Transforming technical compliance in the food industry
Embracing digitalisation and AI
At Ukwazi we are currently supporting a manufacturer to implement a digital compliance system, so have knowledge and experience of what is needed to deliver this change. We are also partnering with leaders in AI, so can help you automate existing processes.
The food industry operates on narrow profit margins, especially in the own-label arena. Because of this, there is a reluctance to fully embrace digital systems, preferring to rely on a QC approach with paperwork galore. With this the technical compliance landscape in the food industry is burdened by excessive non-value-adding paperwork, leaving technical teams consumed by administrative tasks rather than focusing on value-added activities. Let’s not even get into how challenging it is to deliver a traceability exercise from paperwork stored in archives, outdated computer software, etc.
In own-label manufacturing, technical colleagues are responsible for leading numerous audits, BRCGS, up to four or more customer-specific standards (Retail, QSR, Food Service), then additional audits like Red Tractor, Organic, Vegan, etc. Each standard comes with its own unique requirements and nuances. Technical teams complete ‘external-audit’ supporting internal audits, manage customer complaints, trending and investigations, complete microsampling and analysis, and then when issues arise report to all customers the business exposure. They’ll also report any compliance gaps to customers based on their specific reporting requirements.
Additionally, specific customer demands often arise from broader industry issues (e.g., allergen contamination like peanuts in mustard) or internal objectives, further stretching resources. This administrative overload limits technical teams from driving improvements in food quality, consistency, and safety on the shop floor with colleagues and agency teams. But it doesn’t have to be like this.
The shift toward digital compliance and AI
The food industry, supported by local and national regulators, must shift from administration-heavy technical roles to technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency, add value and allow the Technical teams to interact with the shopfloor teams. Have I mentioned that it’s really challenging to recruit into technical roles in the food industry?
The digital transition: compliance platforms
Moving away from manual systems such as Excel spreadsheets and Word documents to centralised digital platforms offers significant advantages:
Improved data management: Modules tailored for specific compliance tasks simplifying record-keeping and streamlining data analysis.
Audit consolidation: A shared platform can integrate and compare multiple audit standards, helping identify common requirements and customer-specific mandates more efficiently.
Continuous monitoring: Digital platforms enable real-time monitoring of compliance and operational data, facilitating early identification of issues.
Enhanced reporting: Automated reporting tools can reduce the time spent on manual documentation while improving accuracy and transparency for customers.
AI in food manufacturing and compliance
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into digital platforms offers even greater potential for transforming technical compliance such as:
Predict risks: Analyse historical data to forecast potential issues, allowing proactive action to prevent food safety incidents.
Automate monitoring: Detect anomalies in real-time, reducing human error and ensuring swift corrective actions.
Optimise compliance: Stay updated with evolving regulations, ensuring operations meet the latest standards.
Enhance traceability: Provide supply chain transparency to monitor product integrity and expedite recall responses when necessary.
Improve product quality and consistency: Linking AI cameras to product quality attribute standards and measuring compliance or stopping the line when an issue is found. Pictures of products can be stored in a compliance database for customer queries and complaint investigations.
Digital compliance platforms: Evaluation of key players
Several digital compliance platforms, each with unique strengths, can aid this transformation, as shown below:
Safefood 360° – Comprehensive compliance management for food safety, supplier quality, etc.
Foods Connected – Supply chain solutions including compliance and traceability.
FoodLogiQ – Supplier management and traceability solutions.
ETQ Reliance – Advanced quality management software.
Aptean – Tailored software for the food and beverage industry.
Oracle – Comprehensive ERP solutions.
TraceGains – Focuses on supplier compliance and quality management.
SpecPage – Product lifecycle management solutions.
Esko – Specialises in labelling and packaging compliance.
Intelex – Environmental, health, and safety management software.
Syspro ERP – ERP solutions for manufacturers and distributors.
Click – Product lifecycle management platform.
How to achieve the transformation
In today's fast-paced food industry, leveraging digital tools can streamline compliance, improve efficiency, and strengthen food safety management. Here are key ways to maximise the strengths of digital platforms:
Adopt a digital platform: Centralise compliance processes onto a unified platform for seamless management of audits, data, and customer requirements.
Simplify site standards: Use digital systems to consolidate multiple audit standards, highlighting standard and customer-specific requirements.
Focus on value-adding roles: Free up technical teams to focus on driving food quality, consistency, and safety improvements on the shop floor.
Improve training and awareness: Use digital systems to ensure that shop-floor employees are well-trained and knowledgeable about compliance requirements.
Leverage AI: Incorporate AI tools to automate monitoring, improve risk management, and optimise compliance activities.
By embracing digital compliance platforms and AI, the food industry can reduce the administrative burden, improve operational efficiency, and create a culture of proactive food safety management. This approach allows technical teams to focus on delivering value while ensuring compliance with evolving standards and customer demands.
Contact us to see how we can help, from scoping a system through tendering and implementation.
