RedBlack Software launches BakePlan Software division to focus on instore bakery sector
According to CyBake architect and founder of RedBlack, Jane Tyler, following a project to improve availability and reduce waste at M&S’ instore bakeries throughout the UK and Ireland, it became clear that the needs of the large modern retail grocer diverge considerably from those in the instore bakery environment.
Tyler, who is also the vice chair of British Society of Baking (BSB), said major grocery retailers have large, complex systems that don’t always cater well for the specific needs of bakery departments that have a bake-off operation.
Two co-joined entities
Hence the subdivision of the company into two distinct corporate entities, RedBlack Software Ltd and BakePlan Software Ltd.
“We found there is rarely any provision for multi-wave planning to support a little-and-often baking model nor any practical means of capturing information about what has actually been baked,” said Tyler.
“BakePlan is an easy way grocers can tackle availability and freshness, which are big differentiators in consumers’ minds, at the same time as working towards their commitments to cutting food waste.”
RedBlack Software will continue to serve the independent craft bakery sector in the UK and Ireland, while BakePlan Software’s focus will be tailored for the retail grocery and convenience store sectors across Europe.
Tyler will retain her position as MD of both companies.
360° view of bakery
RedBlack Software’s program Cybake gives bakers full visibility of their business, with modernized recipe management, stock control, traceability and foods-standard compliance among its features.
BakePlan is software production forecasting system that the company claims cuts waste, increases sales and improves product availability in instore bakeries and bake-from-frozen operations.
The program also has the ability to inform staff of the best combination of products to bake at the right times during the day via tablets or mobiles.
“BakePlan is already undergoing trials with potential new users in this sector,” said Tyler.
