Standards Comparison

    TOGAF

    Voluntary
    2022

    Vendor-neutral framework for enterprise architecture development

    VS

    SQF

    Voluntary
    2023

    GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management

    Quick Verdict

    TOGAF provides enterprise architecture methodology for IT-business alignment across industries, while SQF is a GFSI certification ensuring food safety via HACCP and GMPs. Companies adopt TOGAF for strategic governance; SQF for regulatory compliance and market access.

    Enterprise Architecture

    TOGAF

    TOGAF Standard, The Open Group Architecture Framework

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM) lifecycle
    • Content Framework with metamodel for artifacts
    • Enterprise Continuum for reusable assets
    • Reference models like TRM and III-RM
    • Architecture Capability Framework for governance
    Agile Scaling

    SQF

    SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector GMP modules
    • HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with validation
    • Mandatory full-time SQF Practitioner role
    • GFSI-benchmarked annual audits and scoring
    • Traceability, recall, food defense requirements

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    TOGAF Details

    What It Is

    TOGAF® Standard (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a vendor-neutral enterprise architecture framework. Its primary purpose is designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise-wide change. Core approach is the iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM) across business, data, application, and technology domains.

    Key Components

    • **ADM phasesPreliminary to Change Management, plus continuous Requirements Management.
    • **Content FrameworkDeliverables, artifacts, building blocks, and metamodel.
    • Enterprise Continuum, reference models (TRM, SIB, III-RM), and Architecture Capability Framework.
    • Certification via Open Group portfolio; no mandatory audits, voluntary compliance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Aligns strategy with IT for efficiency, reuse, risk reduction.
    • Avoids vendor lock-in, improves ROI via governance.
    • Enables Boundaryless Information Flow, stakeholder trust.
    • Strategic benefits: faster transformations, cost savings.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased, tailored ADM application with pilots.
    • Key activities: maturity assessment, repository setup, governance board.
    • Suits large enterprises, all industries; scalable.
    • Focus on capability building, training, tools integration.

    SQF Details

    What It Is

    Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program and HACCP-based management system ensuring food safety and quality across the supply chain—from farm to retail. It uses a risk-based, modular approach grounded in Codex HACCP principles and sector-specific Good Practices.

    Key Components

    • **Modular architectureUniversal Module 2 (system elements like management commitment, HACCP plan, verification) paired with industry modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for processing).
    • Covers PRPs, traceability, food defense, allergens, training; audited via graded nonconformities and scoring.
    • Built on HACCP with third-party certification by accredited bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Essential "license to trade" for retailers/brands; reduces duplicative audits.
    • Mitigates recall risks, aligns with FSMA/EU regs; fosters food safety culture.
    • Enhances due diligence, market access, operational efficiency, stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
    • Scalable for food manufacturers, storage, SMEs to enterprises globally.
    • Requires SQF Practitioner, annual surveillance, unannounced audits. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TOGAF
    Enterprise architecture design, governance, IT alignment
    SQF
    Food safety management, HACCP, GMPs, quality controls

    Industry

    TOGAF
    All industries, IT operations, global enterprises
    SQF
    Food manufacturing, supply chain, GFSI sectors

    Nature

    TOGAF
    Voluntary EA framework and methodology
    SQF
    GFSI-benchmarked certification standard

    Testing

    TOGAF
    Internal governance reviews, maturity assessments
    SQF
    Annual third-party audits, unannounced audits

    Penalties

    TOGAF
    No legal penalties, loss of governance benefits
    SQF
    Loss of certification, market access denial

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TOGAF and SQF

    TOGAF FAQ

    SQF FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages