Vulnerability Assessment Tools – Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What if I disagree with the results?
The Vulnerability Assessment Tool creates estimates of vulnerabilities using information entered by the user. Users are encouraged to also enter their own estimates. The reported results are based on the user’s estimates if they have been entered; if not, calculated results are used.
Why is the Vulnerability Assessment Tool an Excel spreadsheet instead of specialised software?
The tool was created for Quality Assurance Mangers, Food Safety Managers and HACCP Team members. It was created with Microsoft Excel because most of its intended users are familiar with excel and so can begin entering data as soon as they open the spreadsheet, with no special training. Data can be copied, pasted and searched just as you would in any spreadsheet and results can be easily extracted for use in other documents. Blank and completed spreadsheets can and should be incorporated into a company’s controlled documents and record-keeping system and Microsoft Excel files are usually suitable for this purpose.
The tabular format of the data entry pages allows users to have a ‘whole picture’ visual understanding of the data that has been entered and the gaps that need to be filled. Other types of software such as questionnaire-style assessments do not provide a visual overview and require information to be entered in a defined series of steps which can be frustrating. Within the tables of the Vulnerability Assessment Tools, colour-coding functions provide instant feedback about whether an answer affects vulnerability in a positive or negative way, which can be a valuable learning tool.
Can I copy the results into my own spreadsheet or other document?
Yes. The data can be copied, pasted, sorted and manipulated as in any spreadsheet. When copying from the tool use the excel function ‘paste special – values’, which will prevent pasting formulas that might return error values in a different document.
Do I have to purchase a new spreadsheet for each material that I need to assess?
No, you may make as many copies of this spreadsheet as you need for ONE food business in one manufacturing location. You may not share it with other food businesses or take it when you change jobs. For complete terms and conditions click here.
Is there a telephone number I can call for help and support with the tool?
Real-time support is coming soon. Until then, please email support@foodfraudadvisors.com with your query, including your preferred contact details and geographical location (for time zone purposes). We will contact you by telephone or Skype or email an answer to you.
Why are some of the cells password protected?
Protection has been applied to many of the cells in the vulnerability assessment spreadsheets. There are a number of reasons for this, the most important of which is so that users do not accidentally ‘break’ the formulas which would be very easy to do if the cells were not locked.
Within the food fraud tools, the protection prevents users from making changes to the wording of the questions or the automatically generated answers. To get an idea of how the cells are protected, download our free trial food fraud spreadsheet: Try it free v3.0s
There is no password protection in the food defense tool. Some cells have been protected to prevent accidental changes, but passwords have not been applied, so users may ‘unprotect’ any part of the spreadsheet if desired.
Can I have access to the formulas that generate the results?
If you disagree with the results the tools allow you to override them; the reported results are based on the user’s estimates if they have been entered; if not, calculated results are used.
If you think the methodology, including the risk calculations should be amended or you think there is an error in any formula please contact us. We want the Vulnerability Assessment Tools to be the best they can be and value your feedback.
Want to buy an unlocked version that is fully customisable? Request a quote here.
My security settings will not allow me to run macros, is this a problem?
No problem; Food Fraud Advisors’ and AuthenticFoodCo’s Vulnerability Assessment Tools have been created without macros to keep things safe and secure and to prevent headaches with your internal IT systems.
Can I get a tax receipt?
Australian purchasers receive a tax invoice for GST purposes in their confirmation email. Purchasers in other countries are not charged any tax but receive an itemised purchase receipt in their confirmation email.
Got more questions?
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