Quels sont les principaux défis liés à la certification en agroalimentaire ?

Les principaux défis incluent la compréhension des exigences, la mobilisation des ressources nécessaires, la gestion des changements organisationnels et la communication interne.

Comment évaluer les ressources nécessaires pour la certification ?

Il est recommandé de réaliser un audit interne pour identifier les compétences, les infrastructures et les systèmes existants, puis de comparer cela aux exigences de certification.

Quelle est l'importance de l'engagement de la direction ?

L'engagement de la direction est fondamental pour garantir la réussite de la démarche de certification, car il favorise l'adhésion et la motivation des équipes.

Comment surmonter la résistance au changement ?

Pour surmonter la résistance au changement, il faut communiquer clairement les bénéfices de la certification et d'impliquer les équipes dès le début du processus.

Modelled case study

How much work is involved in obtaining ISO 22000 certification

Certification in the agri-food sector represents a major challenge for companies wishing to ensure the quality and safety of their products. However, the actual burden of such an initiative can be difficult to grasp. This modelled case study aims to enlighten leaders and industrial directors on the various dimensions of this approach, highlighting the key elements to consider for successful implementation.

Method warning

A typical case, not a client

This study does not describe any real clients and does not report any results obtained from a client: our confidentiality commitments prohibit this. It sets out explicit working hypotheses and then deduces orders of magnitude through a calculation that you can replicate line by line. Change a hypothesis, and the result changes. During a diagnosis, these hypotheses are replaced by your actual figures.

The starting point

The modelled situation

In a context where food safety has become a priority for consumers and regulators, companies in the agri-food sector must comply with strict standards. Certification not only meets these requirements but also strengthens customer trust. However, implementing a certification system involves investments in time, human resources and training. Companies must also navigate through complex and often lengthy processes, which can generate internal tensions. It is therefore crucial to understand the implications of this approach before committing to it.

Initial hypothesis	Value	Unit
Concerned production sites	2	sites
Processes to describe	18	process
People to be trained	45	people
Average workload per process (writing, validation, implementation)	1,5	day

The calculation

Result, line by line

The table below presents the different stages and the resources associated with each phase of the certification process. You must note that this table does not provide precise figures but helps identify the main expense and investment items. The assumptions above should be taken into account to adapt actions to the reality of each company. The elements presented should serve as a guide to anticipate needs and potential challenges.

Calculated magnitude	Formula	Result	Unit
Process description workload	18 × 1,5	27	days
Workload per site (diagnostic, HACCP, internal audit, review)	2 × 12	24	days
Training workload (groups of 15 people, 2 days)	45 ÷ 15 × 2	6	days
Total project workload	27 + 24 + 6	57	days

The diagnosis

What we measure first

Understanding the requirements

Companies must first ensure that they fully understand the requirements of the certification standards. This requires a thorough analysis of normative documents and the expectations of certifying bodies.

Resource assessment

An assessment of available resources precedes any approach. This includes the analysis of internal skills, infrastructures and existing management systems.

Identification of gaps

You must identify the gaps between the current situation and the certification requirements. This allows for the definition of an appropriate action plan.

Management commitment

Management commitment is a key success factor. Active involvement from leaders encourages team buy-in and facilitates the implementation of necessary changes.

The work plan

How the mission unfolds

Team training

Implement training sessions to raise awareness and train teams on the certification requirements.

Implementation of procedures

Develop standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with standards.

Monitoring and evaluation

Establish a system for monitoring and evaluating progress made in terms of compliance.

Internal communication

Establish clear and regular communication within the company to maintain team engagement and motivation.

External partnerships

Consider partnerships with experts or consultants to support the certification process.

The follow-up

The indicators we implement

These indicators are recorded from the diagnosis and then monitored throughout the mission: they are what make the result demonstrable, rather than declarative.

Number of non-conformities identified in internal audit, by process
Document coverage rate of critical control points (CCP)
Results of liberatory analyses and traceability tests
Processing time for a non-conformity, from detection to closure
Attendance rate and results of training assessments

Clarity

What causes this type of project to fail

Lack of preparation+

A lack of preparation can lead to delays and additional costs. You must plan each step carefully.

Resistance to change+

Resistance to change within teams can hinder the implementation of new procedures and practices.

Underestimation of resources+

Underestimating the necessary resources can lead to compliance gaps and failures during audits.

Insufficient communication+

Insufficient communication about the stakes and benefits of certification can create misunderstandings and reduce team engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being asked of us

What are the main challenges related to food certification?+

The main challenges include understanding the requirements, mobilising the necessary resources, managing organisational changes, and internal communication.

How to assess the resources needed for certification?+

It is recommended to conduct an internal audit to identify existing skills, infrastructures, and systems, then compare this to the certification requirements.

What is the importance of management commitment?+

Management commitment is fundamental to ensuring the success of the certification process, as it fosters team buy-in and motivation.

How to overcome resistance to change?+

To overcome resistance to change, you must clearly communicate the benefits of certification and involve teams from the outset of the process.