Corrective Action Management: When an audit or non-conformance issue is identified, technology can help automate the corrective action process. Automatic notifications and alerts can be sent to task owners and suppliers to accelerate the process. Advanced data analytics and trending tools can simplify and strengthen root cause analyses of the non-conformances and other safety issues. Alongside, Web-based collaborative systems can strengthen communication between companies and their suppliers, so that corrective actions are effectively addressed and closed.
Customer Complaints Management: Technology can help customers record their food safety or quality complaints in a simple and convenient manner. These complaints can then be automatically routed to the appropriate stakeholders for review and analysis. Complaints management systems also help initiate a root cause analysis and investigation into the problem area. Action plans can then be created and implemented to address the complaints.
Training Management: The latest Web-based solutions provide the ability to conduct streamlined and effective training programs for employees, suppliers, and other key stakeholders on GFSI and other food safety compliance standards.
Reporting: This is one area where technology can be very useful. Automated reporting tools can eliminate the inconvenience of manual spreadsheets, and speed up the process of consolidating critical food safety data and metrics for analysis. Meanwhile, graphical dashboards can enable management teams to closely track the status of food safety management and GFSI programs across the global enterprise in a real-time manner.
Summary
The GFSI food safety standards help companies ensure that their products and processes align with the highest international standards of food quality and safety. Adhering to the comprehensive food safety requirements specified by GFSI strengthens brand value and product integrity. It also enables companies to efficiently manage many complex supply chain challenges. What’s more, the products of GFSI certified companies have the potential to benefit from greater acceptance in global markets. Companies that are committed to good food processes and improved consumer confidence would do well to embrace GFSI approved schemes, and enhance their food safety programs, with the support of technology.
Vail is director, Food Safety and GFSI Education, at AIB International. Reach him at [email protected]. Sinha is associate vice president industry solutions at MetricStream. Reach her at [email protected].
NOTE: This article has been adopted from a detailed MetricStream Insight article on “Strengthen Food Safety Management Programs by Adopting the Right GFSI Recognized Standard.”
THERE’S MORE…
How to Choose the Right GFSI Scheme
Assess the various GFSI approved standards. Determine which of them is best aligned with your food safety processes. For suppliers, this decision will depend on the standards that are mandated by customers, including retailers.
Access and understand the scheme documents that are relevant to your business. For instance, FSSC 22000 is based on standards such as ISO/TS 22002-1, PAS 223, and PAS 222. In turn, ISO/TS 22002-1 is relevant to food processors and manufacturers, PAS 223 to food packaging manufacturers, and PAS 222 to animal feed producers.
Get the complete support of your senior management for a GFSI certification.
What Happens in a GFSI Audit
• An in-depth review of management commitment, quality systems, product control procedures, and process controls
• Systematic investigations of all relevant records and SOPs
• Identification of discrepancies and non-conformances
• Corroboration of documentation with floor observations
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