International multifoods - Case A

The International Multifoods (IMC) case describes the attempt by a mid-size d company to strategically use information technology for competitive advan tage. The managers in this company and its subsidiary, Vending Services of America (VSA), saw an opportunity to leapfrog the competition in the food s ervice distribution industry through development of 'the most advanced syst em available in the industry.' The goal of the Renaissance information syst em 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, t he plans for development of the Renaissance system, and the difficulties th at arose as the system was pilot tested and prepared for roll-out.