Reimagining food safety compliance for a leading U.S. grocery chain
Overview
A prominent grocery retailer in the United States, operating more than 130 stores, faced mounting pressure to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The regulation demands precise ingredient-level traceability — a real challenge for retailers preparing food on-site with ingredients sourced from a wide range of suppliers. The client partnered with HCLTech to transform their food preparation model, moving from decentralized operations to a centralized commissary approach. This strategic shift enabled accurate tracking, streamlined recalls and set the stage for data-driven decision-making.
The Challenge
Fragmented sourcing and preparation hindered traceability
The client’s immediate priority was to achieve FSMA compliance ahead of enforcement deadlines. Their long-term vision focused on building a resilient, scalable food safety framework. Yet, the existing model — where each store sourced ingredients locally and prepared food on-site — made it nearly impossible to trace ingredients back to their origin. If contamination occurred, the lack of traceability forced broad recalls, leading to unnecessary waste and unclear communication with customers. These issues affected profitability, brand trust and operational agility.
The Objective
Seeking integration, insight and speed
To tackle these challenges, the client brought in two strategic partners. A grocery retail software provider was selected for their commissary solution, already deployed across the store network. HCLTech was chosen as the integration partner, recognized for our deep retail expertise and proven track record in transformation. The client needed a solution that would consolidate food preparation, enable granular ingredient tracking and integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems. With just four months to implement, the solution had to be robust, scalable and able to leverage existing assets to minimize disruption.
The Solution
A centralized model for traceability and efficiency
HCLTech led a thorough discovery and validation process, mapping future-state business processes and technical integration points. As the solution integrator, we developed a framework connecting the commissary system with the client’s backend and frontend operations. The solution centralized food production, enabling lot- and bin-level tracking of ingredients from supplier to store. Built for scalability, it also laid the groundwork for future expansion to other brands under the client’s umbrella.
The Impact
Precision, compliance and strategic growth
Implementing the centralized commissary model marked a turning point in the client’s approach to food safety and supply chain management. Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced traceability and compliance: The solution enables precise identification of affected products and stores, allowing targeted recalls and meeting FSMA requirements
- Operational efficiency and cost savings: By narrowing the scope of recalls and streamlining replenishment, the client reduced waste and improved inventory management
- Improved customer communication: Clear, timely updates about affected items built consumer trust and reinforced brand integrity
- Scalable architecture for future growth: The solution is designed to support additional brands and future mergers, ensuring long-term adaptability
Advancing progress through data-driven insights
Looking ahead, HCLTech will work with the client to unlock deeper analytics from the commissary model. By consolidating food preparation, our client gains visibility into pricing, profitability, wastage and demand — insights that were previously out of reach. These capabilities will drive smarter sourcing decisions, optimized production planning and sharper merchandising strategies. The solution not only addresses current compliance needs but also positions our client for ongoing innovation and a stronger competitive edge.
At HCLTech, we bring together the best of technology and our people to help clients solve real challenges — with pragmatism, optimism and a relentless focus on progress.
