Best GRC Tool for Food and Beverage Manufacturing in the US

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools are crucial for businesses in industries such as food and beverage manufacturing, where regulatory compliance and risk management are paramount. They minimize compliance tasks, automate workflows, and provide transparency for audits and risk assessments.

The global GRC software market is projected to grow from USD 49.2 billion in 2024 to USD 127.7 billion by 2033, reflecting the increasing importance of GRC solutions across industries.

This article covers the top 10 GRC tools, their implementation, and best practices for ensuring safety and compliance in the food and beverage industry.

What is a GRC Tool?

A GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) tool is a comprehensive software platform designed to help organizations effectively manage governance, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. In the food and beverage manufacturing industry, a GRC tool supports the management of ethical governance, operational risks, and regulatory compliance. It involves establishing policies and systems to proactively mitigate risks while staying in line with local, national, and international regulations.

• Governance checks if the policies align with ethical standards and that leaders are accountable for decisions.
• Risk Management identifies and mitigates risks like production delays or safety breaches.
• Compliance provides adherence to regulations from bodies like the FDA, FSSAI, and OSHA, maintaining food safety and operational standards.

Also read: Food & Beverage Manufacturing Compliance

Now that we understand what GRC is, let’s explore the key features these tools should offer to meet the needs of the F&B manufacturing sector.

Key Features of Food and Beverage Manufacturing GRC Tools

GRC tools for the food and beverage manufacturing industry are designed with several features that address the specific needs of the industry, helping businesses stay compliant and manage risk effectively. Some key features include:

1. Automated Compliance Tracking

This feature enables businesses to automate compliance checks, schedule audits, and track the status of compliance tasks. It makes sure that all tasks are completed on time, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

2. Risk Management Frameworks

These frameworks help businesses identify potential risks related to food safety, product quality, supply chain interruptions, or environmental factors. The system then helps mitigate those risks by tracking the necessary corrective actions.

3. Audit Management

GRC tools provide a structured system for managing audits, allowing businesses to schedule and track audits, document findings, and verify that corrective actions are taken. This is crucial in the food and beverage industry, where regular inspections are required.

4. Document Management

Organizing and managing compliance documents, such as certificates, permits, and reports, is made easy with GRC tools. These tools provide centralized storage and ensure that documents are accessible during audits or regulatory reviews.

5. Incident Management

GRC tools help track and resolve compliance issues, product defects, and safety violations. These systems log incidents and guide organizations through the steps required to resolve them, improving overall safety and compliance.

Also read: Transition to Modern Compliance Management E-Book

Top 10 GRC Tools for Food and Beverage Manufacturing in the US

Here are the top 10 GRC tools for food and beverage manufacturing companies in the U.S., known for their ability to manage compliance, reduce risks, and improve operational performance:

1. VComply

VComply is a comprehensive GRC tool designed to simplify compliance and mitigate risk management for food and beverage manufacturers in the US. It offers a range of features that help ensure compliance with complex regulations, improve risk management, and promote operational transparency.

Key Features:

• ComplianceOps: Manage multi-regulatory framework compliance, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations like the FDA, FSMA, and OSHA. It also tracks control/tasks with evidence, ensuring tasks are assigned and closed appropriately.
• RiskOps: Automate and scale risk management programs, including assessments and inspections, to handle the industry’s complex compliance requirements, minimizing disruptions. Compliance audits are easily facilitated for thorough oversight.
• PolicyOps: Develop, review, and distribute food safety and operational policies, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards. It also supports reminders and oversight for timely updates.
• CaseOps: Track and resolve compliance-related cases efficiently with incident management tools that log and manage incidents. Mobile and offline sync features ensure data access anywhere, anytime.

Pricing: Pricing is available upon request and is tailored to the specific needs and size of the organization.

Trial and Demo: VComply offers a free demo and a 21-day free trial for businesses interested in exploring the platform’s capabilities.

2. MetricStream

MetricStream provides advanced features for managing compliance, risk, and audit processes, specifically designed for large-scale manufacturers in the food industry. With its powerful analytics and automation, it helps organizations mitigate risks and track timely adherence to regulatory standards.

Key Features:

• Advanced Compliance Management: Track and manage regulatory adherence across food manufacturing processes.
• Powerful Analytics & Automation: Use advanced analytics and automation to mitigate risks and ensure timely compliance.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Monitor real-time regulatory compliance across various production processes.
• System Integration: Seamless integration with existing enterprise systems to streamline risk management.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size and specific needs.

Trial and Demo: A demo is available upon request to explore MetricStream’s features and capabilities.

3. LogicManager

LogicManager is an intuitive tool that helps businesses manage risk, track compliance tasks, and maintain food safety, especially useful for mid-sized food manufacturers. Its user-friendly interface and customizable dashboards make it easy to monitor compliance across various departments.

Key Features:

• Risk & Compliance Management: Intuitive tool for managing risk and tracking compliance tasks in the food manufacturing industry.
• Customizable Dashboards: Tailor dashboards to monitor compliance across departments and visualize critical data.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple interface designed for managing food safety regulations and operational risk.
• Incident Management: Built-in features to report and manage incidents effectively, ensuring quick responses.

Pricing: Available upon request, based on company requirements.

Trial and Demo: Free trial available to help you assess the platform’s fit for your needs.

4. SAP GRC

SAP’s GRC suite offers a powerful combination of governance, risk management, and compliance tracking, ideal for large food manufacturing companies. It integrates with existing enterprise systems, providing smooth management of compliance workflows and operational risks.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive GRC Suite: Combines governance, risk management, and compliance tracking in a unified solution.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Easily integrates with enterprise systems, streamlining compliance workflows.
• Real-Time Data Insights: Access real-time data to manage operational risks and track regulatory compliance.
• Efficient Risk Management: Helps identify, assess, and manage risks effectively within food manufacturing processes.

Pricing: Custom pricing depending on organization size and needs.

Trial and Demo: Available upon request for interested businesses.

5. AssurX

AssurX is a comprehensive quality management and compliance solution designed to streamline audit and inspection processes for food manufacturers. It ensures adherence to food safety and quality standards by automating workflows and tracking compliance with federal and state regulations. 

Key Features:

• Audit & Inspection Management: Automates audit and inspection workflows, ensuring consistent adherence to food safety and quality standards.
• Regulatory Compliance Tracking: Ensures compliance with federal and state food safety regulations by tracking key metrics in real-time.
• Risk Management: Helps identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the production process, enhancing operational safety.
• Reporting & Analytics: Provides customizable reporting and analytics to monitor compliance and track performance across departments.

Pricing: Pricing details are available upon request, tailored to the specific needs of your organization.

Trial and Demo: A demo can be requested to explore AssurX’s features and capabilities in detail before making a decision.

6. SAI Global

Known for its strong compliance management features, SAI Global is an excellent tool for food manufacturers managing global supply chains. It offers real-time compliance tracking, helping organizations stay ahead of regulatory changes across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Features:

• Global Compliance Management: Track and manage compliance across multiple regions and jurisdictions.
• Real-Time Compliance Tracking: Stay ahead of regulatory changes with real-time tracking features.
• Regulatory Updates: Automatic alerts and updates to ensure ongoing compliance with changing regulations.
• Supply Chain Compliance: Ensure suppliers adhere to required safety and quality standards through built-in compliance tools.

Pricing: Available upon request based on the scope of your operations.

Trial and Demo: Free demo available to assess platform fit for your needs.

7. Diligent GRC

Diligent GRC helps organizations manage risk, compliance, and audits, focusing on food safety and quality compliance. Diligent GRC’s centralized approach provides a comprehensive view of all compliance activities, simplifying the management of multiple regulations.

Key Features:

• Centralized Compliance Management: Manage all risk, compliance, and audit activities from a single platform.
• Audit Support: Helps streamline the audit process, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Real-Time Reporting: Access real-time data on compliance activities to facilitate informed decision-making.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Trial and Demo: Free demo available to explore Diligent GRC’s capabilities.

8. Resolver

Resolver provides easy-to-use tools for risk management, compliance tracking, and incident reporting, suitable for food and beverage manufacturers of all sizes. Resolver’s automated workflows and customizable reporting tools help automate the compliance process and improve response times for incidents.

Key Features:

• Risk & Compliance Tracking: Provides tools for tracking and managing risk and compliance across food manufacturing.
• Incident Reporting: Automates incident reporting, helping you resolve issues faster.
• Automated Workflows: Reduce administrative burden with automated workflows that streamline the compliance process.
• Customizable Reporting: Generate customized reports to meet your organization’s specific compliance needs.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Trial and Demo: A free demo is available for businesses to assess Resolver’s effectiveness.

9. Enablon

Enablon helps manufacturers simplify compliance processes with a focus on environmental, safety, and operational risks in the F&B industry. Enablon’s intuitive interface and powerful analytics make it easier for food manufacturers to manage compliance and reduce risks effectively.

Key Features:

• Risk Management Tools: Identify and manage environmental, safety, and operational risks in food manufacturing.
• Compliance Tracking: Track compliance across food safety and operational standards with ease.
• Powerful Analytics: Use analytics tools to manage compliance and reduce risks effectively.
• Reporting Tools: Customizable reporting capabilities to track and document compliance activities.

Pricing: Available upon request based on company size and requirements.

Trial and Demo: Free demo available to explore Enablon’s features.

10. RiskWatch

RiskWatch is a comprehensive risk management and compliance solution with strong reporting tools for food safety, incident management, and regulatory compliance. RiskWatch enables food manufacturers to quickly assess risks, implement mitigation strategies, and maintain compliance across various production processes.

Key Features:

• Risk Assessment Tools: Assess and manage risks with detailed analytics and reporting capabilities.
• Compliance Monitoring: Real-time monitoring to ensure ongoing food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Incident Management: Track and resolve compliance-related incidents efficiently.
• Reporting & Analytics: Generate detailed reports to evaluate compliance performance and uncover areas for improvement.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Trial and Demo: A demo is available for businesses to evaluate RiskWatch’s capabilities.

Also read: Understanding the Importance and Advantages of Policy Management Software

Benefits of Using GRC Tools for F&B Manufacturing in the US

Using GRC tools offers significant benefits to both employers in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Here’s a quick look:

• Increased Efficiency: Automation of compliance and audit processes saves time and resources.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that all operations, from production to distribution, adhere to local and international regulations.
• Risk Reduction: Identifying and mitigating risks proactively helps prevent accidents and production delays.
• Cost Savings: Reduces the risk of fines, penalties, and production downtime, saving businesses money in the long run.
• Improved Decision-Making: Real-time monitoring and analytics help leadership make informed, data-driven decisions.

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Implementing Internal Controls

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore how to choose the best GRC tool for your food and beverage manufacturing business.

How to Choose the Best GRC Tool for Your F&B Manufacturing Business

Selecting the best GRC tool for your food and beverage manufacturing business involves considering several key factors. Here are the essential considerations:

1. Regulatory Coverage

Check if the tool comprehensively covers all relevant regulations, such as FDA, OSHA, and FSMA. The best GRC tools are designed to meet national standards and also offer customization features to align with industry-specific regulations. A tool that supports your region’s regulatory environment will maintain compliance with local laws and help you avoid costly penalties.

2. User-Friendliness

Choose a GRC tool that has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, which simplifies usage for employees at all levels, regardless of their technical expertise. An easy-to-use platform allows employees to quickly adapt to the system and ensures that compliance processes are automated. The simpler the tool is to navigate, the more likely it will be widely adopted and used across your organization.

3. Scalability

As your food and beverage business grows, so too will the complexity of your compliance and risk management needs. It’s essential to choose a GRC tool that can scale with your business, handling increasing amounts of data, users, and compliance tasks.

4. Integration

Look for a GRC tool that integrates with your existing systems, such as your ERP, HR, and manufacturing systems. Integration is crucial because it allows data to flow smoothly between different functions within the business, reducing manual input, errors, and redundancies.

5. Real-Time Analytics

Select a GRC tool that provides real-time analytics and dashboards for monitoring compliance statuses, risks, and other operational factors. Real-time reporting verifies if you can detect and address compliance issues as they arise, preventing small issues from becoming major problems.

Also read: Best Policy Management Software for Manufacturing Organizations

With a clearer understanding of how to choose the best GRC tool, let’s now look at the top GRC tools specifically suited for food and beverage manufacturing in the US.

After exploring the top tools, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in successfully implementing a GRC tool in your manufacturing process.

Steps to Implement GRC Tools for Food and Beverage Manufacturing in the US

Implementing a GRC tool effectively requires thoughtful planning and execution. Each phase of the implementation process plays a crucial role in maintaining the success of the GRC system, so that food and beverage manufacturers can maintain compliance and mitigate risks. Below are the essential steps for successful implementation:

1. Define Objectives

Before adopting a GRC tool, it’s important to clearly define your organization’s compliance and risk management objectives. This involves identifying the key regulations and standards that your business must adhere to, such as FDA regulations, FSMA, or OSHA guidelines.

2. Select the Right Tool

After defining your objectives, selecting the right GRC tool is the next critical step. You must consider your company’s size, budget, and the complexity of your operations. A large-scale food manufacturing company with multiple production facilities might require a more scalable solution, while a smaller organization may benefit from a more compact tool.

3. Integrate with Existing Systems

Once you have selected the right tool, the next step is to make sure of smooth integration with your existing systems. This includes your ERP system, financial management tools, and employee databases. The GRC tool should complement and connect smoothly with these systems to provide a unified solution. 

4. Train Your Team

Proper training is essential for teams to effectively use the GRC tool. Training should be provided to the compliance and risk management teams and to all relevant staff members involved in safety, operations, and management. This ensures that everyone understands how to use the tool, why it is important, and how it aligns with the company’s broader compliance goals. 

5. Test and Optimize

After the initial setup, it’s crucial to run pilot tests and identify potential issues before fully rolling out the GRC tool. This may involve testing specific features such as real-time monitoring, reporting, and incident management. By running tests in a controlled environment, you can identify any gaps or inefficiencies and make adjustments before implementation at full scale.

6. Monitor and Review

Once the GRC tool is fully implemented, it’s essential to monitor its performance and continuously review its effectiveness. This involves tracking how well the tool is managing compliance tasks, mitigating risks, and helping you stay ahead of regulatory changes. Regular reviews allow you to make improvements, adapt to new regulations, and fine-tune workflows.

Also Read: Manufacturing Industry Compliance with ISO 9001 Checklist

Once the tool is implemented, following best practices is necessary for its continued success.

Best Practices for Using GRC Tools for Food and Beverage Manufacturing in the US

Once your GRC tool is implemented, using it effectively requires adhering to best practices that guarantee optimal performance and compliance. These practices help organizations mitigate risks and maintain regulatory compliance in the long run.

• Keep the Tool Updated: Regularly update your GRC tool to reflect any changes in relevant regulations and standards. This ensures continuous compliance with the latest guidelines, like FSMA or local safety regulations.
• Prioritize Data Security: Protect sensitive data by using robust GRC tools that secure critical compliance documents, audit records, and safety information. This minimizes the risk of data breaches and ensures safe access for authorized personnel only.
• Utilize Real-Time Monitoring: Make full use of your tool’s real-time monitoring features. Set up alerts to track compliance in real-time and address potential risks or issues before they escalate into serious problems.
• Invest in Ongoing Training: Ensure that your team stays current with the latest compliance requirements and fully understands how to use the GRC tool effectively. Regular training ensures everyone knows their responsibilities and can use the system confidently.

By adhering to these best practices, F&B manufacturers can maximize the effectiveness of their GRC tools, ensuring long-term compliance and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

For food and beverage manufacturers, selecting the right GRC tool is critical for ensuring operational safety, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management. These tools help address the specific needs of this sector, enabling businesses to stay aligned with the constantly changing industry regulations.

Ready to simplify your GRC management?

VComply provides a cloud-based, robust solution tailored to meet the unique needs of the food and beverage industry. With VComply, you can automate compliance workflows, track risks in real time, and stay on top of changing regulations.

Start your 21-day free trial and simplify compliance for your business!