Customer: CSM Ingredients
Objective
The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure that CSM Ingredients can effectively communicate to their customers the exact list of ingredients used in each specific product batch. Given that ingredients may change over time due to seasonal variations, supplier substitutions, or formulation updates, it is critical to provide accurate, up-to-date information in the customer's preferred language. This enhances transparency, builds customer trust, and ensures compliance with regulatory and labeling requirements.
Challenges
- Ingredient Data Extraction from SAP: Extracting accurate, batch-specific ingredient information from the SAP S4 PLM system can be complex due to the volume of data, multiple product versions, and varying language requirements.
- QR Code URL Synchronization: Each batch requires a unique QR code URL that links to its specific landing page. Synchronizing this data with SAP for label printing solutions is critical to ensure that the correct batch information is communicated to end customers.
- Multi-language Communication: Customers may require ingredient information in different languages. Generating and maintaining batch-specific landing pages that support multiple languages adds additional complexity to the workflow.
- Data Accuracy and Compliance: Maintaining accuracy across all platforms and communication channels is essential to comply with food labeling regulations and to prevent misinformation that could affect consumer safety or satisfaction.
Solution
- Digital Product Management at Batch Level: Implementing a robust digital product management system that operates at the batch level allows CSM Ingredients to track and manage product information dynamically, ensuring that every batch has accurate ingredient data.
- API Integration with SAP S4 PLM: Through seamless API integration, ingredient lists and QR code URLs are synchronized directly from SAP S4 PLM to the label printing and communication platforms. This ensures that any changes in formulations are automatically reflected in real-time, reducing manual effort and risk of errors.
- Automated Multi-language Landing Pages: Batch-specific landing pages are auto-generated with full ingredient lists in the customer's preferred language. This provides a clear, accessible, and consistent experience for customers worldwide, improving transparency and trust.
- GS1 Digital Link Standard for Batch Identifiers: This project leverages the new GS1 Digital Link Standard to provide globally unique, standardized identifiers for batch-based information. This ensures interoperability, traceability, and easy access to batch data through QR codes or other digital links.
- Enhanced Data Traceability and Reporting: Every batch is fully traceable, with version-controlled ingredient lists and QR code tracking. Analytics and reporting tools provide insights into customer interactions, helping to optimize communication and supply chain transparency.
- Scalability and Flexibility: The system is designed to accommodate future growth, including the addition of new languages, product lines, or customers, without major reconfiguration, ensuring long-term sustainability of the solution.
Benefits
- Improved Customer Trust: Accurate, timely, and localized information strengthens the brand's credibility and customer loyalty.
- Regulatory Compliance: Automated, accurate labeling ensures compliance with international food regulations.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduced manual data entry, fewer errors, and automated processes save time and resources.
- Scalable and Flexible Solution: Easily extendable to additional products, languages, and markets.
- Enhanced Traceability: Full visibility into batch composition, enabling faster response in case of recalls or inquiries.
Implementation Highlights
- Integration of SAP S4 PLM with label printing and digital communication platforms via secure APIs.
- Automated workflow for batch-specific QR code generation and URL management.
- Multi-language support for global customer base.
- Real-time updates to landing pages reflecting any formulation changes.
- Use of GS1 Digital Link Standard as identifiers for Batch-based information.
- Reporting and analytics dashboards for tracking ingredient communication performance.
