11 replies to this topic

[MrHillman]

Hello friends, we received an email from Repositrak saying we MUST register with them ASAP.

I understand if a customer requests it then we must do so, but I've never heard of them until now. Is it required to register with Repositrak? Our budget is real tight right now, yes we would love to have ALL the bells and whistles but right now just the necessities.

[FSQA]

IMO: it is a voluntary and optional management option.

Unless a customer demands it, I dont believe that you are required to register with them.

[nwilson]

The ReposiTrak portal is used not only for customer requirements documentation management, for bridging the gap between SQFI and the Certification Body.  We get notifications for both (any SQF related are communicated via email from the CB) and only have to pay an annual fee for the SQF annual registration portion.  You may just have customers requesting to collect documentation, which you would need to register to access the information requested.  There are other similar platforms that only require the registration and no fee as you are only submitting requirements based on a customer who is paying the annual fee.  If there is any mention to a customer in the notifications you are receiving then it might be pertinent to reach out to them and see if they are using the platform.  You can also reach out to ReposiTrak directly to ask for more information.  

 

https://www.ac.parkc...ink4.cgi/submit

 

A word to the wise if you do end up registering with the portal, some customers might try and bill you the supplier for some of the annual costs, so better to read up on the contacts as well.  

Edited by nwilson, 27 December 2018 - 07:37 PM.

[Setanta]

You will need to register with them. 

[Mulan1010]

I reach out to whoever is listed as the contact in the e-mail to get clarification.  However, please note that if you are SQF Certified then there is an annual fee that must be paid for that certification and for us we have to sign in and pay it through Repositrak.  The cost of the registration depends on how much money your company makes annually.

[Scampi]

Yes, SQF requires you use repositrak to register for audits and pay the annual SQF registration fee (which by the way is going up this year)

[MrHillman]

What do you get from them for the fees?

Hesitant right now, our owner is overseas and I don't feel comfortable with this for the single reason I've never heard of it before.

Then again, I'm fairly new to this and would hate NOT follow SQF procedure. Can't seem to find Repositrak anywhere in the SQF book.

The email sounded like a sales push. If I contact Repositrak, I'm 100% sure they will say we need to register with them. Just like the car salesperson who says the undercoating is absolutely necessary. 

[Scampi]

My CB actually requested that I be registered on repositrak prior to them starting the process as I have to request the audit through there. Your customers can then also register and see your audit report.

 

This should help

https://www.sqfi.com...-10.01.2018.pdf

 

It's an SQFI guide on registering with repositrak

 

If i were you, I would call SQFI directly and ask them if this can be delayed until the owners return

[Scampi]

This may also be of assistance in understanding this requirement

 

https://www.foodnavi...hnology-partner

[MrHillman]

Thanks Scampi, and everyone else.

I just don't have the experience to know these things yet, I did ask our consultant, he said not unless customer requests it. We have product for Costco and Trader Joe's so pretty sure they will want it. This year is going to be our surprise audit, not worried in the least, except this Repositrak thing.

[Scampi]

MrHillman....I also don't see the point of another 3rd party fee, but its the way it is. 

 

You should have to pay the annual registration fee no matter what........SQFI charged $250 last year which is based on revenue..........this year the fee here will be $300

 

Dear SQF Stakeholder:

After holding the line on registration fees since 2014, we find it necessary to raise the 2019 rate by $50 in each registration fee category.  This modest increase is to maintain the level of expert online and in-person service that you expect from our program. The new fee table for 2019 is copied below and will go into effect January 1, 2019.

Overview of SQF Registration Fee Increase - 2019

 

Size of Supplier

2018 Fee

2019 Fee

>$50M

$600

$650

$25M-$50M

$500

$550

$5M - $25M

$350

$400

<$5M

$250

$300

Primary Producers

$100

$150

 

* This change marks the first annual site fee price increase since 2014.

This includes an increase in registration of $50 for primary producer’s (A) category in the new fee table.  We offer this lower registration rate for primary producers, that is, (primary food sector categories are (FSC) 1,2,3 & 5-6) The primary food sectors are for growers and ranchers of livestock, sprouted seeds, produce and nuts, broad acre agricultural operations and seafood.  It is not for processing facilities, pack-houses, manufacturing operations, or packaging facilities.

Our analysis showed that this category has been severely abused in the past.  We surveyed (A) registrants recently and found that a significant number, 203, of those registering as $100(A) were not primary producers at all.

The SQFI team contacted each of these suppliers. Most are food manufacturers and a number are large companies. It took a significant amount of time and resources to clear up the misuse of the category.

We will be monitoring this category in 2019, and there will be penalties levied on SQFI certified sites that misuse the primary FSCs.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation, and for choosing to be an SQF certified supplier.

Sincerely,

Robert Garfield

[Peak]

Hi All,

 

Please keep in mind that in most instances this is not sent because of a customer requirement but to pay the annual dues to register for SQF as shown above.  You must have these dues PAID before your certification body can confirm the audit with the auditor and come on site.  Once registered you are able to view your audits.