An integrated management system is a management system that integrates all or part of an organization’s systems and processes in to one complete framework, enabling an organization to work as a single unit with unified objectives.

Integrated Management is relevant to any organization, regardless of size or sector, looking to integrate two or more of their management systems into one cohesive system with a holistic set of documentation, policies, procedures and processes. 

Making integrated management system standards more compatible

The common structure has been introduced in the new ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. This will make the standards more compatible and enable more effective integration of management systems in three key areas: quality, environmental management and occupational health and safety. Here’s a brief overview of each of these universally adopted and implemented integrated management system standards:

ISO 9001  quality management system standard demonstrates that your organization is meeting stringent quality management system requirements in the following areas: facilities, people, training, services and equipment. 

ISO 14001 environmental management system is essential for any organization that intends to establish, implement, maintain and improve an efficient environmental management system. 

ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system encompasses the extremely important area of occupational health and safety. This standard will provide a framework for reducing workplace risks, improving employee safety, and generally creating better working conditions for employees throughout the world.

Annex SL and integration

Annex SL is the document that defines the high level structure for all ISO management systems standards. Annex SL is designed to better facilitate the use of integrated management systems, providing organizations with the tools they need to streamline current protocol, encourage standardization and transform existing management systems into an integrated model. 

The common structure has been introduced in the latest ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, and ISO 45001. This will make the standards more compatible and enable more effective integration. Aside from the other benefits of consolidation, adopting integrated management systems now will ease the transition into this model