The topic of recalls remains red hot. ExpertRECALL by Stericycle released their Recall Index for the second quarter of 2013, and noted:
Where there are recalls, new government regulations may soon follow. Earlier this year, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) released recommendations on improving food traceability for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of the requirements outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The intent is to speed up recalls. The reality could become a compliance nightmare if you don’t have the infrastructure in place to adapt.
At the end of the day, your manufacturing software should be able to tell the story of your business. If recalls are part of that story, expect your technology to support locating and initiating recalls for parts at any level of your assemblies--purchased or manufactured. It’s no longer enough to simply be able the follow the trail of breadcrumbs left by lot and serial numbers; you need to see the complete story of a lot and serial transaction in a visual display. Only then can you take confident action in the face of a recall and manage returns. Make sure that this is a part of your software evaluation process and establish high expectations and standards. The technology is out there that is able to meet your needs.