Quality control of fresh fruit and vegetables is a key component of the industry. It not only ensures compliance with legal standards but also helps to strengthen consumer confidence and profitability throughout the entire supply chain. The challenges are manifold: fluctuating product quality, complex marketing standards, and high time pressure characterize everyday work. This is precisely where the newly available Lippert Toolbox app comes in: According to its developers, this innovative tool from Dr. Lippert Inspection GmbH combines state-of-the-art technology with practical expertise and serves as a "digital quality companion for fruit and vegetables." Developed for use in goods receiving, purchasing, and production, the app is designed to support all parties involved in the rapid, informed assessment of fresh produce.
A free version allows users to get started and test the AI functions. A premium subscription is available for full access to the knowledge database and digital quality manual.
Artificial intelligence for precise analyses
At the heart of the Lippert Toolbox are two powerful AI-based functions. AI image analysis enables objective assessment of product quality based on a photo, directly on site, for example, upon delivery or in the field. "Visible deviations from the minimum characteristics can be detected, supplemented by automated classification and information on possible defects. This supports informed decisions, reduces subjective deviations, and saves valuable time during the initial inspection," explains Philipp Loer, Head of Research & Development at Dr. Lippert Quality Management and responsible for developing the app.
Another module of the app analyzes the labeling of products. A photo is used to check whether all legally required declaration elements, such as country of origin, class, lot number, and other product-specific declaration elements, are present. Loer: "This creates certainty regarding legal requirements and helps to avoid costly complaints, and saves valuable time. The potential applications are evident at virtually every stage of the value chain – from goods dispatch (packaging) to goods receipt and the point of sale."
The Lippert team. From left: Company founder Dr. Felix Lippert, Philipp Loer, and Frederick Lippert. Founded in 2002, the company's range of services includes quality control, auditing (production and storage locations), pesticide analysis, field and packing house sampling, as well as coaching and training.
Knowledge database and digitalized quality manual
In addition to AI analysis, the Lippert Toolbox provides access to an extensive knowledge database. The integrated PDF collection includes all relevant EU & UNECE marketing standards, as well as practical guidelines and brochures. For companies operating internationally, the app also contains unofficial but quality-assured translations of the marketing standards into Spanish and Italian – "a valuable support in international trade," according to Lippert. "Particularly noteworthy is the digital version of the well-known Lippert Quality Manual. It provides compact information on the most important marketing requirements, gives specific advice on how to carry out product checks, and shows typical defects using informative examples," summarizes Philipp Loer.
The app is designed to be simple and intuitive to use and fully multilingual to make it suitable for use in international teams. It is available for Android in the Google Play Store and for iOS in the Apple App Store.
For more information:
Philipp Loer
Dr. Lippert Inspection GmbH
Kranzweiherweg 10
53489 Sinzig, Germany
Tel: +49264299993014
[email protected]
www.lippert-qm.com