Summary
Even in 2025, pen and paper are still in use in organisations throughout the UK. But while analogue data keeping offers respite from weight of today’s tech-heavy life, it struggles to cope with the scale and complexity of our data-driven world.
Recognising this, Northern Ireland Food Chain Certification (NIFCC) decided to modernise their processes, migrating their time-consuming pen and paper record keeping to an enterprise application for their teams of inspectors.
Challenge brief
NIFCC faced significant challenges when carrying out farm inspections.
Working across the region, their system relied on completing inspections in person using pen and paper. These paper records were subject to error, misinterpretation, and loss. More crucially, manual input was then required to log the inspection results on NIFCC servers, adding a laborious and inefficient step in the inspections process.
An additional challenge involved managing data processing and inspection scheduling by the office-based administration team.
Preparation
Cranmore held a comprehensive discovery session with NIFCC to understand its requirements, processes, and unique circumstances.
It was agreed that a bespoke solution was required, incorporating a range of technologies.
These included Mobile Agility, Cranmore’s proprietary mobile app platform builder. This in-house software product is based around the MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js (MERN) JavaScript stack.
Using this platform, it would be possible to build a clean, fast app for local farm inspectors. It would include a modern interface for iPad, which was already in use by the inspection team.
In addition, a web portal would be created to allow the office-based administration team to manage the inspection and upload process throughout the journey.
Execution
Cranmore has established a firm reputation for its ASSURED Agile methodology. This was followed throughout, with detailed timelines and checkpoints observed.
ASSURED Agile ensures concise, clear planning, and communication. It is a pivotal aspect of Cranmore’s guaranteed delivery promise throughout the building of the solution.
The app built using Mobile Agility was integrated with an SQL cloud-based database. This ensured a solid connection between devices and backend databases, improving performance and reducing the risk of data loss.
Result
Efficient inspections: Inspections are now carried out more efficiently and with fewer errors.
More robust processes: Moving old paper-based system onto a bespoke app meant inspections no longer had to be submitted physically by post. They could now also be conducted remotely via a video call, removing significant costs. More inspections could also be completed in a working day.
Digital audit trail: The fully digitised system offered significant improvements to record-keeping for auditing purposes. The administration team now had a complete view of inspection history, including those outstanding. The digital records also ensure NIFCC has all necessary records needed to comply with any legal obligations.