Case Study: SFBB+

Project Inspiration and Goal

The inspiration for the SFBB+ app came from the challenges faced by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) who frequently encountered disorganized paperwork during food business inspections. The primary goal was to digitize and simplify the "Safer Food, Better Business" (SFBB) model developed by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), making it accessible and manageable for independent food businesses.

Key Features and Functionality

• Digital Record Keeping: The app allows businesses to keep all their SFBB records, including daily diaries, safe methods, and temperature checks, digitally on their smartphone or tablet.
• Compliance: It is based on the FSA's SFBB model and is recognized by enforcement bodies. Adherence to UK law requires food businesses to have a food safety management system, and the SFBB+ app provides an approved platform for this.
• Version Control and Organization: The app ensures records are kept in the correct order and manages version control, eliminating lost or greasy paperwork.
• Export and Sharing: Users can easily export and share their digital SFBB+ pack with anyone, including visiting Food Inspectors.
• Additional Hygiene Records: Beyond the core SFBB elements, the app allows users to store other hygiene records, such as pest control checks, training certificates, and delivery notes, by scanning them directly into the app using their phone's camera. Existing images and documents (like PDFs) can also be saved.
• Multi-User and Multi-Premise Support: The app supports setting up multiple users to upload records and allows for the management and monitoring of record-keeping across multiple premises, all at no extra cost.
• Reminder Notifications: It includes features like reminder notifications for un-uploaded diaries.
• Cost-Effective: Positioned as an affordable solution for independent businesses, it offers a subscription model (e.g., £4.99 per month per premises) and often provides free trial periods (e.g., 90 days or 6 months).

Impact and Benefits

• Improved Efficiency and Time-Saving: Digitising records saves businesses significant time previously spent on printing, organising, and searching through paper documents.
• Enhanced Compliance and Ratings: By providing a structured and always-available food safety management system, the app helps businesses maintain or improve their food hygiene ratings. Environmental Health Officers have expressed satisfaction with businesses using the app.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Records are always available on a smartphone or tablet, accessible to staff and inspectors, even on the go.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reducing reliance on paper contributes to environmental sustainability.
• Technology for Small Businesses: It provides small and independent food businesses with technology normally only available to larger enterprises.

Development Approach (Based on Apptaura's general practice)

• Native App Development: Building apps natively for iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin) to ensure optimal performance and leverage the latest platform technologies.
• Bespoke Solutions: Crafting tailored apps to address specific business problems, streamline processes, and improve productivity.
• Client Ownership: Ensuring clients own the developed code.

The SFBB+ app is available on both Apple and Android app stores, reflecting Apptaura's cross-platform development capabilities.