Managing suppliers has become far too complex for spreadsheets and static forms. Distributors are pressured to onboard vendors faster, ensure compliance with ever-changing food safety rules, and keep supplier records accurate and accessible.
At the upcoming IFDA Solutions Conference, SMRTR CEO Susanne Moore will join industry leaders to share how automation transforms supplier and food safety compliance. SMRTR’s Supplier Onboarding & Compliance Portal helps distributors:
- Centralize supplier profiles and required documents (W-9s, COIs, private label agreements, certifications, etc.)
- Automate requests, reminders, and updates to reduce manual chasing
- Track key supplier attributes (veteran-owned, minority-owned, product claims) for better visibility
- Support recalls and audits with instant access to accurate records
- Integrate with third-party systems for seamless data sharing
SMRTR is also enhancing its platform with AI-powered features, such as analyzing ingredient profiles, flagging documentation needs, and improving traceability — all designed to help distributors prepare for FSMA 204 compliance by the 2028 deadline.
Key Takeaways
✅ Supplier management is too complex for manual processes — automation is essential.
✅ SMRTR’s portal reduces risk, lowers costs, and increases efficiency.
✅ Centralized supplier data = faster audits, recalls, and compliance reporting.
✅ AI-driven features will strengthen traceability and food safety compliance.
✅ SMRTR is preparing the industry for FSMA 204 by staying ahead of regulations.
Be Audit-Ready. Be FSMA-Ready. Be SMRTR.
- Reduce risk, cut costs, streamline compliance
- Trusted by food & beverage distributors nationwide
👉 Visit us at Booth #101 or schedule a demo today!
Foodservice distributors face growing complexity as they increase the number of suppliers, work to onboard new vendors, strive to enhance supplier communications and record-keeping, and manage compliance for shifting food safety rules. Automation has become a crucial approach to making progress.
“Distributors need an innovative and comprehensive strategy to manage suppliers across their business needs,” said Susanne Moore, CEO of technology solution provider smrtrTM, who is one of two speakers on this topic at an upcoming IFDA Solutions Conference workshop.
The workshop, on Monday, September 29, is titled “Leveraging Technology for Supplier and Food Safety Compliance.” The other speaker will be Michael Hegarty, vice president of Corporate IT Strategy for distributor Lipari Foods. Smrtr will also be exhibiting at the conference expo in booth 101.
The smrtr Supplier Onboarding and Compliance solution focuses on mitigating risks, reducing costs, and enhancing operational efficiency. It keeps profiles on suppliers and can quickly identify a range of documents and information needs. These include private label agreements, W-9s, and certificates of insurance. It can also track which suppliers are veteran- or minority-owned businesses, which provide products with various claims and certifications, and other key points of information. The system informs suppliers of timetables for providing or updating information and integrates with many third-party solutions. Distributors benefit from quick access to data, such as in the case of a recall.
Smrtr regularly adds to its AI capabilities. For example, the system will soon be able to analyze ingredient profiles, which may lead to requests for suppliers to provide specific documentation. It will also be layering in features to help with traceability.
The company has been actively participating in the Partnership for Food Traceability to help advance industry readiness for FSMA 204. The regulation’s compliance deadline was recently extended to July 20, 2028.
“We want to ensure market readiness when FSMA 204 hits,” Moore said.
Article authored by freelance writer David Orgel.