What is an Integrated Management System?
An Integrated Management System (IMS) is a comprehensive approach to managing and streamlining an organisation’s various business processes, functions and management systems. It’s a way to organise multiple management systems, standards and processes into a single, cohesive framework that is easily managed.
What benefits does an Integrated Management System bring?
Efficiency
Reduced duplication of efforts and one place for all policies, processes and procedures
Cost Savings
Lower administration and certification costs
Improved Communication
Enhanced collaboration and communication between departments
Consistency
More consistent processes and compliance
Competitive Advantage
Demonstrates commitment to quality
An Integrated Management System allows your implementation team to create one system that helps to deliver your organisation’s objectives effectively and efficiently.
What organisations can implement an Integrated Management System?
An Integrated Management System is relevant to any organisation, regardless of their industry. By implementing an IMS, the entire workforce is brought together to achieve a single goal that can impact multiple areas of your organisation.
Why is integration possible?
In recent years ISO standards have been updated with the aim of becoming more compatible with other ISO management systems.
The compatibility is managed through a structure called Annex SL.
Annex SL which was previously known as ISO Guide 83 is the latest structure created to address the growing frustration of organisations faced regarding the extra time and resources that it took to implement and certify their various management systems with differing structures, definitions, and requirements.
The Annex SL structure has been designed to share the same features across multiple standards. These include:
- Documentation
- Policies
- Procedures
- Processes
ISO Standards that can be included in an IMS
All new ISO management system standards will use Annex SL as the template for their structures. As older ISO management system standards come up for revision, they will all be brought in line with Annex SL as well.
ISO standards based on the Annex SL structure that Certification Europe offer certification services for include:
ISO 9001
Quality Management Systems
ISO 14001
Environmental Management Systems
ISO 45001
Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems
ISO/IEC 27001
Information Security Management Systems
ISO 50001
Energy Management Systems
ISO 20121
Event Sustainability Management Systems
ISO/IEC 20000-1
IT Asset Management Systems
ISO 22301
Business Continuity Management Systems
Key Components of an IMS
Multiple Standard Integration
Integrate multiple standards together, for example QEHS.
Continuous Improvement
Regularly assess and enhance your management systems with ease.
Unified Assessments
Integrated assessments by your Certification Body involve less resources and save time.
Streamlined Processes
Align and harmonise processes and procedures across different departments and systems.
Common Documentation
One set of documents, policies and procedures which apply to all management systems.
Risk-Based Approach
Identify and manage risks and opportunities, addressing not only compliance, but strategic objectives.
Flexibility
Ensure long-term relevance and effectiveness through your IMS being adaptable to changes in standards and organisational needs.
Centralised Management
Centralise certain functions, such as document control, training and reporting, to minimise administrative overhead.
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