Pinnacle Systems Group, Inc.

PROJECTS
 
For an International Food Processor and Distributor -- a PSG supplied consultant designed and developed a system to manage their production formulas (recipes).  Developed in a Lotus Notes environment, the Formula Management System tracks Suppliers, Test Specifications, Ingredient Tests, Ingredients Specifications, Formulas, Formula Details, Nutritional Facts (in English, French and Spanish), Packaging Information and Production Specifications.  The system manages nine distinctly different documents or record types.  When information is changed in a document, the related information in the other documents/records is automatically updated.  The user has the ability to step from any record to its related records.  As an example, if the user is looking at a Production Run, which has relationships with and is composed of a Formula, Packaging Spec and Nutritional Spec, the user has direct, single-click access to any of these related records.  If the user chooses the formula, direct, single-click access is available to the ingredients that make up the formula.  From the ingredients, direct access is available to the suppliers or the associated tests.  At any of these levels, if the user needs to see in what other products a specific item is utilized, all levels have a dynamically generated "Where Used" list.  With simple clicks of the mouse the user can scan backwards and forwards through the application.  If, while browsing, the user discovers an item that needs updating, all that is needed is to update that item and all related documents/records are updated, as well.

Deployed in a distributed model, management at the corporate facility can make formula and ingredient changes that are instantly available at all of the production locations.  Access is controlled allowing only those with the proper privileges updating authority.  All document/record updates are tracked and audit logs kept.  The system allows for the integration with applications residing on the corporate AS-400 facilitating access to ingredient costs and passing production information for inventory management.  Many different types of reports and printouts are generated using both Lotus Notes and IntelliPRINT to generate them.  There is also a feature to create Excel Workbooks.

In summary, this application will allow the Advanced Food Products Division to better manage their production formulas (recipes).  It tracks everything from the formula ingredient suppliers and the ingredient test all the way to producing the actual printed documents that the production workers use to pull ingredients and produce the product.

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