4. The Implementation of Integrated Management System in Agri-Food SMEs

The IMS model, proposed in chapter 3, has been applied to Petti Spa, a well known company producing processed tomatoes. During the integration process two different kinds of strong points (internal/external) emerged. Those relative to internal processes include: the focus on a holistic approach and underpinning relationships; synergies in terms of capabilities linked to the early use of routine MSs; a reduction in unnecessary documents and bureaucracy; improvements in organisational efficiency and effectiveness. Those relative to external processes mainly concern the worldwide spread of multiple MSs in the agri-food sector and the enhancement of synergies; the use of best practices due to strong competition on the global market; the widespread adoption of tools for continuous improvement and benchmarking. Nevertheless, some weak points emerged, concerning the need for a change in attitude among employees and management; the difficulties in attempting to re-allocate roles, responsibilities and skills and the resources required for training, knowledge sharing and dissemination.