What is IMS?
IMS is an Integrated Management System which is a management system which fulfill the requirements of multiple recognised standards in a single unified management system. I.e. one management system for quality, environmental and health & safety instead of 3 separate systems. IMS can be described as a unit which integrates every process and system of an organisation into a single complete structure, allowing them to perform as a single entity with common objectives. Basically, it is an organisational approach which turns out to be very beneficial in making our work simpler and decreasing repetition of documents and work to be carried out. The actual benefits of IMS become very clear when an organisation transition from individual management systems into a single integrated one.
Benefits of IMS
An IMS allows organisations to combine unconnected practices and guidelines into an improved, rational and modern operational framework. There is no doubt plenty benefits of IMS and noticeably fact that integration of management systems is exceptionally valuable for various organisations.
Increased Consistency With IMS
The first benefit of IMS is that consistency can be developed in an organisations operations. If an integrated approach is used by an organisation then it can create an enhanced uniformity in its management systems. Essentially, the system will automatically become less difficult when consistency has been established. Moreover, an integrated management system benefits an organisation to accomplish its goals. Direction, indicators and documentation formed to verify consistent operations are very useful for any organisation in order to implement quality management.
Decreased Documentation With IMS
One of the major benefits of IMS is that is it allows an organisation to benefit from having one set of documentation. It is quite obvious that implementing only one set of documentation and one system can be a lot easier to manage instead of implementing two or three sets of guidelines. This way increased and duplicated work can be avoided as well as potential contradictions between systems. As a result, an organisation only require to train its workforce in one system which makes it less complex for employees. More to the point, the process of an an IMS emphasizes on an organisation’s overall performance, foster innovative thinking, facilitates resolving organisational problems and drive continual improvement.
Risks and Opportunities
In addition to defining processes, an IMS takes account of identifying risks and opportunities. When an organisation systematically observe and evaluates its activities, then it has the potential to continually improve its processes.
Cost Reduction
Furthermore, an IMS can be helpful for an entity to reduce cost in several ways. For example, internal audits can be reduced and made more efficient when auditing one system. Once the management systems are integrated into one, time to perform specific activities are reduced through one approach rather than duplication across systems. Likewise, another of the benefits of IMS is the reduction in time to maintain the integrated management system.
Reduced Bureaucracy
Another important advantage of integrating the management systems is that the element of bureaucracy in an organisation is reduced. A systematic approach can be embraced by an organisation once the management systems are integrated as decisions are made based on one system instead of 2, 3 or 4 different ones. An IMS also provides the benefits of management through knowledge. Without doubt, independent decision making becomes easier when every employee is aware of their responsibility and authority defined through the IMS. An effective IMS ensure employees have a clear understanding of what the organisation expects from them.
If your organisation is planning to implement or integrate its management systems into one integrated one, then contact us for a free consultation on how we can support with your project.
