Further development of the KAT database
The existing KAT database as a traceability tool is unique in its field. All the production stages, starting with the feedstuff plant via producer establishments, packing stations and marketing outlets to the retail trade, are covered by the system, thus ensuring consistent product traceability. This represents a competitive advantage while offering consumers greater confidence when they purchase eggs.
Owing to the internal restructuring of Transparent Goods GmbH, a member of T-Systems, the database can no longer be supervised and the system will be finished to the end of the year. Rising assurance of origin and quality assurance requirements, including from the retail trade, can no longer be fulfilled. As a result, the contracts between KAT and Transparent Goods as well as with KAT members are to be terminated by mutual agreement in the autumn of 2008.
KAT has commissioned GTCC/Qualitype to reorganise and modernise the database. GTCC together with Qualitype offers information technology services in various sectors. The Qualitrail database solution from GTCC/Qualitype was specially developed for comprehensive and cross-stage tracking and traceability along the value chain, facilitating monitoring in quality assurance systems as well as the targeted recall of goods in cases of crisis. This centralised online information management system is already being successfully used by other quality assurance systems, such as Gütegemeinschaft Ernährung GmbH (Food Quality Union).
The system meets global identification and communications standards (GS1/CCG: EAN*UCC system).
Advantages of the new database:
- No contractual commitment between members and database service provider
- No entry fee
- No monthly basic charges
- Invoicing only through KAT
- Direct linking of deliveries (batch-related)
- Interfaces for smooth transfer from member’s own inventory control system
- Independent updating of master data by members
HDE Trade Services GmbH (HTS) has been commissioned by the German and French retail trade to supervise administratively the implementation of uniform quality standards such as IFS (International Food Standard). The IFS database is managed by the Berlin-based company convivo GmbH. Convivo is a software company which specialises in applications and database development and provides an internet platform for the processing of IFS-compliant audit reports in accordance with HDE requirements.
As part of the database expansion the KAT/IFS standards for food-processing establishments and feedstuff plants will also be integrated into the IFS database in future, through which the relevant certification reports will be provided. This cooperation means simplified processing of the combined audit results between KAT and HTS as well as faster and more consistent certification decisions, while offering more economical combined audits with KAT, IFS and organic certifications.
The data will be transferred from the KAT database to the new Qualitrail database system as soon as possible. To this end, all packing stations, agents and POS must submit a written declaration of consent to Transparent Goods for data protection reasons.
The transfer to the new KAT database is scheduled to take place by no later than 1 October 2008. We will, of course, inform our members fully of the new database system and the required application steps. Instructions will also be made available on entering goods reports. In the event of further queries the Office can be contacted at the following telephone number: +49 (0) 228 95 96 00.
