The customer’s needs and satisfaction are the primary focus of any business. Still, it is insufficient to provide a good or service that satisfies a customer’s demands alone.
Companies that excel in customer satisfaction have a well-defined and integrated management system. One of the most popular and well-known quality management systems in the world is ISO 9001.
What happens when you need to integrate ISO 9001 with other management systems?
What Are Other Management Systems?
Management systems are complementary systems that organizations use to manage different aspects of their business.
Information Security Management System (ISO 27001)
Information is a valuable asset for any organization. ISO 27001 supports companies in controlling related risks and safeguarding their private data. This system mostly serves to establish and maintain a secure environment for private data. It guarantees client and company information protection when combined with ISO 9001.
Audit Management System (ISO 19011)
ISO 19011 is a guideline for auditing management systems. It provides organizations with a framework to conduct internal or external audits of their management systems. This system ensures that the organization’s processes and procedures are aligned with the objectives and requirements of ISO 9001 and other management systems.
Environmental Management System (ISO 14001)
Environmental management systems have an internationally accepted standard called ISO 14001. It offers companies a structure for spotting, controlling, and managing their environmental effect. Helping companies reduce their environmental impact and follow relevant rules and regulations is the major goal of this system.
Occupational Health and Safety Management System (ISO 45001)
ISO 45001 is a standard that focuses on occupational health and safety management. It provides organizations the tools to identify and control workplace hazards, reduce accident rates, and improve overall employee well-being. The goal of this system is to create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000)
Any company in the food sector depends critically on the safety and quality of its products. ISO 22000 offers a structure for handling food safety and quality all across the supply chain. This method enables companies in the worldwide food industry follow international norms and rules.
Sector -Specific Management Systems
Apart from the above-mentioned systems, there are sector-specific management systems that cater to specific industries such as automotive (IATF 16949), aerospace (AS9100), and medical devices (ISO 13485). These systems can be combined with ISO 9001 to produce a more all-encompassing quality control mechanism though they have specific needs.
Why Integrate ISO 9001 with Other Management Systems?
Combining ISO 9001 with other management systems gives companies a whole framework for running their business. Other management systems fit the ISO 9001 criteria for customer focus, ongoing improvement, and process methodology.
Moreover, integrating ISO 9001 with other systems helps organizations save time, resources, and costs. Instead of implementing and maintaining multiple systems separately, they can be integrated into a single, streamlined system. The application of common processes, procedures, and documentation also results in a more efficient and effective management system.
Consumers want to deal with companies with clearly defined, cohesive management systems in place. Combining ISO 9001 with other systems allows companies to show their dedication to quality, environmental responsibility, health and safety, information security, and food safety. By separating companies from their rivals, a good management system can also provide them a competitive advantage.
How to Integrate ISO 9001 with Other Management Systems?
Here are some key steps to follow when integrating ISO 9001 with other management systems.
Identifying Common Requirements
The first step is to identify the common requirements between ISO 9001 and the other management systems you want to integrate.
For example, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 have requirements for management review, internal audits, and corrective actions. You can use these common requirements as a starting point for integration. The goal is to create a single set of processes and procedures that meet the requirements of all integrated management systems.
More specifically, you should look for similarities in the following areas.
- Leadership and management commitment
- Risk management
- Performance evaluation and improvement
- Document and record control
- Training and competency
- Customer focus and satisfaction
- Supplier management
- Continual improvement
Get the Support of Top Management
The success of an integrated management system relies heavily on the support and commitment of top management.
Top management should decide on the integration of management systems since they define the general orientation and objectives of the company. Moreover, they can offer required tools and help all through the integration process.
Conduct a Gap Analysis
Conducting a gap analysis is an essential step when integrating ISO 9001 with other management systems. It helps to identify any gaps or differences between the requirements of the different systems.
The results of the gap analysis will help determine which processes and procedures need to be integrated and where there may be conflicting requirements. No system should be compromised or weakened during integration. Instead, the goal is to find ways to align and integrate the different systems seamlessly.
Develop an Integrated Management System (IMS) Manual
For any integrated management system, an IMS manual functions as a centralized reference covering rules, procedures, and practices. It should be developed with input from all relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure consistency and alignment.
The IMS manual should also clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each department in implementing and maintaining the integrated system.
To increase accessibility and simplicity of updates, many companies have shifted toward electronic IMS manuals. Workers can read the handbook from anywhere and get real-time updates via technology upon revisions are done.
Implement Integrated Processes
Once the IMS manual is in place, it’s time to implement integrated processes. This involves aligning processes and procedures across all integrated systems.
For instance, the internal audit process can be aggregated into one audit including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001—now superseded by ISO 45001. Furthermore included into the procedure are performance assessment and risk identification and assessment.
A way to ensure the success of integrated processes is to involve employees from all departments in their development. Collaboration and input from different perspectives can lead to more effective and efficient processes.
Conducting Integrated Audits
Regular audits guarantee compliance and point up areas for development, so determining the success of an integrated management system. Conducting an integrated audit involves assessing the performance of all management systems against the requirements of each standard.
The audit team should consist of auditors with knowledge and experience in all integrated management systems. The results of the audit should be documented and communicated to relevant departments for corrective action if needed.
Training and Communication
Training is essential when integrating management systems. Employees need to understand the new processes and procedures as well as their roles in maintaining an integrated system.
An integrated system is more likely to be supported and followed by knowledgeable staff members. Employees should be trained on the new requirements and promptly advised of any modifications to the integrated system.
Communication is also vital in ensuring the success of an integrated management system. Regular communication between departments and top management can help identify any issues or conflicts and find solutions promptly.
Continual Improvement and Monitoring
A key component of an integrated management system is the focus on continual improvement. Regular monitoring and review of the system can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that all integrated systems are functioning effectively.
In addition, tracking performance indicators across all systems can provide valuable insights into the overall success of the integrated approach.
More importantly, top management should remain committed to the continuous improvement of the integrated system to ensure its long-term success.
How Sync Resource Can Help You Integrate Your Management Systems?
Sync Resource is a trusted provider of management system consulting and training services. We can help you save time, money, and resources by simplifying the integration process of your management systems.
Our team of experienced consultants will work with you to develop a customized integration plan that meets the specific needs and requirements of your organization. We can also provide training and support throughout the integration process.
Contact Sync Resource to learn more about our services.