Integrated management systems (IMS)

WHAT IS AN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS)?

An integrated management system (IMS) combines various management systems (e.g. quality, environmental, occupational health and safety, information security, energy and asset management) into a single, overall comprehensive, and harmonised management system. The combined approach provides a valuable overview of important business processes, creates significant synergies and pools resources, thereby forming a strong foundation for modern enterprises.

WHAT IS THE HIGH LEVEL STRUCTURE (HLS)?

Although no ISO standard for IMS has been published so far, the High Level Structure (HLS) of the “key management system standards” facilitates the establishment of an IMS or the integration of management systems. Standards using the HLS, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001 and ISO 55001, work with identical terms and definitions and share the same structure.

In most cases, an IMS builds on an already existing management system. Since quality management is one of the cornerstones of many companies, quality management systems are often a good place to start. Further management systems are integrated successively and combined into an integrated management system.

BENEFITS OF AN IMS

An integrated management system brings relevant objectives together by controlling the associated processes. An IMS also ensures that your company will continually improve and further develop its performance in the spirit of sustainable environmental protection, for the satisfaction of your customers and the wellbeing of your employees.

Integrated system
An IMS covers all requirements and processes in the areas that really count for your company – from quality and environmental protection to occupational health and safety, information security, energy and asset management.

Centralised overview
An IMS provides comprehensive transparency and clear control of all processes and procedures.

Motivated employees
Transparent, documented processes enjoy a high level of acceptance among employees and support everyday work.

Competitive edge
An IMS ensures that you will achieve your objectives and that your company develops and improves continually.

Efficient use of resources
Your organisation benefits from management system integration by saving human resources, time and costs:

Lean documentation – fewer documents mean a clearer view of processes
Time savings – training courses and audits can be combined
Human resources – only one or few responsible individuals needed to take over the related tasks
Cost savings – lower costs based on integrated processes and synergy effects

Integrated Management Systems (IMS) infographic

HOW TO COMBINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Organisations may have widely differing objectives and demands, but typically, companies will start with their existing quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001 and gradually integrate further management systems. These can include environmental and energy management in accordance with the ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards, asset management in accordance with ISO 55001 and/or a health and safety management system in accordance with ISO 45001. An Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001, can be fitted into an IMS and thus overlaps and duplication of work can be avoided. In any event, organisations that prepare their existing management system for integrated certification from an early stage, benefit from optimised processes.

WHY CHOOSE TÜV SÜD?

TÜV SÜD auditors have expertise you can rely on. Our highly qualified specialists draw on years of experience in the assessment of management systems for various sectors and industries.
Our global network of experts enables you to have all your branches worldwide certified by one and the same certification body.
Across global markets, the TÜV SÜD brand is synonymous with reliability, independence and impartiality. By displaying our renowned certification mark, you communicate your quality standards and distinguish yourself from your competitors.

CONSOLIDATE Business PROCESSES and BENEFIT FROM SYNERGY EFFECTS

An IMS increases efficiencies through the use of simplified processes and documentation, thereby eliminating the elemental approach, lowering effort duplication, improving system performance and reducing costs. IMS certification means that certification for multiple management system standards is usually evaluated in a single, comprehensive audit. Organisations spend less time preparing for audits and responding to their findings, significantly reducing the overall investment of time and money.

Would you like to know more about the certification of integrated management systems? Contact us today!