📝 Alternatives & choices · ⏱️ 3 min read

What's the difference between ePackPro and a mobile app...

📝 KitchenNmbrs — · updated 06 Apr 2026

Quick answer
Most French bistro owners waste €175 monthly on oversized HACCP software. ePackPro targets large operations with complex processes, while mobile apps work perfectly for independent restaurants.

Most French bistro owners waste €175 monthly on oversized HACCP software. ePackPro targets large operations with complex processes, while mobile apps work perfectly for independent restaurants. Both handle compliance, but one costs 8x more than necessary.

ePackPro: For large kitchens and chains

ePackPro targets massive professional kitchens, hospitals, schools and catering chains that need enterprise-level features.

? ePackPro features:

  • Designed for: Large kitchens, chains, collective catering
  • Focus on: Full compliance, reporting, integrations
  • Strengths: Very complete, lots of reporting options
  • Price: From €200+ per month
  • Platform: Mainly desktop/web-based

Mobile HACCP apps: For independent French hospitality

Mobile solutions combine HACCP with food cost calculation and target smaller, independent restaurants and bistros specifically.

? Mobile app features:

  • Designed for: Independent restaurants, bistros, 1-5 locations
  • Focus on: HACCP + food cost + recipes in one app
  • Strengths: Mobile, simple, affordable
  • Price: From €24.99 per month
  • Platform: Mobile app + web dashboard

Comparing HACCP functionality

Both systems cover basic HACCP requirements, but approach them differently:

  • Temperature logging: Both support fridge, freezer, core temperatures
  • Delivery checks: Both log arrival temperatures and shelf life
  • Cleaning records: Both schedule and record tasks
  • Allergen logging: Both cover the 14 mandatory EU allergens

⚠️ Note:

No app makes you automatically compliant. You still need to measure and enter temperatures yourself. The difference lies in how easy it is to look things up during an inspection.

For French kitchens specifically

France follows the same EU HACCP rules as neighboring countries, but practical differences exist:

  • Inspections: French inspectors are often stricter on documentation
  • Fines: Can reach €15,000+ for repeated violations
  • Allergens: Mandatory information on menu (not just on request)

Here's something you only learn after closing your first month at a loss: inspectors care more about consistent record-keeping than fancy software features. A simple mobile app with complete logs beats expensive desktop software with gaps.

? Example French bistro:

A bistro in Lyon with 40 covers per day:

  • ePackPro: €200/month for HACCP only
  • Mobile app: €24.99/month for HACCP + food costs + recipes
  • Difference: €175/month = €2,100/year savings

ePackPro makes more sense if you

ePackPro fits better for operations that:

  • Run large kitchens (100+ covers/day)
  • Manage multiple locations centrally
  • Need complex reporting for head office
  • Require integration with existing systems

Mobile apps make more sense if you

Mobile solutions fit better if you:

  • Run an independent French restaurant, bistro or brasserie
  • Have 1 to 3 locations
  • Also want control over your food cost and recipes
  • Prefer working mobile (in the kitchen, during shopping)
  • Are budget-conscious

⚠️ Note:

Both systems require you to maintain records yourself. An app doesn't automatically log temperatures - you still need to measure and enter them.

The costs at a glance

For an average French bistro (2 years of use):

? Cost comparison (24 months):

  • ePackPro: €200 × 24 = €4,800 (HACCP only)
  • Mobile app: €24.99 × 24 = €600 (HACCP + food cost + recipes)
  • Difference: €4,200 over 2 years

With that difference you can pay 2 months of rent.

Related articles

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How do you choose between ePackPro and KitchenNmbrs?

1

Determine your kitchen size

Count your average covers per day. Under 100 per day? Then KitchenNmbrs is probably sufficient. Over 100 and multiple locations? Consider ePackPro.

2

Check your budget and needs

Do you only need HACCP, or also food costs and recipe management? KitchenNmbrs combines this for €25/month. ePackPro costs €200+ for HACCP only.

3

Test the user-friendliness

Try both systems. KitchenNmbrs offers 3 days free trial. ePackPro usually has demos available. Choose what you and your team find easiest.

✨ Pro tip

Test mobile HACCP solutions for 14 days before committing to expensive enterprise systems. Most French bistros discover they need only 20% of ePackPro's features at 12% of the cost.

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Frequently asked questions

Is ePackPro better for HACCP than mobile apps?
Not necessarily better, but more comprehensive for large operations. For small French restaurants, mobile apps offer all necessary HACCP functionality at a fraction of the cost.
Can I use mobile HACCP apps in France?
Yes, mobile HACCP apps work throughout Europe. HACCP requirements are identical across the EU, so you log everything French inspectors want to see.
Which system has better reporting capabilities?
ePackPro has more extensive reporting for large organizations. For independent restaurants, mobile app reports are usually sufficient and more straightforward to understand.
Do I still have to measure temperatures myself with either system?
Yes, with both systems you measure manually. No app measures automatically for you. The difference lies in how easily you can enter data and retrieve it later.
What if I want to switch from ePackPro to a mobile app?
You can usually export your existing HACCP data and manually enter it into the mobile system. The switch takes some time but can save you significant money annually.
Do mobile HACCP apps work offline in French kitchens?
Most quality mobile HACCP apps work offline and sync when you reconnect. This prevents data loss during busy service periods or poor wifi connections.
Can mobile apps handle multiple French locations like ePackPro?
Yes, but typically up to 3-5 locations efficiently. Beyond that, ePackPro's centralized management becomes more valuable for consistency across many sites.
ℹ️ This article was prepared based on official sources and professional expertise. While we strive for current and accurate information, the content may differ from the most recent regulations. Always consult the official authorities for binding standards.

Sources consulted

Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk

The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.

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Written by

Jeffrey Smit

Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs

Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.

8 years kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group Rotterdam
Expertise: food cost management HACCP kitchen management restaurant operations food safety compliance

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