What is an integrated management system?
An integrated management system (IMS) is a single system that meets the requirements of two or more management system standards at the same time.
Instead of a separate policy, separate procedures, separate internal audits and a separate management review for each standard, the organization has common processes and common documents. The specific requirements of each standard are added where they are needed.
Separate systems
- Separate documentation for each standard
- Separate certification audits, which may be scheduled two to three months apart
- Duplicated activities and more staff time
Integrated system
- One common system that is easier to maintain
- One certification audit for two, three or more standards
- Savings in financial, time and human resources
Why are ISO standards easy to combine?
Because ISO management system standards follow a common structure — the same main clauses, common terms and similar text. As a result, the requirements for context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and improvement appear in all of them in the same way.
In most cases the foundation of an IMS is ISO 9001, whose principles are embedded in most ISO management system standards. For more on its structure, see the article ISO 9001 — quality management.
| Common to the standards | Specific to an individual standard |
|---|---|
| Context of the organization and interested parties | Environmental aspects (ISO 14001) |
| Policy, roles and responsibilities | Hazards and worker participation (ISO 45001) |
| Risks and opportunities, objectives | Information security controls (ISO/IEC 27001) |
| Competence, communication, documented information | Control of food safety hazards (ISO 22000) |
| Internal audit, management review, corrective actions | Energy performance indicators (ISO 50001) |
Which standards are most often combined?
An integrated system makes it possible to meet the requirements for quality, environmental protection, occupational safety, information security, food safety, energy management, etc. in the most appropriate way.
- Quality, environment, safetyISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 — a common combination, for example in construction and manufacturing.
- Quality and information securityISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 — for IT companies and service providers.
- Food and qualityISO 22000 together with ISO 9001 — for food manufacturers and traders.
- Environment and energyISO 9001 and ISO 14001, or ISO 9001 and ISO 50001 — for organizations with significant energy consumption.
How does the integrated audit work?
In an integrated audit, the audit team checks the requirements of all the standards in scope at the same time. Common processes are audited once, and specific ones separately.
- 1Enquiry
You specify the standards, the activity, the number of employees and the sites — the quote is prepared for the joint audit.
- 2Stage 1
Review of the common documentation and of readiness for all the standards.
- 3Stage 2
On-site audit of implementation — the common processes and the specific requirements of each standard.
- 4Certificates
If the outcome is positive, the organization receives certification to each of the standards in scope, valid for three years.
- 5Joint surveillance
The surveillance audits in the second and third years and the recertification are also carried out together.
An integrated system is also possible when the organization is already certified to one standard. The new standard is added to the existing system, and the audits are gradually combined.
How is an integrated system built?
If you use a consultant, the preparation is carried out for all the selected standards at the same time, and a single integrated system is developed that is easier for your company to run and maintain. Consultancy is a separate service provided by an independent consultant — the certification body does not provide consultancy, in order to preserve its impartiality.
Certification of an integrated management system combines the advantages of each system included in the IMS.
To see how the audit price is determined, read the article How much does ISO certification cost.
Questions about integrated management systems
Can an organization be certified to several standards at the same time?
Yes. It is advisable to do this through an integrated management system with a single joint certification audit.
What does an integrated system save?
Financial, time and human resources — both in preparation and in the audits, because common processes are checked once.
Which standard is the foundation of an integrated system?
In most cases ISO 9001, since its principles are embedded in most ISO management system standards.
Can I add a new standard to an already certified system?
Yes. The new standard is integrated into the existing system, and the audits can be combined.