An Integrated Management System (IMS) combines all aspects of an organisation’s systems, processes and ISO standards; it merges your ISO management processes, reducing hassle, cutting waste and refining compliance. With pre-defined processes and procedures, it gives businesses like yours a helping hand in achieving best practices for quality, transparency, environmental impact, occupational health and safety, and many more.
Integration is now seamless, thanks to the Annex SL high-level structure. Annex SL-based Standards share a similar structure of 10 clauses, which makes it much easier to see the similarities and shared processes of each Standard.
An IMS allows these processes to be combined to cover all Standard-specific requirements simultaneously. This will positively impact efficiency levels by boosting output through fewer processes and maximising internal resources saving time and money. A successful IMS cuts the unnecessary hassle and work of multiple management systems; i.e. instead of holding audits for each Standard, you will only need to hold one.
An IMS can be a perfect fit for many organisations wanting greater efficiency, time, and cost. But some may prefer to keep their ISO management separate, whether you are the former or the latter, consider the following:
- Structure: If different managers currently handle individual Standards, you may need to reorganise them so that they work together more closely. You may even prefer to put one person in charge of the whole integrated platform.
- Consistency: Consistency across the Standards is vital. An integrated system means that all of your Standards are viewed as a single unit due to their crossovers. If an auditor flags up areas for improvement (non-conformances) for just one Standard, this will affect the whole integrated product.
- Audits: To assess the compliance and relevance of your system, an external audit may require more preparation and time.
- Implementation: If you’re new to ISOs and want to achieve multiple standards, you will need to implement sound business practices in several areas at once. But if you have the resources and staff to see it through, it can be a great way to achieve a hole-in-one. And of course, if you already have one Standard, you are well on your way to achieving another.
- Responsibility: Depending on your business structure, you may discover some clashes between the responsibility of a quality management system and an environmental system.
- Documentation: To ensure that every aspect of your integrated system is mapped out and maintained, the documentation to support it can become more detailed and intricate.
Which ISO Standards can be combined?
A common framework, known as the Annex SL, means that several ISOs now share their ten clauses with other Standards that fall into this group. As a result, ISO standards work well together in an integrated system, and changes and improvements are easier to adopt and understand throughout your business.
Our ISO options combine popularity with the flexibility to give businesses a streamlined route to multiple ISOs. Choose the best fit for your business and your business goals. You can make your procedures more logical and coherent with aligned systems and shared processes.
How much does an IMS cost?
The pricing of our Integrated Management Systems depends on the combination of Standards you choose and other factors related to your business.
ABAC® programs can be tailored in accordance with your organisation’s requirements. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs or get a bespoke free quote.
What IMS options does ABAC offer?
At ABAC®, we can provide you with training and certification for ISO 37002 Whistleblower Management System, ISO 37000 Governance of Organisations, ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS), ISO 37301 Compliance Management System and ISO 31000 Risk Management – Guidelines. ABAC® works with clients of all industries, sizes and organisation types to develop robust programs using the latest techniques and best practices that help foster an ethical business culture.
