COBIT
Framework for enterprise IT governance and management
BRC
Global standard for food safety management in manufacturing
Quick Verdict
COBIT provides IT governance frameworks for enterprises worldwide, while BRC mandates food safety certification for manufacturers. COBIT optimizes IT value and risk; BRC ensures product safety and retailer access. Organizations adopt COBIT for EGIT maturity, BRC for supply chain compliance.
COBIT
COBIT 2019: Governance and Management Objectives
Key Features
- 11 design factors enable tailored governance scoping
- 40 objectives across 5 domains (EDM, APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)
- CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 for performance management
- Explicit separation of governance from management roles
- Goals cascade links stakeholder needs to metrics
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- Senior management commitment and culture plan
- Codex HACCP-based food safety plan
- Fundamental requirements for non-negotiable controls
- Site standards with risk zoning
- Environmental monitoring and food defense
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
COBIT Details
What It Is
COBIT 2019 is ISACA's comprehensive framework for enterprise governance and management of information and technology (EGIT). It translates stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored, risk-optimized approach using design factors and a goals cascade.
Key Components
- 40 governance and management objectives grouped into 5 domains: EDM (governance), APO (strategy), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (assurance).
- 6 governance system principles and 7 components (processes, structures, culture, etc.).
- CMMI-based performance management (levels 0-5); no formal certification but capability assessments.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns IT with business value, optimizes resources, manages risks.
- Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR) and assurance via MEA04.
- Builds board trust, enables digital transformation, integrates with ITIL/NIST.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess gaps, design via 11 factors, pilot objectives, measure capabilities.
- Suits large/regulated enterprises globally; requires training (Foundation/Design certs), no mandatory audits.
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior leadership commitment and Codex HACCP-based plans with prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., internal audits, traceability, allergen management) critical for certification.
- Built on risk assessments, environmental monitoring, food defense; graded audits (AA/A/B/C/D).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by retailers for supply chain access.
- Reduces recalls, enhances due diligence, supports FSMA compliance.
- Builds trust, operational resilience against allergens/pathogens; market differentiation via unannounced audits.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, HACCP redesign, training, mock audits.
- Applies to manufacturers globally; annual third-party audits required.
- 6-12 months typical for mid-sized sites with CAPEX for site upgrades.
Key Differences
| Aspect | COBIT | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise IT governance and management objectives | Food manufacturing safety, quality, legality controls |
| Industry | All industries, global enterprise IT | Food, packaging, storage; manufacturers worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary governance framework | GFSI-benchmarked certification standard |
| Testing | Capability assessments, internal audits | Annual on-site certification audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of maturity | Certification suspension, market access loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about COBIT and BRC
COBIT FAQ
BRC FAQ
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