A question we're asked a lot when we use the term 'IMS'..... This blog should hopefully provide you with an overview and understanding of an Integrated Management System (IMS).
An Integrated Management System (IMS) is a comprehensive approach that combines multiple management systems into a unified framework within an organisation. It aims to streamline and harmonise various management systems to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance.
Traditionally, organisations would have separate management systems for quality, environment, health and safety, information security, and other areas. Each system would have its own set of policies, procedures, and processes. However, maintaining multiple systems could be complex and lead to duplication of efforts.
With an Integrated Management System, different management systems are integrated into a single, cohesive structure. This integration allows organisations to align their objectives, policies, processes, and resources more effectively. It promotes consistency, reduces duplication, and enhances coordination among different functional areas.
The exact components and scope of an Integrated Management System may vary depending on the organisation and its specific needs. Common management systems that can be integrated include:
Quality Management System (QMS): Focuses on ensuring products or services meet customer requirements and comply with applicable standards.
Environmental Management System (EMS): Addresses environmental aspects, impacts, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS): Manages health and safety risks in the workplace, aiming to prevent accidents and injuries.
Information Security Management System (ISMS): Protects sensitive information and manages risks related to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
By integrating these systems, organisations can eliminate redundancies, optimise resource allocation, and create a more unified approach to managing their operations. An IMS typically includes common processes, documentation, performance metrics, and management responsibilities that span across multiple areas.
Implementing an Integrated Management System requires careful planning, coordination, and communication. It often involves conducting a thorough analysis of existing systems, identifying areas of integration, and defining common processes and procedures that align with relevant standards or frameworks such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), or ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety).
The ultimate goal of an Integrated Management System is to improve organisational performance, enhance customer satisfaction, meet regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvement across multiple management disciplines.
Founder and Lead Consultant of ISO Systems UK, Billy Naisbett has specialised in IMS's since 2004, initially using the 14001 as the preferred central framework for an IMS, then the big breakthrough came in 2006 with BSI developing and introducing the first specification for IMS’s. This was the PAS 99, ‘Specification of Common Requirements as a Framework for Integration, this was revised in 2012.
Then In 2015, there was an event that had a significant impact on organisations, trainers, consultants, certification bodies, accreditation bodies, auditors, and Management System Standards (MSS) writers.
It was the introduction of Annex SL (previously ISO Guide 83) which defines the high-Level Structure (HLS) for management systems. Since then, all ISO MSS had to adhere to this HLS, and all current MSS will migrate to the framework at their next revision.
In future all ISO MSS should be consistent and compatible - they will all have the same look and feel. This could be the beginning of the end of the conflicts, duplication, confusion, and misunderstanding arising from subtly different requirements across the various MSS.
To this day Billy continues to use both the PAS 99 2012, and Annex SL to develop efficient, effective and lean integrated management systems.
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