Need for an efficient, user-friendly, and centralized system
In mid-2020, Simons Vleeswaren approached us to provide a demo of the Inspections module. There was a need for a simpler and more efficient way to conduct, complete, and analyze inspections. Robin explains: “In the past, we used an Excel document where all comments, areas for improvement, nonconformities, photos, and so on had to be entered manually. This was very time-consuming and prone to errors, given the choices required for all mandatory fields and the photos that had to be uploaded, saved, compressed, inserted, and dragged and dropped. In addition, the Quality Department was responsible for managing the document, which meant that feedback from those responsible for taking action had to be entered manually as well—resulting in duplicate work. There was a need for an efficient, user-friendly, and centralized system.”
“For our organization, the transition to digital not only means an improvement in efficiency but also the collection of data that is valuable for improvement projects and objectives.”
— Simons Vleeswaren, Normec Foodcare Online
It’s a relief to work with this software package
Since mid-2020, the company has been using the inspection module at two locations. Employees schedule inspections via the online business application in Normec Foodcare Online and conduct the inspection rounds using the inspection app on the iPad. “It’s a breath of fresh air for the inspector to work with this system. You can decide for yourself how to organize, schedule, conduct, and follow up on the inspection. You can enter the rationale for a non-conformity right there on the spot using the tablet. If, due to personal preference, you’d rather not do this on the spot, you can also do it at your own pace after the inspection is complete—either at your desk or from home on your laptop,” Robin adds.
40% Time Savings
Once the inspection is complete, the report—including photos—is immediately ready, and the statistics are updated. Robin: “We’ve achieved a 40% time savings compared to the administrative processing we used to have to deal with. While it has taken a bit more time for the action owners, what’s even more important is the increased awareness and engagement on the work floor that we’ve achieved as a result. For our organization, the transition to digital not only means improved efficiency but also the collection of data that is valuable for improvement projects and objectives.”
Improvement in Food Safety Culture
A noticeable change has taken place throughout the organization following the introduction of digital inspections. “The food safety and quality culture has improved since the introduction of digital inspections. As the quality department, we are now increasingly conducting inspections jointly with the department manager. During the inspections, topics such as personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, process hygiene, food defense, technical condition, and pest prevention are addressed. It serves as ‘on-the-job training,’ and we can discuss the improvements and non-conformities in detail right on the spot,” says Robin.
“The food safety and quality culture has improved since the introduction of digital inspections.”
Extremely user-friendly
“The QA software was developed by QA professionals and is exceptionally user-friendly. Even for one-time inspections, such as floor repair work, reports can be generated in the company’s house style. The automatic reminder emails and notifications also make it very easy for the person responsible to use. Just click the link once, and you’re immediately where you need to be,” says Robin about the user-friendliness of the inspection module. “The support department is also quick to respond by phone, and the support consultant can immediately view your screen remotely. There’s a wealth of QA expertise at Normec Foodcare Online, so you’re quickly on the same page.”
“The automatic reminder emails and notifications also make it very easy for the person responsible to use the system.”
Take Your Time
Robin has a tip for other current and future users of the Inspections module: “Take enough time to set up the module and check how each change plays out in practice. If in doubt, ask Normec Foodcare Online for as much advice as possible to achieve the best results. Come up with a clear plan, create clear instructions, and present the new way of working. That way, you’ll avoid a false start.”
About Simons Vleeswaren
Simons Vleeswaren has been in business since 1976. At its modern production facility in Roermond, the company produces a wide variety of halal meat products, both under its own brand and as private label items. Examples of products include halal sandwich sausage, hot dogs, garlic sausage, and sliced deli meats. The company places a high priority on quality, service, flexibility, continuity, and personal contact, and is certified to the BRCGS and IFS food safety standards.
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