This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to evaluate and select an integrated production, distribution and service catering system to meet the food production needs of a catering organisation. It requires the ability to determine catering system requirements for the organisation, evaluate operational aspects of different catering systems, and select a catering system that suits the characteristics and needs of the organisation.

The unit applies to all hospitality and catering organisations that prepare and serve food. This includes restaurants, hotels, clubs, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, event and function caterers.

It applies to senior managers who operate with significant autonomy and who are responsible for making a range of strategic management decisions, including executive chefs and catering managers.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.