Top 8 GMP Software for Food Manufacturers This Year

If you’re looking for an effective GMP compliance software, start with this curated list.

In the food manufacturing industry, businesses adopt international standards such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), as developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Codex Alimentarius, to protect their customers.

From food safety documentation and employee training to food handling and facility cleanliness, GMPs help food manufacturers ensure their food products’ safety, quality, and consistency.

Now imagine maintaining all that food safety management information with pen and paper…

With all the employee records, standard operating procedures, and monitoring and traceability logs required to get and stay compliant, maintaining a paper-based GMP food safety management system (FSMS) is near impossible.

Thankfully, GMP software solutions exist and you can learn more about the best ones below.

8 Best GMP compliance software in the food industry

1. FoodDocs

FoodDocs offers a comprehensive food safety management system tailored to help food manufacturers comply with GMP standards. The software is designed to simplify the regulatory compliance process through automated workflows and real-time monitoring. FoodDocs is an especially great fit for small to medium-sized food businesses looking for a cost-effective solution with an intuitive interface to manage their GMP food safety practices.

Key GMP software features of FoodDocs:

• Automated documentation: FoodDocs automatically generates required GMP documentation such as: Standard Operating Procedures, site master file, product specifications, food manufacturing instructions, and electronic batch records for traceability. This significantly reduces the manual effort that would otherwise be required of your Food Safety or Quality Manager. This feature also helps ensure that your safety records are accurate, up-to-date, and easy to access.
  
  
• Real-time monitoring: FoodDocs’ FSMS helps team members track Critical Control Points in real time. It allows individuals to quickly identify and address any deviations from standard procedures with corrective action notifications in the mobile app. This proactive approach helps prevent potential food safety issues before they escalate.
  
  
• Audit management: FoodDocs has built-in Audit software that you can use to conduct internal GMP audits monthly, quarterly, or annually. This is helpful for gauging your current GMP compliance and shows to third-party auditors and inspectors that you take food safety seriously. Plus, you can store any external compliance audits in secure file storage as they’re completed. This audit and documentation system makes storing and retrieving relevant information quick and easy.
  
  
• Compliance alerts: The user-friendly FoodDocs mobile app is available on iOS and Android devices. Once you’ve set up food safety monitoring tasks in the desktop app, team members will receive role-based task notifications or corrective action alerts. That way, no one can forget their specific daily tasks which reduces the likelihood of GMP non-compliances.
  
  
• Overview dashboard and remote access: Once your FoodDocs account is up and running, you’ll get an overview of your food safety management system’s health across all business locations. This lets Food Safety and Quality Managers know which locations are (or are not) compliant with GMP standards and gives them the option to do task verification even if they’re not physically at that location!
  
  

Free trial: 14 days
Pricing: $250/month
Available on: Web, iOS, Android

2. MasterControl

MasterControl provides a robust quality management system (QMS) that helps food businesses meet GMP requirements through comprehensive quality control and compliance management. The software is ideal for medium to large enterprises in the food industry that require a scalable solution to manage complex compliance processes.

Key GMP software features of MasterControl:

• Document control: MasterControl offers a centralized document management system that ensures all GMP-related documents are properly version-controlled and accessible to authorized personnel. This feature eliminates the risk of using outdated or incorrect documents in the production process.
• Training management: The software tracks employee training requirements and progress, ensuring that all staff members are adequately trained in GMP procedures. Automated reminders help maintain up-to-date training records, which are critical for compliance.
• CAPA management: MasterControl’s Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) module helps identify, investigate, and resolve non-compliance issues. By systematically addressing these issues, businesses can prevent recurrence and maintain high-quality food safety and hygiene standards.
• Supplier management: The supplier management feature monitors and evaluates supplier performance to ensure compliance with GMP standards. This helps maintain the quality of raw materials and other inputs, which is crucial for producing safe and high-quality food throughout the product life cycle.

Free trial: Available on request
Pricing: Not available on website ($25,000/year via Capterra)
Available on: Web

3. Tulip

Tulip connects frontline manufacturing operations to GMP compliance, providing visibility and control over the manufacturing process. The software is particularly beneficial for medium to large food manufacturers looking for a flexible solution that integrates seamlessly with existing systems.

Key GMP software features of Tulip:

• Digital work instructions: Tulip provides interactive work instructions that ensure consistency in GMP practices across all production shifts. This feature helps standardize processes and reduces the risk of human error.
• Real-time data collection: The software captures data from the production floor in real-time, providing valuable insights into process performance and compliance status. This information can be used to make informed decisions and improve the efficiency of daily operations.
• Quality inspections: Tulip automates quality inspections, recording results and generating reports to ensure compliance with GMP standards. This feature helps maintain high-quality standards and supports continuous improvement efforts.
• Integration capabilities: Tulip integrates with existing ERP systems. This capability ensures that all relevant information is accessible from a single centralized platform, simplifying compliance management.

Free trial: Not available
Pricing: Starting at $100/month
Available on: Web, iOS, Android

4. FoodReady

FoodReady offers a comprehensive solution for GMP compliance with features designed to simplify the documentation and management of food safety practices. The software is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized food manufacturers looking for a user-friendly compliance software with in-house consultants.

Key GMP software features of FoodReady:

• Traceability: The software provides robust traceability features that track ingredients and products throughout the supply chain. This capability is essential for quickly identifying and addressing potential food safety issues.
• Labeling compliance: FoodReady ensures that product labels meet regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance. The software automatically updates label information based on current regulatory standards.
• Corrective actions: The software manages corrective actions to address deviations and non-compliance issues. By documenting and tracking these actions, businesses can ensure that problems are resolved promptly and effectively.

Free trial: 14 days
Pricing: Not available on website
Available on: Web, iOS, Android

If you're interested, dive deeper into our FoodDocs and FoodReady comparison.

5. Safefood 360

Safefood 360 provides a digital platform for food safety management, focusing on GMP compliance and accurate quality control. The software is ideal for medium to large food manufacturers that require a comprehensive solution for managing complex compliance requirements.

Key GMP software features of Safefood 360:

• Risk assessment: Safefood 360 conducts risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential GMP issues. This proactive approach helps prevent food safety problems before they occur.
• Audit management: The software schedules and tracks internal and external audits, ensuring that all compliance activities are documented and easily retrievable. This feature simplifies the audit process and helps maintain continuous compliance.
• Supplier management: Safefood 360 evaluates supplier compliance with GMP standards, helping maintain the quality and safety of raw materials and ingredients. This capability supports a robust supply chain management process.

Free trial: Not available
Pricing: Not available on website
Available on: Web, iOS, Android

6. ETQ Reliance

ETQ Reliance is a flexible QMS that helps food manufacturers manage GMP compliance through comprehensive quality processes. The software is suitable for medium to large enterprises in the food industry that need a scalable and customizable solution for managing quality and compliance.

Key GMP software features of ETQ Reliance:

• Document control: ETQ Reliance centralizes all GMP documents, ensuring they are version-controlled and accessible to authorized users. This feature helps maintain the integrity and accuracy of compliance documentation.
• CAPA: The Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) module helps identify, investigate, and resolve non-conformance issues. By addressing these issues systematically, businesses can prevent recurrence and improve overall quality.
• Training management: ETQ Reliance tracks employee training requirements and progress, ensuring that all staff are adequately trained in GMP procedures. This feature supports continuous compliance and employee competency.
• Supplier quality management: The software monitors supplier performance to ensure compliance with GMP standards. This capability helps maintain the quality of raw materials and supports a robust supply chain management process.

Free trial: Not available
Pricing: Not available on website ($25,000/year via Capterra)
Available on: Web

7. TGI

TGI provides an ERP solution with built-in GMP compliance features tailored for the food industry. The software is ideal for small to medium-sized food manufacturers looking for an integrated solution to manage both operational and compliance requirements.

Key GMP software features of TGI:

• Batch tracking: TGI’s batch tracking feature ensures traceability and compliance by tracking production batches from raw materials to finished products. This capability is essential for identifying and addressing potential food safety issues.
• Regulatory reporting: TGI generates reports to meet regulatory requirements, ensuring that all necessary documentation is available for audits and regular inspections. This capability simplifies compliance verification and reduces the risk of non-compliance.
• Inventory management: The software ensures proper handling and storage of ingredients and products, helping maintain GMP compliance throughout the supply chain. This feature supports efficient inventory management and reduces the risk of contamination.

Free trial: Not available
Pricing: Not available on website
Available on: Web

8. SafetyCulture

SafetyCulture offers a platform for managing GMP compliance with a focus on inspection and quality assurance. The software is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized food manufacturers that need a user-friendly and flexible solution for maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.

Key GMP software features of SafetyCulture:

• Inspection management: SafetyCulture allows users to schedule and conduct inspections using mobile devices, ensuring that all GMP compliance checks are performed consistently and thoroughly. The platform provides customizable inspection templates and real-time reporting, making it easy to identify and address potential issues.
• Incident reporting: The software includes an incident reporting system that enables users to report and track incidents in real-time. This feature ensures that all incidents are documented, investigated, and resolved promptly, reducing the risk of recurrence and enhancing overall safety.
• Audit trail: SafetyCulture maintains a detailed audit trail of all GMP activities, providing a comprehensive record of compliance efforts. This feature is essential for demonstrating compliance during audits and inspections, as it ensures that all actions are traceable and verifiable.

Free trial: 30 days
Pricing: $24/seat/month (free version available dependent on users)
Available on: Web, iOS, Android

What is GMP software in the food industry?

GMP software in the food industry is designed to help manufacturers comply with Good Manufacturing Practices by automating and managing various aspects of food production to ensure product safety and quality. This includes managing documentation, monitoring production processes, conducting audits, and ensuring traceability.

GMP-compliant software ensures that all procedures are standardized, recorded, and compliant with regulatory requirements, ultimately helping to produce safe and high-quality food products.

Benefits of using GMP quality management software to improve food safety

Enhanced efficiency

Automated workflows reduce manual efforts and streamline processes, which leads to increased productivity and fewer errors. Deciding to start digitizing documentation and automating routine tasks with the help of GMP software minimizes (if not eliminates) the need for manual data entry and paper-based processes. All of which saves time while reducing the risk of human error.

GMP software can automate complex processes such as scheduling inspections, tracking corrective actions, and generating compliance reports, allowing employees to focus on more critical tasks that help grow the business.

Improved compliance

Consistent adherence to regulatory requirements through automated compliance tracking and documentation ensures that food products meet safety standards. GMP software provides real-time alerts and reminders for compliance-related tasks, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. It also maintains up-to-date records of all compliance activities, making it easier to demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements during audits.

Ensuring that all processes are standardized and documented with GMP-compliant software helps food manufacturers maintain continuous compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Better decision-making

Real-time data collection and analytics provide insights into production processes, helping to identify and address issues promptly. Many GMP software solutions offer different types of dashboards and reports that highlight key performance indicators and potential areas of concern. This visibility enables managers to make informed decisions quickly, based on accurate and current data.

Identifying trends and patterns in production data will help your business proactively address issues before they escalate.

Increased traceability

Detailed records and traceability features ensure that all ingredients and products can be tracked throughout the supply chain, enhancing accountability. GMP software provides end-to-end traceability, from raw material sourcing to final product distribution. This capability is crucial for quickly identifying and isolating any issues that arise, such as contamination or recalls. Especially in the context of FSMA 204 which requires that you provide the FDA with relevant recall data within 24 hours of their request.

Maintaining detailed records of each product batch, including production dates, lot numbers, and supplier information, businesses can increase transparency and accountability at every stage of the food supply chain.

Cost savings

Food businesses should always try to be optimizing their bottom line. Using GMP compliance software is one of the ways they can reduce errors, food product waste, and rework. As a result, food manufacturers benefit from lower operational costs and while preventing costly recalls or non-compliance penalties.

GMP software will also improve process efficiency and product quality, which will likely reduce food waste while increasing cost savingsThe ability to quickly address and resolve compliance issues also reduces the financial impact of potential non-compliance.

Capabilities the best GMP compliance software should have for food manufacturers

Real-time monitoring

The ability to monitor production processes in real-time ensures that any deviations can be detected and addressed immediately. Real-time monitoring provides continuous oversight of critical control points and other key metrics, allowing for instant detection of anomalies or non-compliance issues.

This capability helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, as corrective actions can be implemented without delay. Maintaining constant vigilance over production processes will help businesses ensure consistent product quality and safety.

Automated documentation

Automatically generating and updating GMP-required documentation helps maintain accuracy and reduces the burden on staff. GMP software automates the creation and maintenance of essential documents, such as Standard Operating Procedures, electronic batch records, and audit reports.

This automation ensures that all documents are consistently formatted, up-to-date, and easily accessible. By reducing the reliance on manual documentation, businesses can improve accuracy and efficiency, making it easier to meet regulatory requirements, pass audits, and earn certifications.

Comprehensive audit management

Facilitating internal and external audits through scheduling, tracking, and reporting helps ensure continuous compliance. GMP software provides tools to plan, execute, and document audits, streamlining the entire audit process. This includes automated scheduling of regular audits, tracking the progress of audit activities, and generating detailed audit reports.

If you start maintaining a comprehensive record of all audit activities and findings early on, businesses can identify areas for improvement while demonstrating compliance — which regulators appreciate.

Mobile access

Allowing certain users to manage compliance tasks from any device ensures that GMP practices can be maintained on the go. Mobile access enables employees to perform inspections, complete digital checklists, and access critical documents from smartphones or tablets.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for businesses with multiple locations or remote operations, as it ensures that Food Safety or Quality Managers can manage compliance tasks in an efective and timely manner, regardless of location.

Integration with other systems

GMP-compliant software that seamlessly integrates with other business systems allows for a unified approach to managing operations and compliance, reducing duplication of effort, and improving data accuracy for things like fridge and freezer temperature monitoring.

Consolidating information from multiple sources will give businesses a holistic view of their operations, leading to better decision-making and more efficient processes. Integration capabilities also ensure that all relevant stakeholders have access to the information they need, promoting a strong food safety culture and consistency across the organization.

Next steps for your GMP software search

As you explore the hopefully-smooth transition from a paper-based system to digital solutions, we hope the details above make your search for the best GMP software for your food manufacturing business easier.

The best thing you can do is to experience the GMP food manufacturing software for yourself. What does that look like?

• Trying out the free trials that GMP compliance software solutions listed above offer
• Booking demos to see how they can fit your specific needs as a food and/or beverage manufacturer
• Coming to those meetings equipped with questions so you can get the most out of them.

Time is scarce and doing these things will help you make informed decisions and ensure that your business remains compliant with GMP standards.