GEAPS course teaches quality management for bulk materials handling

Facilities in the grain industry generate substantial amounts of data, including quality metrics, inventory records, operational reports, inspection findings, and customer requirements. A robust Quality Management System (QMS) is crucial for ensuring consistency, compliance, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. Carley Snider, GEAPS Learning and Development Manager, stated that the course demonstrates how to effectively utilize this information for informed decision-making and identifying areas for enhancement.

The course is specifically designed for facility managers, location managers, quality professionals, supervisors, and administrative staff involved in quality-related decision-making. It emphasizes practical application over theoretical concepts, utilizing realistic scenarios, dashboards, reports, and decision-making exercises to foster everyday operational success through QMS principles.

Key learning objectives include exploring the components of an effective QMS, evaluating procedures and documentation, interpreting quality reports and performance trends, and applying QMS principles to grain handling, storage, and processing. The course also covers topics such as bioterrorism preparedness, regulatory compliance, inventory management, operational priorities, and measuring the return on investment of a QMS.

Upon completion, participants are expected to be better prepared to anticipate risks, support traceability and compliance, drive continuous improvement, and meet customer expectations. The course is available on-demand through GEAPS’ Online Learning platform, with learners having 12 weeks from registration to complete it, estimated to take seven hours. This offering aligns with GEAPS' commitment to providing accessible education for workforce development and operational excellence in the grain and grain processing industries. It is also part of the Credential in Grain Operations Management (CGOM) curriculum.