What it is about
Every additional individual certification increases the risk of overlapping bureaucracy and duplicate documentation in the company. An integrated management system (IMS) bundles the requirements of ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 or 50001 in a single, consistent structure. Core processes such as document control, internal audits and management review are carried out only once, centrally.
As an authorised lead auditor for all six relevant main standards, I know the interfaces and the High Level Structure (HLS) of the ISO standards precisely. The system is designed to make maximum use of synergies. This saves administrative effort, significantly lowers ongoing audit costs and results in an understandable system from a single mould.
Frequently asked questions
Can an existing QM system be expanded into an IMS later on?
Yes, that is the usual case. An existing system (usually ISO 9001) is used as the basis, analysed and extended in its processes by the specific clauses of other standards (e.g. the environmental aspects of 14001).
Does an IMS really save audit costs?
Yes, certification bodies grant considerable time and cost reductions for matrix or combined audits, as common system elements can be audited in parallel.
