Business Software Engineers

Our goal is to understand your business, identify any areas for improvement, offer you solutions, and then come to an agreement on how to do it within your budget. Software Group, LLC works with its customers to plan, design, build, and distribute technology based business solutions.

Technology should compliment your business processes. Our goal is to create a long term partnership by working with you to implement the most effective and cost-efficient solution possible.

Sofware Group, LLC specializes in Customized Small Business Database solutions using the latest Microsoft Development tools, specifically Visual Basic. We specialize in developing software tailored for your company that can save you time and money.

Feature Web Sites

The Bullet Software - Auction Tool / Mass Listing to GunBroker.com

AlphaPawn.net - Pawn Shop Management Software

Meatbooks - Meat Processing

CUTTING EDGE DNA TRACEBACK CABILITIES COULD PREVENT GLOBAL EPIDEMIC

COLUMBIA, MO – Software Group, LLC, a locally owned software development company, is working to help the meat processing industry track animals. We have developed a software program for meat processors that helps them track their customers, inventory, recipes, and individual orders. We have added the capability to track each animal back to the originating farmer, in an attempt to get ahead of the curve when it comes to FDA and USDA regulations, which we expect may continue to tighten concerning animal ID and traceback capabilities.

We have noticed with some interest the recent news stories concerning the registration of “Premises” where animals are raised. It has been accurately reported that this registration could become critical in the event of a disease outbreak among animals. Additionally, it is critical that food processors prevent the intentional and un-intentional contamination of food products once the product (plant or animal) leaves the farm, especially in this era of terrorism. Thus, USDA implemented the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System to ensure that meat processors take necessary precautions throughout the receiving, slaughter, preparation, packaging, and shipping processes. This system is designed to reduce and help eliminate all physical, chemical, and biological hazards from the food supply. HACCP ensures that safe and sanitary handling procedures are employed, and also helps with any recall actions that may be necessary to reduce any serious consequences of a potential hazard. The FDA is, on the other hand, mostly concerned with the safe processing of agricultural products other than meat.

Additionally, we have teamed up with another company who has a nationwide database available in which farmers can register each animal. This system allows for the tracking of every animal from birth to slaughter. Combined with our software program, this would give the capability to track each day’s product at a given meat processing plant back to the specific animals slaughtered that day, and hence the originating farmers. Although it becomes almost impossible to track a product back beyond a specific day (i.e. which animal did that T-bone steak come from if more than one beef was processed that day), that information alone reduces the scope of investigation needed in the case of an outbreak to those animals slaughtered on that day.

There are also different ideas concerning how to conduct the animal ID process. The often seen “ear tag” with a number is perhaps the most prevalent at this time. Also being developed is an “eye scan” similar to that used for some human identification, plus other methods. Regardless of the method used, it is possible to identify each animal, and track its history from birth to slaughter. The technology also exists in which we have the ability to provide a “DNA Traceback Capability.” This is important for plants planning to ship overseas, as Japan and some European markets may desire this capability. In essence, every carcass has a DNA sample taken (such as a small ear plug tissue) that is saved for a year, all at a moderate cost.

Software Group will continue to follow the Animal ID requirements and will ensure that we can provide our meat processing customers the latest technology to help ensure the safety of the food chain.

For more information, contact either Dan Komo or Ron Rold at 573.441.0020.

Submitted by: Ron Rold, Business Manager