Source information technology systems in a food and drink business
Overview
This standard is about the skills and knowledge needed for you to source information technology (IT) systems in a food and drink business. IT systems are financially expensive and can require a large amount of technical support to keep them maintained. Sourcing an IT system that supports a businesses day to day needs is essential to the operation of a food and drink business. You will need the skills and knowledge to locate IT suppliers and determine their suitability in delivering IT equipment and a back up service that meets the needs of each department within your organisation. This standard is for you if you work in food and drink manufacture and/or supply operations and are involved in sourcing IT in a food and drink business.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
Determine the food and drink business requirements for
IT
identify the current and future business requirements for IT
equipment and IT support systems
check the requirements are in line with the business strategy,
development and financial plans
liaise with colleagues across the business to confirm these
requirements
summarise your findings and report to relevant people
Locate an IT supplier
source equipment in accordance with organisational requirements
research the identification of information technology suppliers
gather formal and informal information relating to the suppliers
check the suppliers adhere to regulatory and organisational
requirements relating to compliance
determine the financial implications and benefits to the business
of IT equipment from different suppliers and compare them
review the support systems offered for the purchasing and
maintenance of IT equipment and systems
construct a short list of suppliers and liaise with colleagues to
determine a preferred supplier
Confirm a supplier of IT
negotiate with a supplier to the best advantage of the food and
drink business
agree contractual arrangements
record details of any agreements and contracts made with an IT
supplier
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
how to locate the organisational strategy, policies and
development plans relating to sourcing IT and why it is important
to follow them
- why it is important to adhere to the organisational social, ethical
and environmental policies and how to do this
- what the current and future requirements are for the IT equipment
including IT support systems and how to determine them
- how to locate IT suppliers using existing organisational systems
and records and innovative, external sources of information
- why it is important to gather informal information relating to
specific suppliers and how to do this
- why it is important to check a supplier conforms to regulatory
compliance requirements
- what the benefits and challenges are of liaising with colleagues in
determining IT requirements for a food and drink business
- the different types of contract available for the purchasing,
leasing, maintenance and user support of IT systems
- why it is important to adhere to the organisational requirements
for the obtaining of quotes from suppliers
- how to summarise and present quotes for an IT system, adhering
to organisational requirements
- how to use the information relating to IT suppliers to help inform
decision making
- the organisational methods of communication and information
technology available in your organisation and how to make best
use of them
- how to negotiate a contract to the best advantage of the food and
drink business
- why it is important to adhere to organisational requirements
relating to your conduct and behaviours when dealing with
external contacts
- what the organisational and requirements are for the confirming
and recording of contracts and agreements in a food and drink
business