Why Lot-Based MRP Software Is Essential for Food Producers: Meet Skala, the Scalable and Affordable Cloud MRP

In today’s food production landscape, precision, traceability, and compliance are not just business advantages — they’re mandatory. Whether you’re producing artisan cheese, frozen meals, baked goods, or processed meats, every stage of your production cycle must be traceable and documented.

This is where lot-based Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems come into play. And for small to midsize food producers looking for a powerful, affordable, and easy-to-use solution, Skala, a cloud-based MRP system, offers the perfect fit.

The Critical Role of MRP Software in Food Manufacturing

The food industry operates under stringent safety and quality regulations. Authorities like the FDA, ISO 22000, and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) require producers to have transparent and traceable production systems in place. In fact, without a proper lot-based MRP system, obtaining certifications like BRC is nearly impossible.

Here’s why MRP software is vital:

• Tracks every ingredient back to its source
• Logs which production lot was sent to which customer
• Monitors expiration dates and shelf life
• Provides a rapid response mechanism for product recalls
• Supports regulatory compliance and documentation

Lot-based MRP systems not only protect consumers but also safeguard your brand from costly recalls and regulatory fines. Moreover, these systems help streamline inventory management, reduce waste, and improve production planning — crucial for any food business aiming to grow.

Challenges in Food Production — And How MRP Systems Solve Them

Let’s face it: food manufacturing is complex. And complexity brings risk. Here are the most common challenges small and midsize food producers face, and how an MRP system addresses them:

1. Traceability Problems

Without a centralized system, tracking the source of ingredients and the distribution path of finished goods becomes nearly impossible. If contamination occurs, producers often waste time (and reputation) trying to locate affected lots.

With an MRP like Skala, every ingredient and product lot is recorded, down to which supplier it came from and which buyer received it.

2. Compliance with Food Safety Standards

Certifications like BRC or HACCP require documented traceability and recall capabilities. Paper-based systems or spreadsheets fall short.

Skala helps producers meet BRC requirements by providing digital documentation, real-time inventory control, and traceable lot records.

3. Shelf Life & Expiry Management

Food products have a limited shelf life. If you can’t track what’s close to expiring, you risk spoilage, waste, and regulatory issues.

Skala tracks the shelf life of each product lot, allowing timely sales, promotions, or pullbacks before products expire.

4. Manual Errors in Inventory and Production

Relying on spreadsheets increases the chances of costly human error — especially when scaling operations.

MRP automation eliminates errors, increases production efficiency, and improves accuracy in planning.

5. Inaccessible Data and Delayed Decisions

Traditional MRP systems are often tied to office computers or servers. In contrast, cloud-based systems offer flexibility.

With Skala’s cloud-based MRP, producers can check inventory, production schedules, or shipment data from anywhere, on any device.

How Skala Solves These Problems (And More)

Designed for Food Producers

Skala is built with all kinds of food producers in mind — from boutique brands to midsize factories. Whether you manufacture coffee, snacks, dairy, or processed meals, Skala adapts to your workflow.

• Ingredient-level traceability
• Lot-based production tracking
• Shelf life and expiration control
• Real-time stock visibility
• Digital audit logs for compliance

Total Traceability — From Farm to Fork

With Skala, every lot of produced goods is linked to:

• The supplier of the ingredients
• The production batch it was used in
• The customer or buyer who received the batch
• The expiry date and shelf life of each item

In the event of a recall or audit, this data is immediately accessible — protecting both your customers and your brand.

Cloud-Based Convenience

Unlike older ERP systems that require expensive servers and IT staff, Skala runs entirely on the cloud. That means:

• No installation required
• Automatic updates
• Accessible from desktop, tablet, or phone
• Ideal for remote teams or producers on the go

Scalable, Affordable, and Easy to Use

Small and midsize producers often avoid MRP systems because they seem complex and expensive. Skala breaks this barrier by offering:

• An intuitive interface that anyone can use
• No-code customization to fit your production flow
• Affordable pricing plans that fit your budget
• 14-day free trial so you can try before you commit

You don’t need an IT department or weeks of training. With Skala, you can be up and running in just a few days.

Take Control of Your Food Production with Skala

Food production is complicated — your MRP system shouldn’t be. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to modernize your operations, Skala offers the simplicity, power, and traceability you need to grow with confidence.

Ready to improve traceability, meet compliance, and reduce waste?

Start your free 14-day demo today at or Leave your contact info and a member of our team will reach out to help.