More knowledge, fewer hours
Auke Snijder is QESH Manager at De Lekkerkerker Groep. He explains how the changes in the specification management department led to calling in the specialists of Normec Foodcare: "Previously we had someone on site doing specification management a few days a week. But over the past year, some strategic choices have been made within the company that have reduced our article database, but made it broader and more international. For one person to know all national and international legislation is a challenge. In addition, the normal task load for making the specifications did become a bit lower. So we actually needed fewer hours, but more knowledge."
For The Lekkerkerker Group, that was the reason to quit the job internally and have it outsourced externally. Auke: "That way you come to a party that does have that broad knowledge, but you hire fewer hours. That match is almost impossible to do with one person on site."
Accessibility
Currently, a specialist joins De Lekkerkerker Groep one day a week. The labeling specialist Sandra Scholtus performs work such as creating and updating specifications of finished products and translations and testing for national and international legislation.
"Although Sandra only works for us one day a week, we can always contact Normec Foodcare with questions," Auke sees this good accessibility as a major advantage. "You no longer have a problem if someone is on vacation or if someone happens to fall ill. So we have become much more flexible in carrying out the work."
Security
The Lekkerkerker Group has set up their system so that Normec Foodcare can work remotely. This major advantage was an important factor for them. Auke: "Of course we have a fixed day, but if something really needs to be done, we can act remotely. Fortunately, this has not yet happened in practice. But the idea that service is always guaranteed gives a form of security."
Good match
So far, the cooperation with Normec Foodcare has been experienced as pleasant. Auke: "Of course in the beginning you have to get used to each other, but the cooperation is going very well. Sandra is already part of the colleagues and our company. That is how she is seen and that is how it works. I think that we have adjusted our expectations towards each other very well and furthermore it is just a transparent way of working. Informal, as suits the company culture. I think the match is good. That's also what we already kind of knew about the Normec Group."
And the future? "We just started, so I hope we will keep this up in the coming years. In addition, we have always been fairly connected within the Normec Group. So I don't see that changing overnight.
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