Best SQF Software
Are you looking to get your facility and food manufacturing process SQF certified? Do you want to go with a digital system that will get rid of all those cumbersome binders full of documents? Then a SQF software system is the way you want to go. We have gathered a list of the 10 best SQF software solutions for you so you can make an informed decision and get started on your path to SQF certification.
What is SQF Software?
SQF software is food safety software that contains features and modules that can be used to prepare for and pass a SQF audit to obtain SQF certification.
Why do you need SQF Software?
SQF software is quickly becoming a necessity for food manufacturers. Having SQF software gives you a digital food safety system which reduces paperwork and labor costs. It also makes it much easier to retrieve documents associated with your food safety system for the purposes of inspections and recalls.
Why do you need SQF Certification?
SQF certification is important because it is a highly valued food safety standard, many food manufacturers are looking for SQF software to help obtain their food safety goals and pass SQF audits. Today we are going to look at the 10 best SQF software companies to help you pinpoint which food safety company fits your needs.
Top SQF Software for Food and Beverage Companies in 2024
Discover the top SQF software that will help you get SQF-certified.
FoodReady
Free version: 14-Day Free Trial Available
Pricing: Get Custom Packages for your Business
Platforms supported: Cloud-based software and available on mobile (iOS and Android)
Introducing FoodReady SQF software, your trusted partner for improving the efficiency of your food safety system. Our HACCP builder, software, and mobile app provide features designed to offer complete visibility and control. Be audit-ready at all times, including for any third-party audits such as SQF, GFSI, GMP, BRC, and USDA with FoodReady. Our certified SQF consultants can assist you with writing, implementing, and auditing your SQF program efficiently. Don’t wait to elevate your food safety standards with FoodReady!
FoodReady features:
1. HACCP Builder
- 80+ HACCP / PCP Plan Templates.
- Biological / Chemical / Physical Hazards Database.
- Implement Critical Control Point (CCP) Logs with Bluetooth Thermometer Integration.
- Drag-drop flow chart builder.
2. Operation Checklists
- Easy ‘Drag-Drop’ Checklist Builder with Custom Controls such as Conditional If / Then Logic, Multi-Select Drop Downs, Max-Min Temperature and Numeric Values, and more.
- Replace Excel Spreadsheets with “Grid View” Sheets available in the Mobile App.
- Task Scheduling & Notifications.
- Shipping and Receiving Logs and Inspections for Traceability.
- Quality Control Signature Workflows for Deviations & Corrections.
3. Batch Management and Inventory Database
- Batch / Production Run Management With Associated CCP Logs and Quality & Food Safety Checklists.
- Recipe Formulation, Bill of Materials, and Lot Traceability Management.
- Track Quantity on Hand, Work in Progress, and minimum quantity alerts with Inventory Management.
- Purchase Order and Sales Order Management.
- Integration with Quickbooks™
4. Traceability and Recall
- Recall Plan & Mock Recall Management.
- Product Complaint Tracking.
- Receiving & Shipping Lot Traceability and Sales Order and Purchase Order Tracking.
- Receiving GS1 Barcode Scanning.
5. Automated Supplier Document Management
- Supplier Upload Portal
- Easily manage hundreds or thousands of required supplier documents in one place.
- Automatically emails suppliers with document requests.
- Save months of effort managing hundreds or thousands of files.
6. Monitoring and Verification
- Real-time list of CCP logs and checklists for Management Review.
- Generate Corrective Action Reports and CAPA Logs to address Deviations.
- Real-Time Notifications if Monitoring Limits are breached or additional reviews are needed.
- Pairable with Thermoworks bluetooth thermometer for temperature monitoring.
7. Environmental Monitoring
- Environmental Swabbing Documentation.
- Organize Areas, Zones, Locations, Indicators, Pathogens, and Testing Frequency.
- Testing Scheduler with Notifications and Reusable Templates.
- Integration with Alliant Food Safety Labs and other 3rd Party Laboratories.
8. Cloud Based System with Mobile App
- Real-time updates from employee’s mobile apps visible on the web system at any location.
- English and Spanish versions of the mobile app.
- Compatible with Mac and Android
9. Food Safety Expert Consultants
- Staff trained in GFSI benchmarked standards like SQF Certification, BRC Certification, HACCP creation and certification.
- One of the company’s founders is a GFSI benchmarked standards auditor and food safety expert with 25 years of experience.
GFSC Group
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact GFSC Group for more info
Platforms supported: Web, Android, iOS
Food Safety Plus is an easy to use paperless, cloud-based platform that will help your business reduce compliance risk that is also affordable.
GFSC Group Features:
1. Document Control System
2. Cloud-Based Software
3. Both Web and Mobile App
4. Dedicated Portal for Supplier Management
5. Keeps Documents Available for Accessibility During 3rd-Party Audits
6. Food Safety Experts Available for Consulting
IFoodDS
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact IFooDS for more info
Platforms supported: Web
IFoodDS features:
1. Real-time visibility
2. Can send real-time risk alerts to employees.
3. Can capture assessment data from the production floor real-time and provide visibility to managers.
4. Cloud-based document management system with mobile app that can document with photos, store and access documents.
5. Can identify recurring issues and trends with comprehensive reports and dashboards.
6. Will help you comply with all of the audit Certification Program Owners (CPOs).
SynergySuite
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact SynergySuite for more info
Platforms supported: Web, Android, iOS
SynergySuite is an all-in-one food safety software system for one or dozens of businesses or restaurants.
SynergySuite features:
1. Can easily record food temperatures and connect to bluetooth thermometers.
2. Can set notifications for when corrective actions are needed.
3. You can create custom tasks and checklists within the software.
4. You can set recurring tasks and checklists.
5. Prevent food spoilage by setting delivery temperatures.
6. Monitor suppliers and get failure notifications relating to equipment failures.
QT9qms
Free version: Free trial available
Pricing: Contact QT9qms for more info
Platforms supported: Web
Automate and connect your quality management systems with QT9qms.
QT9qms Features:
1. Online Document Control.
2. Tracks Process Deviations.
3. Complaint and Feedback Management.
4. Personalized Employee Training Tests
5. Assign tasks, electronic approvals, and email alerts.
6. Assign risk scores, approvals, tasks, priorities.
SafetyChain
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact SafetyChain for more info
Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Update all of your associated documents, records, programs and tasks with real-time data using SafetyChain.
SafetyChain features:
1. Mobile forms
2. Receive real-time reports and notifications.
3. HACCP Plan Management
4. Pre-op and sanitation program management.
5. Corrective actions management.
6. Task scheduling and assignment.
TrackWise
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact TrackWise for more info
Platforms supported: Web
Sparta’s TrackWise has helped the industry consistently and effectively deliver quality products to market for over 25 years.
TrackWise features:
1. Document management
2. Intuitive user interface
3. Comprehensive module with quality, complaints, documents, training, supplier quality and CAPA
4. Complaint management
5. Can help streamline supplier ingredient qualification processes
Intelex
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact Intelex for more info
Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Intelex features:
1. Helps you to maintain FDA FSMA compliance.
2. Helps you manage internal or external audits.
3. Conduct raw material inspections.
4. Conduct proactive supplier audit and risk assessments
5. Streamline document control
FoodLogiQ
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact FoodLogiQ for more info
Platforms supported: Web, Android, iOS
FoodLogiQ features:
1. FoodLogiQ optimizes your supply chain, centralizes your supplier management, and controls quality issues.
2. Reduces the time it takes to access required documentation.
3. Embrace FDA FSMA compliance
4. Improve food traceability, and increase supply chain transparency.
5. Accurately respond to food recalls
Effivity
Free version: Not available
Pricing: Contact Effivity for more info
Platforms supported: Web
Effivity features:
1. Risk and opportunity management module.
2. HACCP hazard control module.
3. Human resources compliance module.
4. Marketing module.
5. Supplier selection and approval module.
6. PRP module.
7. Recall management module.
FAQs About Best SQF Software
What Are the Pros of SQF Certification?
There are many benefits that come with being SQF certified such as improved food safety culture, increased product integrity, and enhanced food safety programs. SQF helps to meet buyer and regulatory requirements. SQF certification is recognized internationally and is also a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) benchmarked standard. Your food packaging, processing, or food retail business can build confidence and trust with customers, who will feel secure knowing that you have a rigorous food safety and/or quality management system in place.
Is SQF the most comprehensive of food safety certifications?
Yes, SQF certification is considered one of the best food safety certifications you can achieve. SQF is also considered a tougher audit to pass than GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). FoodReady’s expert Food Safety Team can help you navigate this challenging certification process by performing a gap assessment, documentation development, program implementation assistance, and internal or pre- audits of your process and facility.
Is SQF is often required by buyers?
Many times yes, SQF certification can be a requirement for many food retailers and buyers. A SQF certification will make your food product eligible to get into retail stores such as Walmart, Whole Foods, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Meier.
Does SQF protects your brand’s integrity?
Yes, SQF certification protects your brand’s integrity by making sure your product is safe for the consumer and that you as a manufacturer are continually upgrading and maintaining the quality of your products.
How do you prepare for and pass a SQF audit?
To get SQF certified, a third-party SQF auditor must be brought into your facility to examine your manufacturing process and ensure the facility is meeting the stringent requirements of the SQF Institute and the United States Government. Each category of food manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution must meet the standards on the SQF audit checklists. Here’s our detailed guide on How to Prepare for an SQF Audit?
What Should a Good SQF Software Program Do?
SQF is a difficult and sometimes expensive certification to achieve, so it is important to find a food safety system that does as much for you digitally as possible, and is affordable for your food manufacturing business.
You need a system that can help you create HACCP plans and keep their associated logs and SOPs, handle batch and lot management, inventory management, food traceability and recalls, and document management.
Do You Need a SQF Consultant AND SQF Software?
Well it all depends on the QA staff you have in place, their past experience with SQF audits and the training they have in place. If you have limited quality assurance staff that is not trained in SQF, in order to pass your SQF audit you may need both. If you have a well trained team of quality assurance staff you may just need SQF software.
Who Performs SQF Audits?
Certification Bodies or “CB’s” administer these audits under the guidance of SQF through trained auditors. The audit includes an assessment of how your facility implements the requirements of the SQF Code, as well as how it complies with related regulations and standards.
