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Specification management.

Creating and updating specifications is a complex task. Errors in source data can have major consequences. In the event of a recall, raw material data, such as country of origin and composition, must be carefully documented.

From designing and improving an automated specification system to entering and verifying all required data, our consultants have extensive experience in specification management.

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What can we help our clients with?

  • Demonstrate compliance with European regulations, directives and certification requirements.
  • Input from raw material specification to final product specification.
  • Experience with various systems including GS1, ERP, SIM, TraceOne, PIMDAM and PS in Food.
  • Underpinning allergen management with VITAL reports.
  • Nutriscore calculations and advice.
  • Label information in accordance with specific retailer requirements.
  • Automating the product specification process.
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Our approach.

When there is insufficient capacity available in your specification management department, while a large wave of new specifications to be introduced is approaching, you can flexibly use one of our consultants.

Our consultants have ample experience in retrieving all the necessary source data. And with entering the various systems, such as GS1, ERP, SIM, TraceOne, PIMDAM and PS in Food. We always work according to the latest laws and regulations and are familiar with the protocols used by the various retailers. The consultant works at your location or remotely in the digital environment.

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Related trainings.

Frequently asked questions.

What experience does Précon have with the process regarding specifications?

Our consultants have been adding value to clients by advising, guiding or supporting specification management since our founding in 1993. For example, designing and improving an automated specification system or developing a customized specification and labeling policy.

Is it possible to digitize the process of specifications?
Our professionals regularly encounter digitization issues at customer sites. At Précon we use Quasydoc, an integrated software package for managing quality data. In many cases a link can be made with your ERP system. Links with GS1 and PS in Food are also possible. Through the structured input of raw materials, end-product specifications are generated quickly and reliably. Even in the event of a recipe change, ingredients, nutritional values and allergens are adjusted without error. This drastically reduces the chance of errors in labeling.
Can I have my specification management done by Précon?

That's certainly possible. You can outsource all or part of the specification management process to us. Do you temporarily need our help? Even then you can use an interim consultant of Précon.

Our consultants work daily to enter and verify specifications in various systems, such as Quasydoc, Eclarion, PIMDAM, SIM, TraceOne, GS1 and PS in Food. During the process, we contact your raw material suppliers to bring out the required information. When you need to supply specifications to a retailer, we not only ensure that the information entered complies with legislation, but also directly with the relevant retailer's protocol.

My customer asks for a VITAL calculation, now what?

An important part of clear and reliable label information is information on allergen risks. To identify these risks, a VITAL calculation is required. VITAL is a risk assessment system for determining whether noise contamination from allergens should be disclosed on the package.

Our consultants can calculate for you the concentration of the allergen and test it against the set threshold values. If the concentration remains below the threshold value, no warning is needed on the label. If the concentration is higher, the product poses a risk to the allergic consumer and a warning will be placed. To make these calculations, a lot of information must be collected. Cross-contamination may in fact occur in the in-house production process, but may also be present in the raw materials.

The VITAL reports provide a reliable rationale for whether or not cross-contamination should be mentioned on the label.

What information does a specification contain?
In addition to all the legally required information that must be declared on a label, a specification contains additional information about the product, packaging and distribution. This may include organoleptic information, recipe with percentages and countries of origin, microbiological and analytical data, packaging materials, food safety certificates or seals of approval, etc.
There is no single format for a specification, which is why so many different versions exist.

Need help with safe & fair products?

Our professionals will be happy to help you!

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