Every processing plant that we visit generates a substantial amount of data. Often the data generated is reviewed after being gathered and then filed. When looking at data only when it is gathered we are missing opportunities to improve food safety and our food safety management system.
First, you must make sure the data being gathered is accurate and represents what is actually happening in your facility. This is something that we sometimes find as auditors. People are performing tasks but not accurately recording what occurred. Each time a measurement is taken it should be recorded to enable those that were not there to see what happened. For example: If a titration is taken and it is not within the established specification the initial titration should be documented not just the final titration after adjustments have been made. Recording only what is expected or ‘good’ results does not paint the full picture.
Once you are confident that the data that is generated is accurate it provided you with information. Information allows you to evaluate your processes and systems and reveals each site’s strengths and areas for opportunity. Once you have the information you can then make decisions.
- What can we do differently?
- What can we do better?
- Do we have the right people in the right positions?
- Are we measuring the right things?
- Is there an area that is slowly declining or slipping out of control that cannot be seen if
just looking at the information on a daily basis? - Is the right data being collected to allow us to have the right information to make the right
decisions?
Essentially, we gather data that provides us with information to make decisions and provides us with the opportunities for continual improvement. We all know that we manage what we measure so use the data that is generated everyday and make your food safety management system as strong as you possibly can.
