NOTE: Since blog publication date, read about JustFood and Aptean acquisition.
Food processors face a dizzying array of regulations including the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other complex mandates. To streamline operations, processors can be more effective when they move away from outdated ERP systems and partner with a vendor that is totally focused on the needs of the food industry.
That’s why we were pleased to recently meet with JustFood during a client project. We saw the value in learning more about a technology provider that focuses on the ERP systems for food manufacturers, implementation and support targeted to this industry.
About JustFood
From bakeries and distributors, to meat and seafood processors, JustFood provides the food processing industry with a tailored solution that combines the flexibility of Microsoft Dynamics NAV along with their ability to provide a complete and focused ERP software.
During the demo, we learned that the JustFood implementation team is made up of experts from the food industry who conduct about 30 to 40 implementations a year. We learned that the JustFood solution is designed to address the requirements of a mid-sized food processor or distributor. Whether single facility or managing multiple locations; JustFood provides a 90-95% out-of-the-box fit for food industry customers. The system is delivered via the Cloud or On-Premise model.
Demo Highlights
The informative demo, which took place during a recent ERP selection project, showcased key features of JustFood. Selected highlights were in the following areas:
Business Intelligence: Intuitive BI tools are embedded in the system based on real time data. The Data Warehouse normalizes historical data in easy to read displays. The system comes with 1400 prebuilt reports out of the box with the ability to modify each of them. Other features include an SQL report builder to help with any mandate-required reporting. Embedded web services allows the user to pull in information from online sources as well as publishing information out to the Internet
System Access: A strength of the Cloud system is that it offers a single application with anytime, anywhere access, whether on an iPad, tablet, smartphone, etc. Of particular interest to our client was a cloud-based app that configured work center productivity in real time – complete with 25 pre-built role centers.
Look and Feel: We were impressed with the clean and intuitive graphics featured on the system’s home page which offers displays of a user’s in-boxes and task lists. Ease of use is a strength of the system, which integrates seamlessly with telephony and/or Skype. We noted that in list view, the “Fact Boxes” change with each item/customer/etc and the list view allows the user to drill down to the detail level.
Advanced Forecasting/Production Planning: Comprehensive forecasting takes historical information and uses different models for the best fit. The system displays the forecast down to the customer/item level. Flexibility is key here. Forecasts can be driven by sales budgets or other parameters. In planning, the system easily considers actual sales demand and forecasts, long range production forecasts, procurement planning, producing balancing and the daily production schedule. Planning also takes into account the default batch size.
Document Management: Out of box document management automates approvals, gives the ability to search down to content level of any document, and streamlines the handling of many food safety plan documents – a critical function for this industry. With web services, a user can port information to an Excel spreadsheet that the consumer of that information could refresh on their own – with appropriate security.
Learn More
Ultra regularly teams with food and beverage companies for ERP selection and business process initiatives.
This post only covered the highlights from a recent project. For further information related to the needs of food processing related to ERP systems, contact the Ultra team today.
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