When you work with us, you will come across a number of words and terms associated with manufacturing. We’ve put together this glossary to help you understand this common vernacular.
Co-manufacturer
As a co-manufacturer (contract manufacturer), we produce our clients’ products or product lines. Contract manufacturing is a form of outsourcing. A co-manufacturer is also called a co-packer.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
A set of guidelines for managing each aspect of production and testing that can impact product quality, GMPs are part of a quality system that covers the manufacture and testing of ingredients and finished products. PetDine’s facility is SQF certified, which is a strict food safety GMP system.
MOQ
Refers to minimum order quantity.
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
Also known as a confidentiality agreement, confidential disclosure agreement, proprietary information agreement, or secrecy agreement, an NDA is a legal contract between two parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict access to or by third parties. PetDine executes a mutually beneficial NDA with every prospect before engagement as we regard information exchange as highly confidential.
Private label versus white label
A private-label brand means that a product or service is produced exclusively for a client. A white-label brand refers to a generic product that is created by a manufacturer and distributed to multiple clients for rebranding. PetDine is a private-label manufacturer and does not white label.
Project brief
The first step in developing a new private-label product with PetDine, the project brief is a document that outlines product specifications including indication (i.e., hip and joint), desired ingredients, estimated suggested retail price (SRP), etc.
Standard operating procedure (SOP)
A set of step-by-step instructions compiled to help workers carry out complex routine operations, SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output, and performance uniformity, while reducing miscommunication and noncompliance with industry regulations. PetDine production is driven by specific SOPs created by our director of quality control within SQF guidelines.
SQF
SQF certification is achieved when a company demonstrates exceptional quality control and food safety practices. A qualified inspector conducts a third-party audit to evaluate the company’s food safety program, including personnel practices, plant maintenance and cleanliness, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, and food safety programs. SQF certification provides validation to many national and international retailers and food service providers that a company has established food safety programs and that those programs are followed. SQF is a globally recognized certification as a food safety management system and is administered by the SQF Institute.
Terms and conditions agreement
Once an NDA is in place and the initial discovery call between PetDine and the prospect is completed, the terms and conditions agreement is executed. This document outlines the details and responsibilities of the relationship between the two parties.
Warehouse management system (WMS)
Our WMS software program allows us to control and administer warehouse operations (e.g., inventory management, picking processes, auditing) from the time goods or materials enter the warehouse until they leave.
Water Activity (Aw)
Aw is the measurement of the free water in the food that is available for microbial growth.
Cold Extrusion
Extrusion is the act of forcing material through a die and is used in many industries and for many applications including metals, plastics, and even food products. Unlike the Classic Extrusion method where high heat is involved, Cold extrusion operates at room temperature.
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