Certification Database – Enhanced Features

PCO has switched to the Intact Platform to house our certification database. Intact Platform is a well-established, complete certification system, designed specifically for organic certification and configured to comply with the National Organic Program (NOP) systems and data collection requirements. These changes will allow us to be more adaptable and timely in our communication to our stakeholders. One of the major benefits is an online client portal that is more user-friendly and functional.

Some benefits of choosing the portal as your communication preference include:

• Ability to navigate through your certification documents and submit paperwork more quickly.
• Easier access to educational resources such as our guidance documents as well as inspection related information.
• Ability to expedite communication when the NOP implements regulation changes or a material status change.
• Quicker turnaround times between parts of the certification cycle, especially between the inspection and certification report.
• Less impact on the environment with a paperless system.
• View your account balance including outstanding amounts.

The PCO Inspector Portal also has significant revisions to enable inspectors easier access to clients file and facilitate all aspects of the inspection process from scheduling to conducting the onsite inspection to billing in a more efficient manner. Whether it’s streamlined document transfer or improved ease of on-site OSP updates, the ultimate goal is to make overall improvements to the inspection experience. More inspectors will be utilizing technology in the field as there are increased offline abilities, though the inspection format will largely remain the same where the inspector asks you questions, asks you to present records for audit, tours your land, facility, and production areas, and summarizes any issues of concern for compliance with the regulations. The benefits of the new inspector’s portal will positively impact all our clients regardless of their preferred communications.

Note to current clients: Some of your paperwork may begin to look a little different as we make the transition. For example, the Initial Review Report and Certification Report will be in a new format. Your Inspection Report and Exit Interview will be combined on one document. However, PCO is committed to making this change in database as seamless as possible for clients. In order to make this transition as painless as possible for our clients, you will not need to submit new Organic System Plans (OSPs) during this transition.

More great information on this transition is available in our Spring 2021 issue of Organic Matters.

If 2020 taught us anything it's that change can be hard. We fully acknowledge that, and worked hard to configure this new system in such a way that will result in more efficient processes, smoother communication between clients and inspectors, faster turnaround times, and an overall better user experience for our stakeholders. We look forward to these exciting implementations - geared towards serving you better!