Parity launches complete supply chain efficiency programme

The first product, Parity SCE (Supply Chain Execution), automates data collection and allows companies to trace, as well as track their product as it travels through the manufacturing process and out the door. Parity SCE traces all materials as they are purchased, placed into inventory and used in production. All production events are tracked, including quality test results and transaction information. All of this data is then linked to the final product and can be easily reviewed.

The software has been developed as a direct consequence to growing governmental pressure to achieve complete supply chain traceability. For example, the US government's implementation of the Bioterrorism Act now mandates that food manufacturers possess the ability to comprehensively trace and track their production.

Similar legislation comes into force in Europe this January. Tracing and tracking systems have therefore become a necessity.

With Parity SCE's bar coding capability, all inventory transactions are instantly integrated into the entire enterprise system. Parity SCE can therefore be seen as part of a general trend towards data automation, where planning and business intelligence capabilities are enhanced.

Parity claims that the software runs on virtually any device needed, and shop-floor workers are able to use the system to query for up-to-the-minute information on production orders, shipping orders and much more.

The second product is Parity Quality Management. Again, there is growing pressure on food manufacturers to address the issue of quality management, spurred by new government regulations and a heightened public concern for product safety.

Parity​ claims that its new Quality Management system addresses these issues head on.

Parity Quality Management begins with user-defined quality test specifications and grading parameters unique to each company's operations. Users can then track the status of each production lot, as well as place holds and grades on lots as needed.

The Parity system also features powerful methods by which to allocate lots by grade and special characteristics, this provides companies with the opportunity to achieve the highest possible profit from their production. In addition, the Parity system provides companies with the ability to share all of this data in real-time with anyone in their organisation who may need it or restrict access to users based on their job responsibilities.

As with Parity SCE, the Quality Management system is designed to automate business practices. The software allows companies to use their data for planning, customer service and streamlining operations.

The final piece of software, Parity Business Intelligence, brings individual users real-time data in views specific and relevant to their duties. Parity claims that this is more than a flexible querying and reporting tool, as it makes it possible for users to interact with and explore business information critical to a business's day-to-day tasks and goals. The company claims that users can quickly and simply create their own unique views of exactly the information they want to see.

Indeed, the software allows the user to gain new knowledge and insight into their operations and to spend time learning about their business, not about the tools. Parity users have the power to explore their business from virtually any point of view, in summary or detail.

Food companies are increasingly using software to increase efficiencies and achieve complete traceability within the supply chain. Nestlé, the largest food and beverage company in the world, recently selected the Quadrem eMarketplace as the partner for its global eRequisitioning programme, part of an enterprise-wide initiative Nestle is implementing to standardise and streamline e-procurement processes.

Quadrem is providing Nestlé solutions that support global eRequisitioning of services and indirect materials, including development and ongoing support of electronic supplier catalogues, supplier on-boarding services and a Web- based XML platform supporting requisitioning transactions that will be integrated with Nestlé's enterprise resource planning systems (ERP).

The roll out initially involves Nestlé sites across Europe, North America and South America, and will expand to include operations across the rest of the world. Nestlé purchasing professionals in Europe are already working with indirect materials suppliers using Quadrem's applications and services.