IMS: Integrated Management System

Introduction to IMS

Integrated means combined; putting all the internal management practices into one system

but not as separate components.

An integrated management system (IMS) is a management system which integrates all

components of a business into one coherent system so as to enable the achievement of its

purpose and mission.

Why should management systems be integrated?

Be consistent within the organization.

Improve internal and external communication.

Avoid duplication and gain cost savings.

Reduce risks.

Expose conflicting objectives.

Identify and rationalise conflicting responsibilities and relationships.

Gain a structured balance of authority/power.

Focus organization onto business goals.

Create a formalisation of informal systems.

Harmonise and optimise practices.

Identify and facilitate staff training and development

What management system standard can be integrated?

Typically:

ISO 9001 (Quality Management)

ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)

OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health & Safety)

ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security)

ISO 22000 (Food Safety)

ISO/IEC 20000 (IT Service Management)

Considerations for the Integrated Management Process

The extent to which integration should occur

The political and cultural situation within the company

The levels of competence necessary

Legal and other regulatory requirements

Clear objectives for the integration project

Our approach for total integration of IMS

Integration of the various management systems by considering different interactions

between their policies, objectives and resources.

In order to implement a robust integrated management system we propose the use of three

integration levels.

1. Correspondence

2. Generic Level Integration

3. Integration

How do we help Companies?

Awareness Training

Policy & Objective Finalization

Gap Analysis

Documentation/ Process Design

Documentation/ Process Implementation

Internal Audit

Management Review Meeting

Pre Certification Audit

Corrective- Preventive actions

Final Certification Audit