In this LIMS case study, we delve into how one of the world’s leading confectionery brands faced challenges and how QLIMS has worked to bring the highest levels of testing for their raw and packaging materials.
The Challenge
To meet high-quality standards, all materials entering the factory are tested before being approved for use. This sees the onsite laboratories testing between 15,000 and 20,000 samples a year.
The senior Site Chemist explains, “We have over 150 raw materials for our products and hundreds of packaging materials as well. Some materials are made at multiple sites by the same supplier, and each site will potentially have a different rating.”
The laboratory faces not only a high volume of materials but also complex testing protocols. Materials are graded by risk level and supplier rating, with high-risk materials from reputable suppliers undergoing more frequent testing. Testing occurs on every fifth or even tenth delivery. To manage this complexity, automation is essential. QLIMS is crucial for maintaining control over the testing process.
The Solution
QLIMS has allowed the manufacturer to test large volumes of materials, with algorithms managing test frequency depending on their risk assessment of the material, supplier and site.
Their Site Chemist explains how QLIMS helps manage this, “From our warehouse deliveries I’ll simply key in the QLIMS material codes, batch numbers, container numbers, palette numbers, and all the data that we need to clear material into the plant.”
QLIMS allows laboratory users to configure the supplier testing requirements via the Sample Type Manager. Using the reduced testing methodology, we can specify how often testing is required on materials on a per-supplier basis. Customized QLIMS reporting aligns with the confectioner’s strict testing criteria. Materials receive a green or red light, indicating whether they can proceed into the warehousing system.
The Results
In food manufacturing laboratories there is simply no room for error. The QLIMS system is essential for the business to manage traceability to guarantee the quality their customers expect and to protect its valuable brand reputation.
The Site Chemist highlighted QLIMS as a vital component of the confectioner’s quality assurance for over 11 years. In case of a recall, they can quickly trace the pallets of raw materials used in a particular item. QLIMS provides immediate visibility from the material’s delivery into the warehouse to its exit from the site. This level of tracking, including the production line and end product details, would be impossible without QLIMS.
Ready to take your laboratory operations to the next level with QLIMS, just as the confectioner did? Your path to streamlined lab operations begins with a simple click, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
