Record to Report in SAP: quality guaranteed

Food companies need to be able to guarantee the quality and safety of products at all times. Compliance with laws and regulations is an important driver, but consumer satisfaction is equally important. In addition, large supermarket chains impose strict requirements on the products that go on the shelves. SAP, and in particular 'record to report', can play an essential role in this. Record to report is about automating the documentation of information that is crucial for food quality. 

If your company already works with SAP, it is possible to integrate documenting and monitoring directly into business processes. Record to report can also be a driver to switch to ERP software from SAP. 

ERP template for the Food industry, based on SAP S/4HANA

The Food industry has unique challenges which call for customized system solutions. That is why delaware has bundled 20 years of experience in the food industry into a SME template. FAST-Food is a comprehensive ERP template created to help organizations in the Food & Beverage sector to achieve their growth and innovation goals.

Integrated modules

Record to report in SAP consists of several modules that are fully integrated into the ERP software. They monitor critical points in the production chain, from the supply and origin of raw materials to the final check. Anything can be monitored: moisture content, pH value and specific ingredients.  

A good example is the check for allergens in food. The software registers whether somewhere in the production chain raw materials may have come into contact with nuts or gluten. This may not necessarily occur in your own production process – it could also be at the supplier’s. Because the origin of all raw materials is tracked, this information is automatically registered. You can take desired actions accordingly. 

Another example is halal or kosher food. These products must be prepared in a certain way. It may not come in contact with non-halal food. Record to report offers you the possibility to record, and prove (report) this to your customers. 

Therefore, vendor evaluation is a standard part of record to report. Does your supplier have the correct quality certificates like LFS or BRCF? If certifications turn out to be invalid, the system can automatically block them in purchasing processes. 

All data will eventually be reflected in the reports that are generated. You can use this for annual internal or external audits. You can also use it to prove to the market that your product has a certain quality or is of a certain origin.

The role of blockchain

What is the role of blockchain? Whereas documentation can be falsified, this is impossible with blockchain. Data stored and transmitted using blockchain cannot be altered. More and more companies are using blockchain to record the origin of their raw materials. Blockchain technology even makes it possible to trace agricultural products back to a specific farm or field. It is expected that consumers will demand more and more clarity on where products come from. 

 You could say that it is hardly possible for the food industry to operate without some degree of record to report. Requirements are getting more strict, and with increasing globalization, keeping track of origins is essential. 

At delaware, we have all the expertise to help you set up SAP ERP software to meet all quality requirements. Want to know more? Feel free to contact us.