I would like to put a different twist to Frank's question: How hard or difficult is it to transition from SQF to BRC? Any opinions?
Well, I have recently popped over from BRC to SQF (at a different location and a totally different product type), it is rather easy for SQF Level 2, and should not be a problem for Level 3 (as BRC does not differentiate the 2). Hence it being a GFSI benchmark; apart from the wee little quirks like the "SQF Practitioner" that causes some confusion, but nothing that a $50USD and a 60 question on-line exam wont fix (vs. having an "original" £95.00 BRC Global Standard book on hand). I prefer the later.
Really, IMO, It all comes down to the CB on a GFSI benchmark. Some are crap (easy) and some are quite legitimately thorough. I have well passed 3rd Party audits that we should not have, as well as having a dam good system and got a poor score. The Standards are one level, and GFSI is another.
Conclution: do not worry about your GFSI standard, worry about your CB and their record: was it not Silliker that passed Sunland (voluntary recall that I remember quite vividly (sickened a total of 35 people in 19 states) rippled throughout the supply chain last year... is it not NSF that brags about giving the most NC's compared to other CBs? Personally, I'd go for NFS, more intense (and legitimate) scrutiny never hurt in getting Senior Management Commitment in line... you QA Managers know what I'm talking about. Have ya ever had an Aussi auditor? check the hoops they have to jump through in that country...
Who is with me for hanging a legitimate "Supplier Approval" program?!!!
This (above w/ Sunland) makes the "validation" rather difficult, eh.
How does one really know if these GFSI benchmarks will do the trick in protecting your brand reputation from being undercut by a slack supplier...
Note: This observation is from the lower 48 states (USA) 2013, other parts of the world may have a different story (Good, bad and ugly)... and it is wisdom to know the difference to protect lives and the bottom line.
Hope that gives you any insight
Frank88maurice, any feedback is appreciated.
-Baron
Had to add this from Simon:
Now I'm going to hide whilst those in possession of 'the facts' shoot me down.
Cheers,
-B
Edited by baron, 03 May 2013 - 04:03 AM.