5 replies to this topic

[Simon]

There are a few 'off the shelf' HACCP software programs on the market and then there's MS packages such as Word and PowerPoint. I wondered what the members of the forums use to create their HACCP's and why?

Regards,
Simon

[Charles Chew]

Simon,

Generic off-the-shelf HACCP software programs are very useful aids for those who have absolutely no inkling of what HACCP is and how to approach a Haccp Plan development program.

However, there are only as good as what they can do up to the level as a generic model in the form of a guideline. As it is so different from that of say, an ISO 9K development set up, a HACCP Plan is truly a living set of documents subject to changes and challenges all the time and is designed to meet the dynamic requirements of an environment.

While software programs are not exactly all encompassing, it serves to play an important role in providing a good footing for any HACCP Team in achieving solid fundamentals and basis for further advancements.

Yes, I would strongly encourage procurement of external software programs to help heighten knowledge and be up to speed with the latest techniques as well.

Charles Chew

[Franco]

We use MS Word, Excel, Visio and they've been working pretty well so far together with an Intranet and a Mail Client for document sharing.

No need to use specific SW.

We're currently planning to buy a Document Management System SW but it will be used for the whole company documentation, not only for HACCP Management.

[yorkshire]

We have QSA software for HACCP but only tend to use this for document status and control. I tend to use Excel and Word for documenting the HACCP and then issue out internally as pdf files using Adobe Acrobat.

The problems with the generic package include:

Lack of flexibility

No risk assesment

HACCP format not always to Codex standards

I agree with Charles that these are only good for novices but would think the money was better spent on some good HACCP training.


P.S. If your after a free way of converting Word files to pdf try Open Office for either Linux or Windows.

[Simon]

I agree once the HACCP methodology is learned and you get your own comfortable format, then I personally feel that MS word, excel and access are sufficient tools. Using hyperlinking techniques and company networks / intranets you can get great results that allow you to share documents and images and allow for easy document control.

How much does HACCP software cost? Is anyone using it to great effect?

Regards,
Simon

[Charles Chew]

Interestingly, I was only asked yesterday to provide a HACCP implementaton program over say 8 to 10 months (inclusive of all training) for a company that would need me to travel a flight journey of about 3 hours.

Obviously, the distance itself does not provide me the privilege of seeing my potential client as readily as I would want to be. Therefore, breaking down the implementation format into "digestable" modules is important. (The same goes to all external and internal training and implementation programs, anyway)....so there is really no difference here except for lack of "real communicable" contact.

In this case, I have to take the e-Haccp platform which would incorporate webcam (active) and email contacts (passive). Non-interactive formats used would be Powerpoint and Words. Training materials in adobe or words. With all of the above, initial implementation requires travel to obtain core information. After that, its all about interactive communication until validations and verifications are in order for "on-site" confirmation again.

For those who have branches and offices in other countries or states, you may want to consider this as a cost-saving approach not only in your implementation but probably establish you own e-training systems. But it does have its limitations for internal applications, however, if managed right, you would achieve integrated and consistent policy implementation and also serve as an internal verification tool as well.

Regards
Charles Chew