INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STANDARDS (IMS)

What is an Integrated Management System?

An Integrated Management System (IMS) is an integration of one or more management systems of an organization which aims at combining related elements of these management systems so that the organization can work towards achieving a unified set of objectives. Examples are EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) Management System, QEHS (Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety) Management System, etc.

Integration of ISO Standards

To realize an Integrated Management System in the context of ISO, various standards of ISO are integrated to combine common related elements and the objectives of one or more management systems to realize a holistic approach to implementation

Most common examples of ISO Integrated Management Systems are:

• Integration of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 to realize an Integrated Management system called QEHS
• Integration of ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 to realize an Integrated Management system called EHS
• Integration of ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 to realize an Integrated Management system called QHS

Integration involves a holistic approach of treating common elements and addition of uncommon elements to realize implementation at one go.

Advantages of an Integrated Management System (Benefits of IMS)

Following are the key benefits of implementing an integrated management system:

• avoid wastage of time and avoid duplication of efforts if these one or more management system standards were to be implemented as a separate management system. By reducing duplication, costs are reduced.
• enable better and effective management of the systems
• adopt a single systems approach in implementing the common elements such as document control, control of records, Training, competence, awareness, Continual improvement, internal audit and Management review

Inzinc is one of the leading ISO Integrated Management System (IMS) consultants in India who can guide the business to take advantage of the multiple management systems. Please contact +91-9379917239 or email us to ic@inzinc.in