Parts 1 through 3 in this series dealt with ERP system functionality to automate lot traceability, shelf life management and recall procedures for process manufacturers such as food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical companies. Regulatory requirements have become so onerous and the negative impact of genuine product safety issues so expensive, that having an ERP system that can vastly simplify compliance and actually prevent quality problems from surfacing in the first place makes perfect sense.

ERP System

How the right ERP system can help automate FDA and USDA compliance. (Part 4)

This last installment deals not directly with ERP functionality as much as other technologies that make the ERP system even more efficient and accurate in promoting product quality and protecting consumer safety. Specifically, let’s take a look at technologies that impact warehouse management, wireless RFID and bar coding.

Process manufacturers need to assiduously record and track lot numbers, for raw materials and for finished goods. Surprisingly, many still do so using manual processes and homemade spreadsheet applications. Surprising not just because doing so is so time consuming, but because with lot codes 16, 20 even 24 characters long, the potential for errors is huge. Inaccurate data entry is the surest way known to undermine a critical process. For process manufacturers, an ERP system with an advanced, integrated warehouse management application that fully supports wireless, automated capture through RFID and/or bar codes is essential.

RFID and bar codes streamline end-to-end processes and greatly boost accuracy for anyone with a warehouse to manage. For process manufacturers who must employ rigorous lot tracking capability, these technologies are game-changers. They greatly improve ingredient traceability throughout the supply chain and throughout a given product’s life cycle. An ERP system supporting these wireless technologies automatically generates lot codes and prints/programs bar codes/RFID tags for receipt of raw materials into inventory, as finished goods move into inventory and when orders are shipped to customers. Once the identifier is attached, employees only need to scan the bar code or read the RFID tag at any stage of the process to update the system, greatly reducing the chance of errors. The system then automatically tracks goods as they are moved from one location to another and even records which employee performed the inventory transaction, date and time. Work orders, pick orders and packing slips can be generated by the system with bar codes included to speed those operations while improving accuracy.

An ERP system that supports RFID tags can expand upon the product code concept by actually generating a unique serial number for a product each time it moves through the process, from raw material to the customers loading dock, capturing every movement and every stage of the manufacturing process. The system provides easy, accurate end-to-end traceability of a particular item, including all source data and expiration dates.

These wireless technologies so completely automate lot tracking that warehouse and manufacturing personnel become vastly more efficient, moving product rather than pushing paper. Tracking becomes so much easier that there are virtually no barriers to adding additional tracking steps, thus improving visibility when problems do occur.

The modern warehouse management system, in conjunction with an ERP system designed with process manufacturing in mind, makes compliance with FDA and USDA regulations faster, easier and more accurate.

Written by :

tracey boxer