PHIS 101: The Basics

SLIDE 1:

Welcome to PHIS 101: The Basics. This presentation is intended to give anyone 

interested in PHIS a quick preview into what FSIS hopes to accomplish with the 

system.

SLIDE 2:

There are many features about our new Public Health Information System...

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...or PHIS, that will allow FSIS employees at all levels, as well as our customers 

to complete tasks, that are currently paper-based, online through this web-based 

system.

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Collecting valid data is key to the system’s success. With valid data, we can 

save lives.
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PHIS, as it is envisioned, will operate through the interaction of four components:

domestic inspection, import activities, export activities, and predictive analytics.

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PHIS will integrate and automate our paper-based business processes into one 

comprehensive and fully automated data-driven inspection system. 

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We are building PHIS around policy.

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Here are some examples of screens that will be helpful in verifying policy...

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...and taking regulatory actions if needed.
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We are designing PHIS around the tasks FSIS employees perform every day.

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PHIS will enable FSIS to schedule tasks directly on an employee’s personal 

calendar...

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...providing the flexibility to change dates for tasks based on availability...
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...and other factors, based on knowledge and experience.
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We are personalizing PHIS for FSIS employees.

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PHIS will enable personnel to write notes online as memory joggers to use for 

meetings or for further actions. 

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Also the personalized dashboard allows FSIS employees to see establishment 

specific alerts and tasks. 
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We are developing PHIS as a tool to help complete work more effectively and 

efficiently at all levels in the agency.

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PHIS “home” page provides a global view of status, including: noncompliance

records, food safety assessments, and appeals. 
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Other screens show what type of inspections should occur at that given 

establishment, such as: Establishment Name and Plant Number, Inspection 

Jurisdictions.

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We are building PHIS to improve international compliance. FSIS has 

incorporated the needs of importers and exporters as it develops the system. 
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Industry will find PHIS useful, as a centralized location and an automated way for 

them to carry out essential tasks, such as managing export applications and 

maintaining product lists. Export recertification will be automated and 

streamlined. 

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Applicants will have a home page. From there, our customers will be able to 

electronically submit Form 9060-6... 

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...Application for Export Certificate...
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...and, to receive an on-line approval or denial of the application. 

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With PHIS, FSIS employees will be able to view import applications... 
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...and to quickly identify and verify health certificates of product waiting for reinspection, all within a few clicks of the application.

SLIDE 27:

PHIS is being designed to protect public health from plant to plate.

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PHIS will enhance our ability to identify food safety risks before they result in 

outbreaks or recalls, detect problems before they reach consumers. 

Improved data quality, more consistent reporting, enhanced management 

controls, and efficient, effective use of FSIS data will enable FSIS to respond 

more quickly when threats are realized and prevent unsafe products from 

entering commerce.
SLIDE 29:

For more information on PHIS, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS. Thank you for 

watching PHIS 101: the Basics.