We have our own raw material specifications for our ingredients. We can derive these from our supplier specs but they are specific to our own requirements due to the complexity of some of our products.
These product/purchasing requirements contain all of our own specific requirements with regards to assured status,(Halal, kosher, organic etc) contaminants, the micro limits, the level of chemical properties etc, packaging sized (OH&S), palletising, number of lots per batch, size of lots etc which are all applicable to our material handling and the end product. If the vendor/manufacturer deviates outside these specs then we can have failed product.
These specs are also used by our procurement team so they can source alternative suppliers of our ingredients that meet our needs. They are very helpful during the tendering process as each prospective tender knows our minimum material requirements and if they can or cannot meet them.