Quality assurance and food safety have become the number one concern among
consumers. Repeatedly consumers read or hear about new foodborne illnesses
that have caused sickness and death. Food incidences in recent years have
resulted in not only processors being forced out of business or realizing
tremendous financial loss but loss of consumer confidence and product/brand
identity. Furthermore, the results of foodborne illnesses have forced many
consumers to seek other food alternatives, leading to decreased sales
throughout the food processing, retail, and foodservice channels, negatively
impacting the entire food value chain.
ReQuest’s objective in developing any Quality Assurance Program is to
minimize the risk of outbreaks while, at the same time, build a platform
for value added products. In return, consumer confidence will increase for
perishable food products and sales and consumption of perishable food
products will increase in both the short and long term.
As with any ReQuest business solution, a Quality Assurance Program must also
follow the same principles – the solution needs to either lower transaction
costs or generate extra revenues. In the case of a Quality Assurance Program,
both targets can and should be realized.
- Lower transaction costs: based on its knowledge and experience in
gathering and analyzing processes and data, ReQuest can identify and develop
financial indicators. At ReQuest we refer to these indicators as Financial
Analysis Critical Control Points (FACCP™). FACCP™ is used to segment points
along the Food Value Chain. Based on a thorough analysis of the process, data
points for improvement and financial gain are identified and put in place.
This can tackle huge issues such as shrinkage, loss and waste perishable products.
- Generate extra revenues: having a Quality Assurance Program in place allows for
branding and product differentiation opportunities. Developing new products to meet
the demands of consumers will have a significant impact on sales and consumption of
perishable food products (i.e. meats, dairy, poultry/eggs and seafood in particular).
The area of quality assurance within the food industry has historically been fragmented.
Although there are numerous programs designed to address quality, auditing or food safety
issues, all have been devoted to one specific area within the supply chain be it producer
tracking programs or consumer handling. There have been few attempts at linking all
supply chain participants together under one Quality Assurance Program. Due to this
fragmentation, past programs have seen little success. It is critical that the best
procedures be sought and developed throughout the entire supply chain and integrated
into one solution.
At ReQuest we have developed Data Exchange Interfaces (D.E.I.) technology to link the various
data sources in the value chain. Instead of spending a lot of resources on developing new
platforms with various users and authorization levels, these allow the various users
to have access to the information they are entitled. The advantages are:
- Low overhead because data is shared on the same platform.
- Availability of data on an as needed basis.
- Capability to track product through the supply chain.
- Opportunity to optimize the logistical and warehouse process.
- Opportunity to realize financial gains through the FACCP™ procedure.
ReQuest staff have experience in analyzing, developing and implementing Quality Assurance
programs for various organizations and sectors. From modules to more integrated solutions,
ReQuest offers these services based on its knowledge and/or in partnership with its extensive
international network.
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