Integrated management systems

What it means

An integrated management system (IMS) is one management system that meets the requirements of more than one standard. Instead of running separate quality, environmental and safety systems, an organization uses shared processes for things that overlap.

A common example is ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) together. For how they differ, read ISO 9001 vs ISO 14001 vs ISO 45001.

Why integration is possible

Many ISO management system standards share a common high-level structure. Topics such as context of the organization, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and improvement appear in a similar order. That makes it practical to share:

• document and record control
• internal audits
• management review
• corrective action
• training and competence

Each standard still has its own specific requirements, for example hazard control for safety or compliance obligations for the environment. These need their own attention.

Possible benefits

• less duplicated paperwork and fewer separate meetings
• a single view of risks across quality, environment and safety
• possible savings in audit effort, if the certification body can audit together

None of these is assured. Results depend on how well the system is designed and used.

Combined audits

Some certification bodies offer combined or integrated audits for several standards. Whether yours can depends on its accreditation for each standard and its audit procedures. Ask:

• is the body accredited for every standard you need, in your scope?
• how does it calculate audit time for a combined audit?
• will you receive one report and separate certificates, or another arrangement?

See certification cost for how the number of standards affects audit time.

Things to watch

• Do not merge systems so far that each standard's specific requirements are lost.
• Start with the standard that matters most to you, and add others as the system matures.
• Confirm that a combined approach is acceptable to customers or tenders that require a specific certificate.

Where to begin

If you are unsure which combination fits, use find my standard or read which ISO standard does my company need. Industry pages such as construction and manufacturing show commonly relevant standards.

Certification is carried out by an independent certification body, not by MIYAAR CONNECT.