ITIL
Best-practices framework for IT service management
IFS Food
Global standard for food safety and process compliance
Quick Verdict
ITIL provides best practices for IT service management worldwide, enabling efficient ITSM and digital alignment. IFS Food mandates GFSI certification for food manufacturers, ensuring product safety, quality, and retailer compliance through rigorous audits.
ITIL
ITIL 4 IT Service Management Framework
Key Features
- Service Value System for holistic value co-creation
- 34 flexible practices across management categories
- Seven guiding principles directing agile decisions
- Four dimensions ensuring balanced service management
- Integrated continual improvement model throughout
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8 Standard
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with traceability tests
- Risk-based HACCP and prerequisite programs
- Minimum 50% on-site audit evaluation time
- 10 Knock-Out requirements for critical controls
- Annual audits with unannounced Star status option
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ITIL Details
What It Is
ITIL 4, the current ITIL framework for IT Service Management (ITSM), provides flexible best practices to align IT services with business objectives. It uses a value-driven Service Value System (SVS) approach, evolving from process-centric models to agile, holistic guidance.
Key Components
- **SVS elements7 guiding principles, governance, service value chain (6 activities), 34 practices (general/service/technical), continual improvement.
- Four dimensions: organizations/people, information/technology, partners/suppliers, value streams/processes.
- Certification from Foundation to Managing Professional/Strategic Leader via PeopleCert.
Why Organizations Use It
- Delivers cost savings, 87% global adoption, improved quality/alignment, risk mitigation (e.g., cyber resilience).
- Boosts customer satisfaction, integrates DevOps/Agile/SRE.
- Enhances reputation through proven ROI (10:1 to 38:1), common language.
Implementation Overview
- Phased ten-step roadmap: assess gaps, tailor practices, train teams.
- Suits all sizes/industries; start small for SMEs.
- Voluntary; certifications recommended for maturity. (178 words)
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food (International Featured Standards Food) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers. It audits product and process compliance ensuring safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specs via a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA).
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, resources, operations, performance (Sections 1-5)
- Hundreds of checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria
- Built on HACCP, integrated pest management, food fraud/defense
- Annual scoring-based certification (Higher ≥95%, Foundation ≥75%)
Why Organizations Use It
- Essential for European retailer/private-label market access
- Reduces duplicate audits, builds supply chain trust
- Mitigates risks (allergens, foreign matter, recalls)
- Drives efficiency, resilience, competitive edge via Star status
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS build, training, validation, audits
- Suited for global food processors, site-specific
- Requires ISO 17065-accredited bodies, unannounced options
Key Differences
| Aspect | ITIL | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IT Service Management lifecycle and practices | Food manufacturing product/process safety, quality |
| Industry | IT organizations worldwide, all sizes | Food processing/manufacturing, mainly Europe |
| Nature | Voluntary best-practice framework, certifications | GFSI-benchmarked certification standard, annual audits |
| Testing | Certifications, continual improvement practices | Annual on-site audits, product sampling, traceability |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Certification denial/withdrawal, market access loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ITIL and IFS Food
ITIL FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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