International Multifoods – Case A

Abstract

The International Multifoods (IMC) case describes the attempt by a mid-sized company to strategically use information technology for competitive advantage. The managers in this company and its subsidiary, Vending Services of America (VSA), saw an opportunity to leapfrog the competition in the food service distribution industry through development of ‘the most advanced system available in the industry.’ The goal of the Renaissance information system was to ‘leverage VSA's strength and consumer knowledge in assisting its customers’ and, in the process, bring much needed revenue growth to the IMC parent firm. The case provides an overview of the IMC and VSA companies, the plans for development of the Renaissance system, and the difficulties that arose as the system was pilot tested and prepared for roll-out.