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 Amtivo, formerly Certification Europe, offers 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.
