An integrated management system (IMS) is a framework that combines multiple aspects of an organization’s systems and processes into one cohesive structure. Implementing an IMS enables companies to efficiently meet the requirements of multiple management standards.
Traditionally, organizations have separate management systems for functions like quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety (OHS). However, these systems share many common elements that can be unified under an IMS for simplicity and sustainability.
What is an Integrated Management System?
An integrated management system is defined as:
A management system that integrates multiple aspects of an organization’s systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling an organization to meet the requirements of more than one management standard.
Rather than maintaining distinct management systems, an IMS allows companies to streamline procedures and policies. This eliminates duplication of efforts across quality, environmental, OHS, and other standards the organization follows.
Key Benefits of an Integrated Management System
Implementing an integrated management system offers numerous advantages, such as:
- Simplified structure with unified policies and procedures
- Elimination of redundant paperwork and processes
- Improved efficiency through consolidation of regular reviews and audits
- Enhanced alignment across departments due to integrated objectives
- Increased agility when updating systems to meet new standards
- Cost savings from leveraging shared resources and activities
Refer another post more about benefit of integrated management system.
Common Areas for Integration
While the specifics depend on the standards included, some commonalities enable integration in an IMS:
- Leadership Requirements: Roles, responsibilities, and authority can be defined once for the unified structure.
- Policies and Objectives: Overarching statements guide strategic direction across all functions.
- Context Analysis: Interested parties and scope can analyzed holistically.
- Competence and Awareness: Training addresses multiple standards simultaneously.
- Documented Information: Procedures cover multiple requirements where possible.
- Emergency Preparedness: Unified plans account for various risk factors.
- Audits and Reviews: Assessments examine intersecting components together.
IMS Components
Though combinations vary, quality, environmental, and OHS standards represent traditional IMS components.
Quality Management per ISO 9001 provides requirements to demonstrate the organization’s ability to consistently meet customer expectations and legal/regulatory needs.
ISO 14001 Environmental Management outlines criteria for an effective system to manage environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner.
OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety defines expectations for controlling health and safety risks to employees and stakeholders that can be influenced by the organization’s activities.
Other common standards integrated into IMS include ISO 27001 Information Security Management and ISO 22000 Food Safety Management.
Benefits of Integration
While each standard has unique elements, combining requirements under one IMS provides advantages over separate management systems:
- Eliminates Duplication: Common procedures like document control, emergency response, and review meet multiple standards.
- Simplifies Maintenance: Simultaneous updates are made through the unified structure.
- Optimizes Resources: Cross-functional teams coordinate on shared objectives and metrics.
- Enhances Communication: Key processes foster improved awareness across the organization.
- Demonstrates Commitment: An IMS signals dedication to all included standards.
By leveraging intersecting requirements instead of taking a siloed approach, an IMS boosts efficiency, sustainability, and strategic alignment.
Implementing an IMS
When developing an integrated management system, organizations should:
- Analyze existing systems to identify overlap in structure, responsibilities, policies, processes, etc.
- Define the scope based on which standards will be included and integrated.
- Establish a framework documenting the unified policies, processes, roles etc. addressing all requirements.
- Provide training and communicate IMS roles, policies, procedures, objectives and importance of integration.
- Schedule ongoing reviews, audits and updates to ensure the continuity and improvement of the IMS.
Transitioning standalone management systems into an optimized IMS represents a strategic opportunity for lasting performance gains.
Conclusion
An integrated management system consolidates multiple standards into a comprehensive framework. This streamlines policies, procedures, reviews and other shared elements for improved efficiency and effectiveness. While quality, EHS and OHS underpin most IMS, additional standards can be integrated per organizational needs.
Implementing an IMS requires analyzing commonalities across management systems and defining an overarching structure to meet all requirements simultaneously. The result is a simplified approach that enhances alignment, communication, and sustainability through leveraging synergies versus taking a siloed view. Companies realize extensive benefits from transitioning to this integrated perspective.