ERP Solutions

Food Companies Need ERPs Too!

Due to strict FDA and USDA regulations placed on food manufacturers and distributors food companies need ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning solutions too.  Food ERP solutions help food manufacturers and distribution comply with safety requirements, recall food products when necessary, track food lots, track shelf life, help price commodities, manage formulas and recipes, control lots, and run efficient streamlined processes.  Streamlined processes save money and time and give food companies the competitive edge.  Some food ERP solutions have RFID (radio frequency identification) and / or bar-coding capabilities.

There are several Food ERP solutions on the market today.  Some are made for small and medium sized companies while others are made for large companies.  No matter what size your food company is, all food companies have to comply with state and federal regulations.  Not only are there food ERP solutions for all sized companies, but there are a few different types of ways a food ERP can be delivered.   A food company may select an on-site proprietary software solution, a SaaS (software as a service) solution, or an open source solution.   Some on-site proprietary food ERP solutions are; IFS, Ross, and Enterprise 21.  A popular SaaS food ERP solution is called Plex.  And, Thymly Products offers an open source ERP for food companies.

Food manufacturers typically fit into the process manufacturing category.  There is one other manufacturing category, which is called discrete manufacturing.  Discrete manufacturers assemble products (like an automobile) while process manufacturers mix recipes or ingredients to create a product.   If your food manufacturing business is seeking an ERP solution, make sure you select a solution for process manufacturers or a food specific solution.  It’s important to select the right food ERP solution for your food business.

Before you shop for a food ERP solution, it’s a good idea to define your business requirements and needs in terms of functionality.  Every business model is unique and every food ERP solution is unique as well.    Demos are a great way to take a good look at a product.  A demo may help you decide whether the food ERP you’re interested in will work for your company.  Many Enterprise Resource Planning vendors provide free demos.  Identify gaps in your food processes and then seek a food ERP solution that will fill those gaps.  Educate yourself on food ERP solutions before you make a selection. 

Written by :

kristine H