding themselves using multiple software applications to address different elements of PLM. With poor solutions to manage product data, businesses can find themselves trying to stay afloat with regulatory compliance. Centric Software provides its PLM solution designed to connect all phases of a product’s life to improve efficiency, collaboration and innovation.
A seamless connection
Connectivity strengthens traceability. Disjointed systems are one of the most common causes of food recalls. When ingredient or label information is stored across multiple platforms, it becomes harder to maintain visibility and verify accuracy. For instance, a single data entry mistake with an undeclared allergen or incorrect nutritional value can be detrimental to a business.
Using digital solutions can help food and beverage manufacturers mitigate recalls. In the event of a recall or quality concern, companies can quickly trace affected batches back to the source, identify root causes and take corrective action efficiently. While this is quick and effective in preventing health risks, businesses are encouraged to think ahead and spot red flags beforehand.
By bringing together every element of product development in one central, digital environment, Centric Software aims to establish a single source of truth. Centric PLM integrates data across research and development, quality assurance, procurement, packaging and production, enabling simpler tracking of items affected by non-compliant ingredients.
When reliance on spreadsheets or disconnected systems that cause human errors or inconsistencies is replaced with a singular platform, it extends externally, opening capabilities to strengthen business relations through trust. For example, teams can use compiled data to create a catalogue of standardised ingredient listings and label design templates. This streamlines processes when allergen-specific ingredients need to be addressed as a warning on labels.
By creating a digital thread that connects ingredient sourcing data with manufacturing processes, packaging, and even the product’s presence on store shelves, companies can act with a kind of responsiveness that not only protects consumers but also builds trust with regulators and retailers. Backed by the ability to eliminate human error, this high level of connectivity is the foundation of strong relationships and brand trust.
Backed with verifiable data
Centric PLM keeps a living record of individual sourcing and vendor information. Having information on whether a specific processing facility is regulatory compliant or if it outsources ingredients from third-party contractors means manufacturers can ensure that every product is safe to be released to the market.
Regulatory obligations differ for companies operating in multiple regions. This means that manufacturers require accurate and verifiable data through Centric PLM’s system that tracks materials, suppliers and certifications. Without backed-up evidence, companies can face reputational damage such as greenwashing, a common problem circulating in the industry when it comes to sustainability agendas.
Integration is another part of Centric PLM’s value. By connecting with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, businesses can link data to sales information for improved reporting for specific states or countries. It helps teams analyse the impact of recipe changes, calculate nutritional values automatically, and update labels according to region-specific regulations – all without re-entering data.
Ingredients, recipes and claims specifications in the software are up to date and include integrations with FoodChain ID Compliance Connector which checks against global databases such as PUF6, USDA, SR Legacy and CIQUAL, simplifying quality and compliance audits. Having all data and specifications in one place allows companies to quickly respond to audits or consumer enquiries while freeing up time to allow the team to focus on strategic work instead of ancillary tasks.
Made to simplify
Part of the aim of Centric Software is creating a simplified journey in an industry saturated with processes and complications. This means its systems are built with the user in mind, boosting overall experience starting from the introduction of the technology. Take language, for example. Centric PLM operates across most languages and major geographies for an optimised experience regardless of location. With real-time updates to costing scenarios such as tariffs, companies can have a better grasp of the cost of goods.
Leveraging advanced technologies, AI-driven workflow improvements that integrate AI throughout the product lifecycle enable quicker, data-informed decision-making. For instance, Centric Software’s Formula Match tool utilises AI machine learning to optimise formulation processes, relieving teams from burdensome manual tasks and enhancing both speed and accuracy.
Coupled with a modern user interface (UI), businesses can see fewer delays and better speed to market. Centric PLM does not require hard coding and therefore is easily integrable into any business. For businesses working across multiple brands in several markets, the easily configurable technology makes room for agility.
As supply chains expand and regulations tighten, PLM’s role in connecting people, processes and data has become important. Working with more than 20,000 brands, Centric Software’s collaborative approach helps businesses free up time from data chaos and manual systems. With seamless connectivity throughout the product lifecycle, Centric PLM safeguards consumer health, brand reputation and the overall sector.