1. Traceability from raw material to finished product
The challenge:
In a market with ever stricter regulations (IFS, BRC, ISO) and frequent audits, it is crucial to know where every raw material comes from, where it has been used, and who has handled it.
Many food manufacturers still rely on spreadsheets or paper-based records, which are error-prone and time-consuming during inspections.
Impact:
- Difficult to quickly trace batches.
- High audit pressure and increased risk of non-compliance.
Momentum solution:
- End-to-end Track & Trace: every ingredient, recipe, batch, and operator is digitally logged.
- Audit readiness: retrieve the complete product history with a single click.
- Real-time dashboards: full, up-to-date visibility of what is happening on the shop floor.
2. Unpredictable demand, product mix, and living raw materials
The challenge:
Food producers constantly face fluctuating order volumes driven by seasons, promotions, retail expectations, or even the weather. On top of that, raw materials are living products, with natural variations in quality, size, moisture content, and structure.
These fluctuations make planning, inventory management, and workforce allocation highly complex.
Impact:
- Overproduction or stockouts.
- Inefficient use of machines and personnel.
Momentum solution:
- Optimization algorithm-based planning (APS): production planning optimized using configurable constraints.
- Real-time rescheduling: Momentum automatically adjusts planning based on actual production influences.
- Optimal resource utilization: operators and machines are deployed where they create the most value.
3. Frequent label and packaging changes
The challenge:
Private label production and export markets result in a massive variety of labels, languages, and customer specifications.
Incorrect labeling can lead to costly recalls or reputational damage.
Impact:
- Incorrect labeling or packaging.
- Significant time loss during product changeovers.
Momentum solution:
- Dynamic labeling tool: automatically links the correct customer and product specifications to the production line.
- Printer and ERP integration: always the correct label version.
- Real-time verification: prevents human errors during changeovers.
4. Keeping quality and audits under control
The challenge:
Quality checks are often performed manually or after the fact, meaning errors are detected too late.
At the same time, audits must be completed faster and supported entirely by digital evidence.
Impact:
- Risk of non-conformities or product holds.
- Time-consuming audit preparation.
Momentum solution:
- Integrated Quality Management System (QMS): with inline and nearline testing.
- Digital signatures and validations: fully paperless auditing.
- Real-time alerts: immediate action through CAPA or NCR when deviations occur.
5. Human error and loss of knowledge
The challenge:
Production staff are required to juggle more and more tasks.
New employees often lack experience with complex recipes or processes, while experienced operators leave the organization.
Impact:
- Inconsistent production results.
- Loss of critical shop-floor knowledge.
Momentum solution:
- Digital operator guidance: step-by-step on-screen instructions, including tolerances and checks.
- Smart workflows: errors are automatically prevented or corrected.
- Central knowledge base: procedures and best practices remain accessible for every shift.
Conclusion
The food industry is under growing pressure to produce faster, more flexibly, and without errors—while meeting increasingly strict audit and customer requirements.
With Momentum, you don’t just digitalize processes—you make them predictable, traceable, and scalable.
“From recipe to label — fully digital, predictable, and compliant.”
