Specification management

Higher demands call for action – Specification management essential

More and more products are being introduced to the market, from scoop ice cream to a new kind of bread. As a consumer, it’s hard to keep track of all these new developments. At the same time, it’s quite a challenge for producers to distinguish themselves with their product. Common ways to convince consumers to purchase their product are marketing, product development, Unique Selling Points (USPs), and sustainability. However, one way that is often not considered is ‘specification management’.

Specification management is still a relatively new term. It means ‘the recording of all product-specific requirements and information’. This may not seem very appealing at first glance, but where products used to be easily introduced to the market without traceability or background information, this is no longer permissible today. Additionally, simply describing the process is no longer enough. It is necessary for producers to have access to various sources of information such as ingredient lists, certificates, process parameters, etc. Customers are making increasingly higher demands on specifications, such as requiring fewer e-numbers in products. In addition, suppliers often ask producers to put the specifications into their own systems. It is only when a company has easy access to this information that control over food quality and safety is truly possible.

Specification management is crucial for good labeling

Specification management lies at the foundation of a label. Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 specifies the requirements that a label must meet to be allowed on the market. This makes it very important for producers to have the product specifications arranged in an internal system; allowing the data to be easily transferred to a customer’s system and for a label to be created.

Specification management and sustainability

Specification management also plays a role in the area of sustainability. For example, the subject of ‘packaging’ is an important topic within specification management. By recording packaging data, a company can better manage its packaging streams and demonstrate reductions in packaging materials. The same applies to recycling – this subject is closely related to packaging. Customers are also making more and more demands in this regard, such as making more use of recyclable packaging.

Mérieux NutriSciences helps with specification management

Specification management is not something you have to do yourself. Mérieux NutriSciences’ specification management department can help you out with the entry of product specifications into various systems and portals. This department masters the systems and requirements of the buyers, and works in a focused way on drawing up specifications on behalf of the producer. Especially against the background of constantly moving legislation, it is nice when a producer can count on a team of specialists that is up to date. Also, specification management never stops, as certificates expire and formats change. Our team can offer you permanent expert support.