Integrated Management and Its Core Elements

Integrated management is a socially defined concept that is interpreted and understood in a variety of ways. It is however widely accepted as recognizing "nonlinear processes and connectivity between problems

This integrates all of an organization's systems and processes in to one complete framework, enabling an organization to work as a single unit with unified objectives for easier management and operations.

Quality, Environmental, and Safety management systems are often combined and managed as an IMS. IMS = QMS + EMS + SMS + FSMS + ISMS etc.

These systems are not separate systems that are later joined together, rather they are integrated with linkages so that similar processes are seamlessly managed and executed without duplication. This not only combines the efforts of individuals and groups in ways that achieve unity, but also unifies these efforts into a larger coherent whole.

IMS CORE Elements:

1.     Quality Management System (QMS):

1.     A quality management system (QMS) is a set of policies, processes and procedures required for planning and execution in the core business area of an organization. 

2.     ISO 9001:2008 is an example of a Quality Management System.

2.     Environmental Management System (EMS):

1.     An Environmental Management System (EMS) determines and continuously improves organizations' environmental position and performance.

2.     Example: ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems

3.     Safety Management System (SMS):

1.     It determines and continually improves an organizations Health and Safety position and performance.

2.     OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems