Odwalla, Inc.

Local Expertise

Odwalla Inc., is the leading brand of all-natural, super-premium refrigerated juices, fortified juices and smoothies in the United States. Odwalla also offers dairy-free shakes, natural spring water and nourishing food bars. Dinuba, California is home to Odwalla's juice processing plant. In the past, Odwalla's processing plant used various, non-integrated Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and small Microsoft Access databases to track purchasing, receiving, production and shipping information. Odwalla sought out a local Microsoft Certified Solution Provider to help them take their information systems to the next level. SJV Tech answered the call and was put to the task of creating a custom ERP and Supply Chain Management system that would allow informaton integration for Odwalla's core business processes.

Flexible Tools

Odwalla's standard desktop productivity software is Microsoft Office. SJV Tech, wanting to capitalize on the existing software investment and user familiarity with Microsoft Office, implemented a custom developed Microsoft Access data entry and reporting front-end application linked to a Microsoft SQL Server back-end database. This powerful combination of tools allows users to generate their own reports and work in a familiar environment while maintaining data integrity and security.

Custom Specifications

Odwalla evaluated off-the-shelf ERP and Supply Chain software packages, but could not find one that met their specific business requirements. SJV Tech worked with Odwalla to design a system architecture optimized for Odwalla's specific business processes. In some cases, business processes were modified to take advantage of the power of a new software system. An abbreviated list of features in the ERP system include: purchase orders, load scheduling/receiving, lot number generation/tracking, full forward/backward lot traceability, inventory management, inventory transfers, production planning/execution, QA specs/hold/release, material costing, demand forecasting, sales order processing, co-pack order processing, allocations management, finished goods picking, truck load and route scheduling/execution. The ERP software also includes electronic links to vendors in the Supply Chain. Because this software was designed from the ground up, Odwalla has a fully optimized custom application that will be their competitive advantage going into the future.

Real Time Data

The raw materials and finished goods in the juice business have short shelf lives. This means Odwalla had to optimize the management of materials used in their production processes. SJV Tech helped design and implement a Radio Frequency (RF) barcode scanner network. Odwalla has invested in barcode label printers and Intermec RF scanners. SJV Tech developed custom software for the RF scanners. A partial list of RF software features includes: inventory taking, inventory transfers, QA data, material picking, key actual production, finished goods picking, truck loading. The RF software communicates directly with the SQL Server back-end database providing real-time data entry and error trapping.

Harnessing The Internet

To increase the power of Odwalla's reporting capabilities, SJV Tech developed an Internet reporting tool which provides sales and service level reports to Odwalla account managers nationwide. This Web-enabled reporting application links directly to the SQL Server and provides real time data to users anywhere in the world.

Full Service Support

SJV Tech is a full service information technology provider. Odwalla's Dinuba processing plant has numerous employees who use desktop workstations. Rather than hiring a full-time PC support person, Odwalla chose to contract with SJV Tech for a part-time support technician who installs and maintains all of the desktop workstations.

Moving Ahead

SJV Tech views all of our clients as long-term business partners. As Odwalla makes investments in new software systems or new facilities, SJV Tech will work with Odwalla to ensure that existing systems will integrate with new systems and that Odwalla is always able to take advantage of the latest technological innovations.