Customer Stories
Zweifel Chips & Snacks AG

Zweifel Streamlined Quality Control with 1LIMS

With Hadassa Zolliker, Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel.

Zweifel Chips & Snacks AG, a leading producer of chips and snacks in Switzerland, decided to adopt a digital solution to remove inefficiencies in their quality control lab. After evaluating several LIMS options, they chose 1LIMS, which provided exactly what they needed. The transition to 1LIMS allowed Zweifel to solve the problem of lost samples and enhance their operational efficiency. Now, they're exploring the possibility of integrating laboratory devices with 1LIMS.
Zweifel Chips & Snacks AG is the market leader for chips and snacks in Switzerland.
Website
www.zweifel.swiss
Headquarters
Spreitenbach in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland
Industry
Food and beverage
Key features used
Centralized master data
Sample labeling
Test plans
Audit trails
Dashboard mockup

About

Zweifel Chips & Snacks AG is a Swiss food manufacturer based in Spreitenbach, Aargau. It leads the market in chips and snacks and has over 500 employees.

In 2018, Zweifel started looking for a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to enhance their quality control processes. The company evaluated several LIMS options but found many to be too complex, offering more functionality than they needed.

The search led them to 1LIMS, which stood out for its ability to meet Zweifel’s specific requirements without unnecessary features.

To ensure 1LIMS was the right fit, the company conducted a workshop with the 1LIMS team. We evaluated the existing quality control processes at Zweifel and provided a cost-benefit analysis to make sure 1LIMS was the optimal choice.

Zweifel started using 1LIMS in mid-2021, following initial contact in 2020. We spoke with Hadassa Zolliker, Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel, to learn how the company has benefited from 1LIMS since then.
"
I’m responsible for quality assurance at Zweifel. We handle consumer complaints, inspect raw materials, and test the final products. Our tests are primarily chemical. We frequently measure salt, fat, and water content, which are crucial for maintaining the 'crisp factor' in our products. We also analyze acrylamide levels and reduced sugar in potatoes.
Hadassa Zolliker,
Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel

Excel and paper records: a recipe for lost samples

Before adopting 1LIMS, Zweifel managed their quality control processes using a combination of paper records and multiple Excel spreadsheets. This approach resulted in frequent problems, such as lost samples and difficulties in locating results, as data was scattered across various documents and formats.
Performing trend analyses was particularly challenging, as it required manually transferring data from paper to Excel, which not only consumed a lot of time but also increased the likelihood of errors. The team realized this method was unsustainable in the long run and needed a more efficient solution.

Their objective was clear: to find a system that could consolidate all data, making it easily accessible and exportable and eliminating the need for both paper and Excel.1LIMS provided the functionalities Zweifel was looking for without overwhelming them with unnecessary features. With 1LIMS, they could have all their data in one system, so they no longer need to rely on multiple Excel spreadsheets and paper records.
"
We looked at other LIMS our partner labs were using to see if they could work for us. After comparing those, we decided on 1LIMS. It was small enough and had exactly what we needed.
Hadassa Zolliker,
Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel

Effortless transition to the digital system

Despite initial concerns about moving from paper and Excel to a digital platform, the transition went smoothly. Every Zweifel QC team member found 1LIMS easy to learn and navigate, even those accustomed to traditional methods. The system’s intuitive design facilitated this transition, making it accessible to everyone.
"
When we first started using 1LIMS, I was impressed with how smoothly the transition to digital went, especially considering everyone was used to paper and Excel.
Hadassa Zolliker,
Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel

Centralized and accessible from anywhere

With 1LIMS, Zweifel has centralized all their data on one platform, enabling digital access from anywhere. This was especially helpful during COVID-19, as team members could quickly retrieve and analyze data from home without needing to be physically present at the workplace.

Samples are labeled to make data easily retrievable

Hadassa also noted that a major benefit of 1LIMS was that every sample in the lab was identified and labeled. This has dramatically improved traceability and data management.
With unique identification labels for each sample, the lab can quickly scan and retrieve data, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing the overall efficiency of their processes. This level of organization and precision was impossible with their previous reliance on paper records and multiple Excel spreadsheets.
"
I would say it's great to have everything in one system. Now, every sample in the lab has an identification label, which you can scan to find the analysis. This is a major benefit we have with 1LIMS.
Hadassa Zolliker,
Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel

Integrated test plans and enhanced compliance

One of the key benefits of 1LIMS is the ability to have test plans integrated into the system. Previously, lab technicians had to record tests they performed manually. There was no other way to track these actions within the lab.

Now, the team can easily assign testing schedules, specifying whether tasks need to be performed monthly, quarterly, or annually, and then track and verify the completed tests. The system provides clear, accessible records of all actions taken within the lab.
Auditors, in turn, can easily see if tests were completed as required, which improves transparency and accountability in the lab.

Zweifel is certified with FSSC 22000, guaranteeing the highest food safety and quality management standards. Implementing 1LIMS has simplified the compliance and audit processes for these certifications.
"
Our auditors used to work with Excel spreadsheets, so they needed some time to move to the digital system. But as they familiarized with using the system, they clearly saw the benefits.
Hadassa Zolliker,
Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel

Results: No more lost samples, more efficient work

Previously, managing multiple analyses for a single sample was challenging, especially when tests couldn’t be performed simultaneously. This often led to misplaced samples or missed parameters.

With 1LIMS, every sample is tracked, ensuring no data is lost and all necessary analyses are completed accurately.

The overall efficiency has also improved significantly. The system has streamlined workflows for the team, making their tasks faster. Test plans provide clear instructions and schedules for each analysis. This means team members no longer need to remember the specifics of how and when to perform certain tests. Instead, they can easily access the necessary information within the system.
"
We don’t lose samples anymore. Every sample is accounted for, and we make sure all necessary parameters are measured.
Hadassa Zolliker,
Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel
Hadassa's team is constantly in touch with 1LIMS for support and continuous improvements to their system. We ensure critical issues are resolved quickly and provide regular updates. We also involve Zweifel laboratory employees in testing new features.
Regular communication between Zweifel and 1LIMS has been key to our successful partnership.
"
We stay in regular contact with the 1LIMS team, especially for ongoing projects, and have regular meetings to discuss our progress and any further improvements.
Hadassa Zolliker,
Head of Quality Assurance at Zweifel

What's currently in plans?

Zweifel is currently assessing the integration of lab devices into 1LIMS. We are conducting a cost-benefit analysis to determine if integrating these devices, particularly for frequently performed analyses like acrylamide testing, would enhance their efficiency. Our evaluation will help Zweifel decide if further integration is worth pursuing or if their existing processes are already optimal.

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