Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Explained

First of all, what are integrated management systems?

An integrated management system (‘IMS’) is a system that integrates all of a business’ policies, processes and procedures into one unified management framework.

A lot of organizations do not have an IMS and instead operate with separate teams using different systems to manage their respective areas. This structure is usually fragmented and detached, leading to issues in communication, a lack of common purpose to achieve a shared goal and duplication of effort.

On the other hand, a business with teams sharing one integrated management system, using the same documents and following unified processes will be better positioned to optimize their operations and make the most effective use of their time and resources. 

What can an Integrated Management System include?

An IMS can involve a number of different management systems rolled into one easy to follow, unified system. An IMS will commonly include an organization’s:

• Compliance Management System;
• Quality Management System;
• Environmental Management System;
• Occupational Health and Safety Management System;
• Energy Management System;
• Food Safety Management System; and,
• Information Security Management System.

Additional things that could be integrated are:

• Asset Management;
• Information and Documentation;
• Product Life-cycle Management;
• Data Management;
• Supply Chain Management; and,
• Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning