Marston Foods strengthened factory operations and retail compliance with TracyCore
How a premium dessert manufacturer used TracyCore as the digital backbone of a wider operational improvement programme.
Industry
Food manufacturing
Location
Somerset, UK
Team on platform
50+ operators
Retail customers
Aldi, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons +
The Client Overview
Marston Foods is a Somerset-based premium dessert manufacturer producing hand-finished products at commercial scale for leading UK retailers, private-label partners and foodservice customers. Operating from a BRCGS AA+ accredited site, the company combines artisan-quality products with the consistency and control required for large-scale food manufacturing.
The Leading Principles
Operator ownership. The people running the line own the accuracy of the data and the performance of the process.
Continuous improvement. A consistent, scalable way of working that standardises the process without freezing it.
“We were looking for more than just a software package. We needed a system that supported our way of working, integrate with our equipment, and help us continue to improve our processes over time. TracyCore immediately improved visibility and has helped us connect batching, stock management and packing into a much more connected platform.”
Meeting retailer codes of practice while critical information and workflows were spread across multiple systems
As a supplier to the UK's most demanding retailers, Marston Foods had to meet strict standards for coding accuracy, shelf-life management, packaging verification, traceability and recall prevention — while coding and packaging setup still relied on manual operator input.
Disconnected systems, limited visibility
Operational data was scattered across standalone systems — traceability software, Excel workbooks, paper recipes, independent weighing and printer systems — leaving management without real-time visibility into costing, stock or production performance.
Auto-coding solution and connected factory platform built around a single source of approved operational data
Foolproof coding and packaging control
A dedicated packing app standardised the line setup: operators scan the job and packaging barcode, verify against the approved product, and run production under centrally controlled coding rules with quality checks built in throughout.
A factory-wide digital backbone
TracyCore expanded into the operational backbone of the factory. Forecasting, purchase ordering, batch manufacturing, stock control, recipe management, costing, traceability and reporting are now all within one connected platform.
- 100% protection against coding errors
- Centralised, permission-based control
- Fully auditable digital records
- Paperless, robust packaging verification
Marston's TracyCore implementation became the foundation for a connected factory platform
Dedicated packing application
Provides simplified setup for production lines
Live scale integration
TracyCore connects directly to production weighing scales
Centralised production controls
Shelf-life, date coding, batch, barcode and more
Printer and labelling compatibility
Integration with Illumex TIJ and outer-case labelling systems
Less risk. Less manual work. Full traceability, every day.
Labour & efficiency improvement
Less manual administration, reduced human error and faster, more efficient production.
Stronger financial performance
Improved control of production, stock and waste helps drive stronger margins.
Waste reduction
Better stock visibility and batch control help reduce waste and prevent overproduction.
Risk reduction & recall readiness
Digital traceability enables faster batch identification and more effective recall management.
Before TracyCore
- Large, difficult to manage Excel workbooks
- Paper-based recipes and production records
- Independent weighing systems
- Manual stock and warehouse processes
With TracyCore
- Improved coding compliance and reduced risk
- Faster training and easier user adoption
- Greater operational visibility
- Integrated factory hardware
“The biggest difference is the level of visibility and control we now have. TracyCore has helped us reduce risk, connect key processes and manage the factory much more effectively. It’s a system that delivers what it promises and has the flexibility to work around the needs of our operation.”
Let's Build Something
Great TogetherSee what a connected factory platform could unlock for your site.
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See what a connected factory platform could unlock for your site.
Book a free consultation with us today.