A system to retrieve consumer‐facing product information

Abstract

Purpose

Databases of consumer‐facing product information from food package labels are required for a variety of purposes, such as online shopping and computerised nutrition education. The aim of this research was to develop a novel method of recording and storing data in a structured electronic format.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method involved the development of a computer program named “Data Entry Interface”, designed for the use of people with low levels of information technology skills. This program uses a bottom‐up approach to position images of a product next to data entry text boxes, to enable an operator to copy text directly into data fields. These are used in spreadsheets that link pictures of a product with its brand name, producer's name, product attributes, ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, diet information, size information, hints for opening or storage, and general warnings provided by the producers.

Findings

It was found that this approach reduces the time taken to gather and enter data and also lessen the likelihood of error. The value of this program is the provision of a robust data entry system that avoids the requirement for the products to be physically present. The software has been distributed to a data warehouse in the supply chain for evaluation.

Originality/value

It was developed because the authors required a specialised database named “European Database of Manufacturers' Products and Packaging” (ED‐MaPP), to demonstrate the functionality of a prototype assistive technology product, named TELE‐EYE, developed in the European Union (EU) PACKAGE project.

Citation

Doyle, M., Carus, D.A. and Pridham, M.S. (2005), "A system to retrieve consumer‐facing product information", British Food Journal, Vol. 107 No. 10, pp. 781-791. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700510623540