Integrated management system: methodology for maturity assessment in food industries

Abstract

PurposeA model to evaluate the maturity of the integration of three management systems in food industries, under the aspects of environment, quality and food safety is proposed.Design/methodology/approachThe model is composed of maturity levels, allowing the understanding of the integration of the systems mentioned and their stage of evolution. The work was based on a bibliographic review of the topics: ISO standards, Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and already existing methods for maturity assessment. The referred model is composed of elements related to (1) audit dynamics, (2) changes in behavior, (3) the organizational structure, (4) the participation of senior management and (5) the interface with the cycle of continuous improvement.FindingsThe model is easily applicable and composed of five maturity levels, allowing the understanding of the stage of system evolution: (1) absence of maturity, (2) introductory level, (3) intermediate level, (4) toward excellence and (5) excellence.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the model may help managers in the development of actions for the improvement of their integrated management (drivers for IMS) aiming at process control, the focus on the client and the integration of people and processes. Based on the drivers, the managers will be able to make plans characterized by orientations, techniques and tools applied in the several organizational processes. Using the proposed model, managers can enhance the desired results with efficiency and effectiveness.Originality/valueThe existing literature presents limited results on the integration of certified systems for the analysis of the maturity stages in manufacturing industries. Therefore, this study extends results from other studies on IMS, associating them to an organizational maturity analysis in food industries, resulting in a proposal of maturity model. This study also proposes the integration of ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 to indicate the maturity stage of manufacturing industries in the food sector, supporting the strategic management process of organizations of any size. The model adopts several aspects of management and control to provide a holistic view on the integrated management of organizations. Finally, the proposed model considers several aspects of management and control for the food industries in the developing countries, providing a holistic view of integrated management.