What is an ISO Integrated Management System or IMS ?
An ISO Integrated Management System (IMS) is a combination of one or more ISO standard management systems of an organization. The IMS aims at combining related elements of such ISO management systems to enable organizations to 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.
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Realization of Integrated ISO Standards
To realize an ISO Integrated Management System, more than one ISO standards are integrated to combine common related elements and also the objectives. This in turn helps realize a unified approach to implementation.
Very common examples of ISO Integrated Management Systems are as below:
Very common examples of ISO Integrated Management Systems are as below:
- 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
Benefits of an ISO Integrated Management System
Given below are the advantages of implementing an ISO 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. Avoiding duplication means reduction of costs.
- Ensures effective management of the systems
- Provides a unified approach to implement the common elements such as document control, control of records, Training, competence, awareness, Continual improvement, internal audit and Management review