Implementing an Integrated Management System (IMS): The strategic approach

by Alan Field

Overview

Understand how to implement an IMS (integrated management system) and how it can benefit your organisation

Achieving certification to multiple ISO standards can be time consuming and costly, but an IMS incorporates all of an organisation’s processes and systems so that they are working under – and towards – one set of policies and objectives. 

This guide discusses the benefits of an IMS, and the strategies you should consider before implementing one. It references a vast number of standards that can be integrated but stresses the need for senior management to lead the implementation.

Ideal for the c-suite, directors, compliance managers, auditors and trainers, this pocket guide will explain:

• What an IMS is – even if you have no prior knowledge, this book will help you envisage what an IMS is and how it works;
• How to develop a strategy for IMS implementation – this guide emphasises the importance of effectively planning your IMS implementation by having objectives set by senior management to encourage a unified approach; and
• The benefits of an IMS – information on how an IMS can benefit your organisation, e.g. avoiding duplication of effort as management systems are no longer working in silos and reducing the number of audits required.

Key features:

• An easy-to-follow introduction to an IMS, and advice on IMS implementation strategies.
• Discusses the challenges you may face during implementation and how to prepare for and overcome them.
• Advice on audits and IMS certification.

Your strategic guide to implementing an IMS – buy this book today to get the help and guidance you need!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787781269
Publisher:	IT Governance Publishing
Publication date:	05/21/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	55
File size:	469 KB

About the Author

Alan Field, LL.B (Hons), PgC, MCQI CQP,  GIFireE  is a Chartered Quality Professional and Member of The Society of Authors.

Alan has particular expertise in auditing and third party assessing Anti-bribery Management Systems (ABMS) to ISO 37001 and Integrated Management Systems to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements. Alan has many years’ experience with Quality and Integrated Management Systems in the legal, financial, property services and project management sectors in auditing, assessment and gap analysis roles.

Alan Field, LL.B (Hons), PgC, MCQI CQP, MIIRSM, AIEMA, GIFireE, GradIOSH is a Chartered Quality Professional, an IRCA Registered Lead Auditor and Member of The Society of Authors.

Alan has particular expertise in auditing and third party assessing Anti-bribery Management Systems (ABMS) to BS10500 and counter fraud systems in the public sector to ISO 9001 requirements. Alan has many years’ experience with Quality and Integrated Management Systems in the legal, financial, property services and project management sectors in auditing, assessment and gap analysis roles.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is an IMS?

The decision to integrate

1: Benefits of an IMS

2: Terms and definitions

Annex SL

Leadership

PDCA

Risk-based thinking

3: IMS Implementation Strategies

Does an IMS always have to be aligned to any particular management standards? 

Strategic buy-in

How far does Annex SL help a leadership team with 
thinking about an IMS?

Why should leadership be interested in an IMS?

PDCA and managing uncertainty

IMS and process-based thinking

IMS, risk and metrics

How does this risk-based thinking impact on policy and objectives?  

4: Implementing an IMS – Policies and Objectives

Policy

Objectives

What should the objectives say?

5: Acting on the IMS

Mind the gap

Pursuing the project

Conclusion

6: Third-party assessment

Is it worth considering?

The assessment processes

The endgame?

Further reading