Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
Integrated management systems (IMS) have become increasingly popular in recent years to streamline business processes and improve organizational performance. An IMS provides an integrated approach to managing different aspects of the organization, such as quality assurance, health and safety, environmental protection, and risk management.
This guide will explore an integrated management system, its benefits, the types of systems available, and the associated standards. By understanding these topics more deeply, you can make informed decisions about implementing an IMS in your organization.
What is an Integrated Management System?
An Integrated Management System (IMS) is a unified system that combines all aspects of an organization’s processes, systems, and goals rather than having separate systems for each. This approach can streamline operations, reduce duplication, and encourage efficiency.
An Integrated Management System often includes elements of quality management, environmental management, health and safety management, and other key operational areas. By integrating these components into one cohesive system, an organization can better align its objectives and strategies, reduce duplication of efforts, and achieve its objectives more effectively.
Benefits of an Integrated Management System
An IMS aims to provide organizations with a centralized solution that integrates all their processes and systems into a single system. This helps ensure that every process adheres to international standards. Here are some of the benefits:
- Elimination of Unnecessary Processes: By integrating management systems, organizations can identify and eliminate redundant or unnecessary processes, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency.
- Adherence to ISO Standards: An IMS often includes components that align with ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 for quality management or ISO 14001 for environmental management. This ensures that the organization’s processes meet globally recognized best practices.
- System Optimization: The existing systems can be enhanced and optimized through IMS. It allows for continuous improvement of processes, leading to better performance and productivity.
- Streamlined Auditing: With an integrated approach, internal auditing becomes less complicated and more efficient. Instead of auditing multiple systems separately, an organization can audit one unified system.
- Improved Communication: IMS enhances both internal and external communication. Internally, it encourages collaboration and information sharing among departments. Externally, it helps to present a consistent message to customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
What’s Included in an Integrated Management System?
An Integrated Management System (IMS) blends multiple management systems into a cohesive structure. Here are some of the systems typically included in an IMS:
Environmental Management System (EMS)
This system focuses on managing an organization’s environmental impact and improving its environmental performance. It’s often aligned with the ISO 14001 standard.
Safety Management System (SMS)
This system helps manage health and safety within the workplace. It identifies potential risks, implements safety measures, and ensures regulatory compliance.
Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
For businesses in the food industry, an FSMS is crucial. It ensures that food products are safe for consumption by controlling food hazards and risks, often in line with the ISO 22000 standard.
Energy Management System (EnMS)
An EnMS aids organizations in developing a systematic approach to continually improve their energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption. ISO 50001 is a typical standard used for this system.
Information Security Management System (ISMS)
This system manages and protects an organization’s data and information assets. It includes risk management processes and assures stakeholders that their information is protected. The ISO 27001 standard is commonly associated with this system.
By integrating these systems, an organization can ensure consistency, efficiency, and continual improvement across all areas of its operations.
Integration of Management Systems Standards
The integration of management system standards represents a cohesive approach to organizational improvement and compliance. Here’s how the three standards you mentioned can be integrated into an Integrated Management System (IMS):
- ISO 9001:2015: This international standard involves Quality Management Systems (QMS). It focuses on the consistent delivery of products or services that meet customer requirements and regulatory norms. Key components include customer focus, leadership, process approach, involvement of people, improvement, relationship management, and evidence-based decision-making.
- ISO 14001:2015: This is the international Environmental Management Systems (EMS) standard. It provides a framework for companies to manage their environmental responsibilities effectively. It emphasizes an organization’s commitment to prevent environmental harm and degradation, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and continually improve its environmental performance.
- ISO 45001:2018: This standard sets forth the requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). It helps organizations create a safe and healthy workplace by preventing work-related injury and ill health and proactively improving occupational health and safety performance.
By integrating these standards into an IMS, an organization can ensure its operations are efficient, effective, and compliant with regulatory requirements. The integrated approach also allows for streamlined internal audits, reduced duplication, and increased operational efficiency.
Implement an Integrated Management System Using a Low-code Platform
While there are several ways to implement an IMS, one of the most effective approaches is through a low-code platform. Low-code platforms are designed to simplify the development process by providing pre-built components that can be easily integrated into existing systems. This enables organizations to quickly and cost-effectively create and deploy an IMS without requiring extensive coding or technical expertise.
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a checklist and smart form builder. This tool lets you create a comprehensive IMS that seamlessly integrates with existing systems and is easily customizable to meet organizational needs.
To create a checklist or form template using DATAMYTE, follow these steps:
- Log in to the DATAMYTE software and navigate to the ‘Checklist’ module.
- Click “Create Checklist.”
- Add a title to your template; select the category where it belongs.
- Start adding items to the template by clicking “Add Item.”
- Define the description of each item, what type of answer it requires, and other relevant specifications.
- Assign a team member responsible for conducting the inspection using the template.
- Add signature fields for approvals (e.g., supervisors, quality assurance personnel).
- Save the template—you can now access it anywhere, and it will be available on any device.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for creating and implementing an IMS that meets all applicable standards and delivers maximum operational efficiency. Book a demo now!
Conclusion
Integrated Management Systems (IMS) are essential for any organization that wants to ensure compliance, efficiency, and continual improvement. By integrating an IMS with a low-code platform like DATAMYTE, organizations can quickly and cost-effectively create and deploy an effective system that meets all applicable standards. Start today!
