INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (IMS)

What is an Integrated Management System?

An integrated management system is a management system that integrates all of an
organization's systems and processes in to one complete framework, enabling an
organization to work as a single unit with unified objectives.
With an integrated system, your organization becomes a unified whole, with each
function aligned behind a single goal: improving the performance of the entire
organization. Instead of "silos", you have a genuinely co-ordinated system: one that's
greater than the sum of its parts, and can achieve more than ever before. An integrated
system provides a clear, holistic picture of all aspects of your organization, how they
affect each other, and their associated risks. There is less duplication, and it becomes
easier to adopt new systems in future.
An integrated management system allows a management team to create one structure
that can help to effectively and efficiently deliver an organization's objectives. From
managing employees' needs, to monitoring competitors' activities, from encouraging
best practice to minimizing risks and maximizing resources, an integrated approach can
help an organization achieve their objectives.

Who is it for?
Integrated Management is relevant to any organization, regardless of size or sector,
looking to integrate two or more of their management systems into one cohesive system
with a holistic set of documentation, policies, procedures and processes. Typically,
organizations most receptive to this product will be those who have maturing
management systems and who wish to introduce other management systems to their
organization with the benefits that those bring.

Which Management System Standards can be integrated?

A typical Integrated Management System might include:

ISO 9001 (Quality Management)

ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)

OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health & Safety)

ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security)

ISO 22000 (Food Safety)

ISO/IEC 20000IT Service Management

The Integrated Management Process

Before getting started you will need to assess your organization's ability to integrate and
to help you do this
you will need to review the following in advance:

The extent to which integration should occur.

The political & cultural situation within the company.

The levels of competence necessary.

Legal and other regulatory requirements.

Clear objectives for the integration project.

When introducing another standard, those responsible for the introduction should look
very carefully at the
similarities within the standards to ensure there is no duplication. Communicating what
is being done is also vital
to the successful introduction of an integrated management system, so that everyone in
the organization
knows what is being done and most importantly why. Below are some suggested steps
in the process.

Separate systems being used at the same time.

Common elements have been identified.

Common elements have been identified and are being

integrated.

One system incorporating all common elements.

Integrated Management System (FAQ)

How do I ensure effective design and implementation?
To ensure this is done effectively, the steps listed below should be followed:

Define the Business Model and Primary Functions

Analyse business processes using flow charts, standards and failure mode
analysis techniques

Formulate operational policies which will govern the processes and their interlinkages

Develop internal business procedures to control each business process which

define who does what and where, when and how

Implement the new and improved practices, if required

Identify optimum documentation needs by linkage to the control procedures

Document the system

How should systems be integrated?

There are several approaches, which can be taken, depending on an
organisation's current position. However, all systems should eventually share the
following processes:

Management review

Document development and control

Monitoring, analysis and review

Internal audit

Training

Continual improvement (Corrective and Preventive Actions)

What are Integrated Management Systems?

An integrated management system (IMS) is a management system, which
integrates all relevant components of a business into one coherent system so as
to enable the optimal achievement of its business objectives. The integrated
approach requires combining all the internal business management practices into
one system. For the different systems to be properly integrated, rather than
simply being separate systems joined together, there have to be effective
linkages so that the boundaries between processes are seamless. The
fundamental components of the system include the organisation, resources and
processes. Therefore, people, equipment and business culture are part of the
system as well as the documented policies and practices.

What can be integrated?

Any system, which is required by the effective running of a business, can be
integrated either totally or partially under a unified management structure. In
essence any system, which has an impact on overall business performance
should be part of the integrated management system.
What is required to ensure effective integrated management systems?
To ensure effective systems, the following functions must be performed:

Risk Assessment- this should address customer perceptions, health & safety
risks, environmental concerns & impacts and process failure modes. By having a
common approach it will be easier to compare risks occurring in different parts of
the business.

Norms & Regulations Management - to capture norms and regulations with

respect to product specifications, environment and health & safety and their
impacts on the business.

Continual Improvement Management - this should focus on specific improvement

programmes related to quality, health & safety and environment.

Stakeholders Awareness - this should address needs of both customers, staff

and general public with respect to quality, health & safety and environment

What is the best approach to take?

Whether an organisation has an existing formal system or not, it is best to adopt
the business process approach to management system development. The
benefits are that one coherent system can be built which serves business needs
and does not tie the organisation to a particular standard. The standards are
used to assist identify tasks and processes. This approach starts by looking at
the business as a whole and establishing its objectives, mission and core
processes which deliver the objectives and achieve this mission.
What types of systems can be integrated?
All systems relevant to the business, whether certifiable or otherwise, can be
included. These could include: Quality (ISO 9001); Environment (ISO 14001);
Occupational Health & Safety (OHSAS 18001 & BS 8800); Food Safety &
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP); Ethical Trading Practices (SA
8000); Social & Ethical Accounting, Auditing and Reporting (AA 1000); Investor in
People (IIP); Law Society Practice Management Standard (LEXCEL), European
Directives and CE Markings; Information Security (BS 7799); Quality System
Requirements for Automotive Industry Suppliers (ISO/TS 16949 & QS 9000);
Quality System Requirements for Telecommunications Industry Suppliers (TL
9000); and Business Excellence Model (BEM).
Why should management systems be integrated?
Integration is designed to:

Ensure focus on business goals & objectives

Harmonise and optimise practices

Reduce risks to the business and increase profitability

Balance conflicting objectives

Eliminate conflicting responsibilities and relationships

Create consistency

Reduce duplication and therefore costs

Improve communications

Facilitate training and development