Sponsored by SafetyChain Software
Food and beverage manufacturing leaders are navigating unprecedented challenges as we approach 2025. The implementation of the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, increased ESG reporting obligations, and sophisticated customer compliance mandates have transformed documentation from an operational issue to a strategic necessity. Every gap in documentation represents a significant vulnerability that must be addressed.
Insights from Dean Brown, CEO of SafetyChain Software
In this exclusive Q&A, we dive into how digitizing Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) programs can provide measurable value beyond mere compliance. Companies that modernize their compliance processes are witnessing multi-million dollar improvements in margins and are better positioned to tackle risks.
Q: What measurable ROI metrics have your customers typically seen in the first year after digitizing their program management?
Dean Brown: “Our customers often see a payback period of less than one year, typically driven by significant productivity increases. For example, Ajinomoto experienced a 36% boost in productivity, while another client reduced costs by over $5 million in their first year. Over time, this results in cumulative benefits, with clients often seeing 1–3% increases in yield and 25–35% boosts in productivity. In low-margin businesses, this is a crucial shift.”
Q: What are the most common inefficiencies in companies still using paper-based or spreadsheet systems?
Dean Brown: “It’s surprising to see how many companies struggle with manual documentation. These antiquated systems can consume two to three hours of labor per shift due to mistakes and slow corrections, leading to revenue impacts of 0.5% annually. Grupo Navis reclaimed 800 hours of labor by transitioning from paper to digital, which shows how debilitating paper processes can be.”
Q: What advantages does a digitized program management system offer during audits?
Dean Brown: “Digitized systems provide real-time oversight, making audits effortless. Our customers describe it as turning a fire drill into five clicks. Digital plants don’t prepare for audits; they are always ready, with connected data that spans various compliance requirements.”
Q: How does a digital platform help manufacturers stay ahead of compliance changes?
Dean Brown: “Digital platforms allow forms to be updated instantly in response to new regulations. Companies can evaluate changes ahead of time, deploying updates organization-wide within seconds. This ensures consistency and maintains real-time dashboards across all facilities.”
Q: What is the onboarding process with SafetyChain like for new customers?
Dean Brown: “Our goal is to minimize disruption. We aim for a ’90 days to value’ approach, with six weeks dedicated to implementing core processes and rapid plant-wide rollout. The user-friendly interface minimizes challenges for frontline workers. Customers often see a return on investment within 90 days.”
Q: What data security measures does SafetyChain have in place?
Dean Brown: “SafetyChain employs robust security measures, including SOC 2 compliance, encryption, and a dedicated cloud environment. We ensure that every user has specific access controls, maintaining complete audit trails for compliance purposes.”
Q: What specific advantages can SafetyChain’s solution offer to manufacturers ready to digitize?
Dean Brown: “Our holistic platform integrates quality, production, and supplier data specific to food and beverage. Importantly, our personnel bring industry experience, enabling us to meet clients’ unique needs. Additionally, our flexible pricing model does not penalize customers for growth or seasonal shifts.”
Closing Thoughts
Dean Brown: “In the food and beverage sector, effectively generating ROI is crucial, especially for low-margin businesses. Traditional paper systems often reveal past mistakes, while digital solutions provide real-time insights to optimize performance moving forward.”
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