The food industry is demanding greater automation in their processes, attempting to cut labour costs and improve output as a means of bringing down costs. Automation of manual processes significantly reduces associated errors and removes duplication of activities, ultimately increasing productivity and profitability.
Sanderson's Small Business Solution (SBS) suite, is an entry-level system that provides a platform for integrating production, commercial and administrative processes.
The software is designed to automate business activity including supply chain management, traceability, shop floor data collection, inventory and warehouse.
"With a strong focus on forthcoming changes within the food and processing industry, combined with ongoing software development, SBS ensures food processing companies meet industry regulations, both now and in the future," the company stated.
A key feature of the system is enhanced food manufacture traceability. Additional IT software components can be acquired and added to the system as business needs dictate.
"This scalability provides a cost effective IT solution for small food processing companies operating within the constraints of a limited IT budget," Sanderson stated.
At least two food companies have implemented the software since it was put on the market in August 2005.
Family-run Devonvale Bakery picked SBS to replace two Sage systems, which could no longer support the expanding business, according to a press release from the company.
Another is flavour manufacturer TasteTech. Specialising in microencapsulation, TasteTech produce flavours for the food, neutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Sanderson's SBS will replace a number of systems previously used by TasteTech. SBS will provide TasteTech with enhanced two-way traceability.
SBS will enable the uploading of product data into TasteTech's compliance software package, which facilitates the production of material safety datasheets.