COBIT
Framework for enterprise IT governance and management
IFS Food
GFSI standard for food product and process compliance
Quick Verdict
COBIT provides I&T governance frameworks for enterprises worldwide, while IFS Food mandates food safety certification for manufacturers, especially European retailers. Companies adopt COBIT for risk-optimized IT value; IFS Food for market access and product compliance.
COBIT
COBIT 2019: Governance and Management Objectives
Key Features
- Tailors governance via 11 design factors and workflow
- 40 objectives across 5 domains (EDM, APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)
- CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 for performance management
- Goals cascade links stakeholder needs to metrics
- Separates governance (EDM) from management responsibilities
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach (PPA) with audit trails
- Minimum 50% audit time in production areas
- Mandatory traceability tests on sampled products
- 10 Knock-Out (KO) critical requirements
- Annual audits with unannounced options
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
COBIT Details
What It Is
COBIT 2019 is an IT governance and management framework developed by ISACA to help organizations create value from IT, manage risk, and optimize resources. It provides a tailored governance system through six governance principles, 11 design factors, and a core model of 40 objectives across five domains, using a holistic, dynamic approach.
Key Components
- **DomainsEDM (governance), APO (planning), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (monitoring).
- Components (formerly enablers): processes, structures, policies, information, culture, skills, infrastructure.
- **Performance managementCMMI-based capability levels 0-5.
- No formal certification; relies on self-assessments and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns IT with business goals via goals cascade.
- Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR) and risk optimization.
- Enables digital transformation and assurance.
- Builds stakeholder trust through measurable outcomes.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess gaps, design via toolkit, pilot objectives, measure capabilities.
- Applies to enterprises of all sizes; training via ISACA certifications essential.
- Focuses on tailoring, not full adoption.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for food manufacturers, auditing product and process compliance to ensure safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specs. It uses a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) with on-site verification.
Key Components
- Governance, HACCP/PRPs, resources, operations (traceability, allergens, fraud/defense), performance monitoring.
- ~300 checklist requirements across 5 sections, 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
- Built on HACCP/GFSI; annual scoring-based certification (Higher/Foundation levels).
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables European retailer access, cuts duplicate audits.
- Mitigates safety/fraud risks, proves due diligence.
- Boosts trust, efficiency, Star status via unannounced audits.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, FSMS build, training, validation, internal audits. For global food processors; site-specific, requires accredited audits (≥50% on-site, product sampling).
Key Differences
| Aspect | COBIT | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise I&T governance and management | Food manufacturing product/process safety |
| Industry | All industries, global enterprise IT | Food processing/packaging, mainly Europe |
| Nature | Voluntary governance framework | GFSI certification standard |
| Testing | Capability assessments, internal audits | Annual on-site product audits |
| Penalties | No certification, lost governance credibility | Certification denial, customer contract loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about COBIT and IFS Food
COBIT FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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