Software increases efficiency of deli food producer

GERMAN fresh food producer Kugler Feinkost Gmbh has increased its efficiency and traceability following the use of CSB-System software to control and monitor the company’s entire process from initial customer orders to final delivery.  

The Parsdorf-based food company has over 260 employees at a state-of-the-art production facility with an annual output of 10,650 tons of deli salads, antipasti and convenience products. Since 2004, staff and production volumes have doubled, and are expected to grow even further.

Production at the company's state-of-the-art facility

Kugler Feinkost products do not contain preservatives therefore smooth production and logistic processes are essential. Raw materials and ingredients must arrive on demand and in time. Seamless traceability is also mandatory.  The CSB-System software is able to meet all these requirements.

“CSB-System’s IT supports and optimizes our processes. It enables us to produce and deliver our goods in a fast, reliable and flexible manner,” explains Managing Director Oliver Kugler.  “If you place your orders before noon you can receive your goods the next day.”

Procurement and inventory software aids staff in serving over 1500 customers across various sales channels including telephone, EDI, e-mail and fax

During receipt of orders, CSB-System’s procurement and inventory software aids staff in serving over 1500 customers across various sales channels including telephone, EDI, e-mail and fax. The software streamlines the order entry process as employees can enter orders directly into the system allowing them to be approved for production.  It also supports staff in order entry, because they can easily see on screen all relevant details about order behaviour, products, quantities, prices and inventory stocks.                                                                                                                        

The required raw materials are ordered from the vendors directly via the software. Effective product scheduling is ensured as staff can always retrieve any information related to the orders, allowing them access to all relevant details when the ordered goods are being received.  The system also ensures that all the company’s stringent quality tests are adhered to, as well as checking that the exact amount of goods ordered has been delivered – if there are any discrepancies, this is then automatically reflected in the amount paid to the supplier.

Each production batch has dedicated CSB-Racks; industry specific workstations with integrated scales for automatic data capture. The software precisely indicates raw materials to be used and weight specifications for each product. If an item exceeds the defined weight parameters the batch is automatically rejected and discharged from production, ensuring consistent quality control as well as optimal use of materials.

The CSB Racks ensures efficient processing of each scheduled production step

The CSB Racks facilitate efficient processing of each scheduled production step in accordance with the relevant specifications. Operators must confirm every procedure on screen for the process to continue. Item weight is rechecked on filling lines.

After filling, the system automatically generates corresponding labels and carries out inventory posting.  Along with nutritional values and allergens required by the new FIR (EU Food Information for Consumers regulation), the label includes an EAN-128 code and lot number. This means that every product can be split into its raw material components, allowing Kulger Feinkost to guarantee seamless end-to-end traceability of all its products throughout the production process. 

In packing, operators are equipped with mobile terminals alongside the CSB-Racks.  This enhances ease-of-use. They receive the orders directly to their data entry devices and process them line item by line item by scanning the EAN-128 code on the products. Simultaneously the software documents all stock entries, automatically generating delivery notes and invoices.

Since all data is captured and processed at origin, there is no need for manual input multiple times or at different places. Kugler Feinkost finds this very important.

“Our distinct profile in terms of on-demand production of daily fresh convenience products only works if the IT system is highly integrated and supports all processes,” concludes Oliver Kugler.