Object Solutions OS-PDM puts F&B manufacturers back in control

Entitled 'European Food Information Regulation 1169/2011 with OS-PDM' (April 24) its software simplifies the management of product information in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Edited manually in Excel and Word documents

Severin Weiss, CEO, Object Solutions, told FoodProductionDaily, necessary information is still being edited manually in Excel and Word documents. In addition to the adaption of packaging and labels, many food producers are forced to provide trade partners with electronic data.

“The application platform OS-PDM integrates all aspects that are connected with the development, production and launch of products​,” he said.

“It provides a centralised database containing all specifications and recipes, along with a tool which allows the company to standardise and control internal production processes such as recipe management, costing, calculations, simulations, labelling/packaging and declarations​.

“Having a single database ensures company-wide product information is complete, accurate and transparent and can be modified and exchanged with trade partners at minimal cost. Manufacturers can respond quickly to market changes, meet customers’ specific needs and develop products using existing resources to increase sales​.”

According to Weiss, many companies with large R&D centres manage information and product data isolated in different departments and do not create company-wide visibility.

Slowdown of projects and product launches

He said they are not able to control the entire product development process in an automated system.

“This leads to slowdown of projects and product launches, increasing product costs and risks and reducing the investment return​,” he added.

“Our clients including Dutch bakery ingredients manufacturer Zeelandia benefit from software that simplifies complex production processes and ensures existing resources and expertise are used efficiently​.

“The software can be implemented in different departments as well as various regions and language versions. Information covering all phases of the product development process can be accessed, used and adapted​.”​

Weiss said companies face constant challenges in the competitive food and beverage industry, such as consolidation of retailers, more complex supply chains, shorter product lifecycles and stricter regulatory requirements and increased consumer awareness.

“The EU food information regulation Nr. 1169/2011, which is effective since 13 December 2014, imposes stringent requirements in terms of food labelling​,” he added.

“Significant measures include increased readability of nutritional values and allergens (e.g. minimum font size) and indication of product origin ensuring traceability​.

“The regulation creates more transparency for consumers and ensures they can obtain comprehensive information about products and their quality​.”