Integrated Management Systems Overview
Integrated Management Systems Overview
It may happen that the integration is partial, that is to say that the integration
the systems are formed only by two of the management systems we were talking about
at the beginning.
The trunk corresponds to the common management system of the areas to be integrated, for
example of quality, environment and occupational safety, and will be included the
policy, resources, planning, performance control, audit and review of
system.
Each branch will accommodate the particular elements of each of the systems that
they want to implant.
Normally, an Integrated Management System consists of the following
structure:
System improvement.
Communication.
How System Integration is Performed
ISO, through Annex SL, has provided its standards with an identical structure,
with definitions and common terms to form management system standards
of the future. The SL Annex simplifies the creation of new standards and the review of the
already existing, and allows for the implementation of multiple standards, that is
of SIG or HSEQ, in an organization to be easier.
Future structure of Integrated Management Systems
Scope of application.
Normative references.
Terms and definitions.
Context of the organization.
Leadership.
Planning.
Support.
Operation.
Performance evaluation.
Improvement.
so many standards of
management has led to
the organizations to which
its implementation is
focused on achieving a
unique management system
integrated. In this regard, in
the academic field is
he
published research
they analyze the aspects
most relevant about the
system integration
of management
mainly based
in the definition
of Integrated System
Management(SIG) the
methodology of
integration, the levels
of integration of the
company and its advantages and
disadvantages.
The integration of management systems: advantages
The following advantages derived from the integration can be pointed out:
management systems:
For the first aspect, it is essential to consider the relationship between costs and
benefits expected from the project, as it is considered necessary to know with
in advance the balance between the expected benefits and the resources needed in order
to assign the integration project the appropriate priority and managerial support.
The last two aspects require analyzing elements such as complexity and
extension of management systems, but requires greater attention to analysis
what should be done regarding the level of maturity or capacity for management by
processes. There are various possible maturity levels of management systems,
according to the characteristics they present regarding experience and effectiveness in
use of management systems and tools, the organizational structure and the level
of the competencies of the organization's personnel.
The standard adopts the philosophy of continuous improvement following the PDCA cycle. The latter
The phase intends to answer two questions: is integration effective and profitable?
Adopted? And does it need improvements? The advantages indicated by the norm of the review
[Link]
Annex SL simplifies the integration process of management systems by providing a unified structure across different ISO standards, with definitions and common terminology. This consistency helps organizations implement multiple standards more easily and saves time and money . The high-level structure includes components like scope, normative references, terms and definitions, context of the organization, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement, which streamline integration efforts .
The UNE 66177:2005 standard provides guidelines for developing and implementing an integration plan for Integrated Management Systems, although it doesn't specify the scope or content. It advises on considering expected benefits, analyzing the context, and selecting an integration method . The standard assists in the design and establishment of integration plans by providing self-assessment tools and aids in choosing the appropriate integration strategy for organizational contexts .
The structural components of Integrated Management Systems include an integrated management policy, organization, planning, an integrated management system, training and qualification, system documentation and control, implementation, evaluation and control of the integrated system, system improvement, and communication . These components ensure that the system operates cohesively: the trunk represents common elements across different management areas, and branches accommodate specific requirements of individual systems, facilitating a holistic approach to management .
The primary benefits of integrating management systems include simplification of system requirements, optimization of resources, cost reduction, conducting integrated audits, reduction of documentation, alignment of objectives from different standards and systems, creation of synergies, reduction of policy and procedure duplications, increased employee motivation, and improvement of the organization's effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction . Challenges include resistance to change among management and staff, the requirement for additional resources for planning and execution, selecting appropriate integration levels based on the organization's maturity, and increased need for personnel training .
Integration of management systems can enhance employee motivation by reducing duplication of policies and procedures, thereby clarifying roles and responsibilities . This streamlining of processes helps increase operational efficiency, enabling more coherent and effective organizational operations. Furthermore, integration aligns objectives of different systems, fostering a sense of unity and shared direction among employees, which can be motivating .
The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle is central to the integration process as it provides a structured framework for continuous improvement. It is used in various stages of integration, including designing, implementing, and reviewing the integration plan. The cycle ensures systematic progress and adaptation, facilitating effective management system integration .
When selecting an integration method, it is important to consider the expected benefits, complexity, and scope of existing management systems, as well as the level of organizational maturity and capacity for process management . Additionally, conducting a cost-benefit analysis to prioritize the integration project and secure managerial support is crucial for successful method selection and implementation .
System integration significantly reduces documentation requirements by creating synergies among various management systems and eliminating duplications of policies and procedures . This consolidation simplifies compliance with standardized processes, streamlining the documentation process. Consequently, organizations can manage documents more effectively, which saves time and reduces the risk of inconsistencies or redundancies .
Implementing an integration plan involves several essential steps: forming a project team, typically comprised of department heads and key personnel; monitoring the integration plan regularly to ensure compliance with set objectives; and updating the plan as necessary in case of deviations . The process follows the PDCA cycle, ensuring systematic action and consistent adaptation and improvement throughout the integration process .
The ISOTools Platform supports the integration of standardized management systems by providing a technological solution designed to enhance documentation management, improve communication, and reduce time and costs associated with integration processes. It aids in making the integration process more efficient and effective by offering tools that streamline system management and promote excellence .