Meeting Requirements of Food Safety Modernization Act 204 with JDE World and EDI 856

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204* is focused on revolutionizing food traceability, demanding enhanced data capture and sharing across the supply chain. For one of our clients, ensuring compliance with this rule for their customer was paramount.  

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 is important because it helps ensure a safer food supply by requiring the tracking of high-risk foods. This improved traceability allows for faster identification and removal of contaminated products, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Ultimately, it builds consumer trust by increasing transparency and accountability in the food system. It also enhances supply chain visibility, helping manufacturers quickly trace and address food safety issues, reduce recall costs, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Editorial Note: The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 has been postponed until 2028. Our client decided to implement this project at the customer's request because of the benefits provided. 

Project Summary

This project focused on customizing the JDE World processes so that our client could extract key information from JD Edwards’ Order Management and Inventory modules, including shipment dates, product codes, quantities, and carrier details. The data was then formatted to meet the customer's EDI data requirements before being securely transferred to the customer via the Advanced Ship Notice (ASN). 
 
Our client is now compliant with FMSA 204, has greater traceability of the products being shipped in case of product recalls, and by using an automated process, they are reducing the need for manual intervention and potential errors. And by making the updates, they are also demonstrating a commitment to their customer, thus potentially improving that relationship. 

This blog post details our journey to meet FSMA 204 requirements and improve food safety.  

Understanding FSMA 204 and Traceability  

FSMA 204 mandates that food businesses track and trace specific foods throughout the supply chain. Accurate and timely ASN data is vital for this, enabling rapid identification of potentially contaminated products and facilitating swift recalls. By providing detailed shipment information, both our client and their customer can bolster consumer confidence and minimize risks.  

The Challenge: JDE World and Legacy Systems  

Our client, like many established businesses, relies on JD Edwards World, a robust but legacy ERP system. Integrating modern traceability requirements with such systems can be complex. We needed to extract and format ASN data from JDE World’s EDI processes, which, while functional, required customization to meet the specific demands of FSMA 204.  

Steps to take to comply:

• Identify applicable products by understanding the requirements and tracing the products in the supply chain  

• Develop a traceability plan by establishing a system and project plan  

• Implement traceability procedures by maintaining records  

• Ensure ongoing compliance by staying informed and conducting periodic audits 

The Solution: ASN Data Extraction and Transfer  

Our solution involved a multi-step process:  

1. Data Extraction: We customized JDE World’s EDI processes to extract the necessary ASN details, including shipment dates, product codes, quantities, and carrier details from key JDE World files.  
2. Data Formatting: The extracted data was then transformed into standard EDI 856 format to a standardized text file, structured to meet their customers’ specific requirements.  
3. Secure File Transfer: We implemented GoAnywhere SFTP to securely transfer the 856 ASN file from our client’s network to their customer. This ensured data integrity and compliance with security protocols.  

Specifically, we worked with JDE World tables such as F4201/F4211/F0101/F47* to gather the required ASN information. We developed custom programs to transform the data into EDI 856 format, ensuring accuracy and consistency. The GoAnywhere SFTP setup involved configuring secure connections and automating the file transfer process.  

Benefits and Outcomes

This implementation yielded significant benefits:  

• Improved Traceability: Our client now provides their customer with detailed, accurate ASN data, enabling faster and more effective traceability.  

• Automated Data Transfer: GoAnywhere SFTP automates the file transfer process, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.  

• Enhanced Compliance: Our client is now compliant with FSMA 204 requirements, strengthening their partnership with their customer.  

• Faster Recalls: In the event of a recall, both parties can quickly trace affected products, minimizing consumer risk.  

Best Practices and Lessons Learned

• Thorough testing is essential when integrating legacy systems with modern requirements.  

• Clear communication with trading partners is crucial for defining data requirements and ensuring smooth implementation.  

• Secure file transfer protocols are vital for protecting sensitive data.  

• Detailed documentation is essential for ongoing maintenance and support.  

Key Takeaways

Implementing FSMA 204 compliance for our client demonstrated the power of leveraging legacy systems with modern technologies. By customizing JDE World and implementing secure data transfer, we enabled our client to meet their traceability obligations and enhance their partnership with their customer. This project underscores the importance of proactive compliance and the value of robust data management in the food industry. As food safety regulations continue to evolve, having scalable and adaptable solutions in place is key to staying ahead of compliance demands and supporting long-term business success. 

About Briteskies

Briteskies, a leader in JD Edwards solutions, offers comprehensive services for JD Edwards World and EnterpriseOne systems. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in JDE upgrades, integrations, customizations, and support. Our team of experts helps businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency through tailored JDE solutions and seamless integrations.