Integrated Management System Certification

Integrated Management System

Integrated management system (IMS) is a management system that meets the requirements of two or more standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and BS OHSAS) and operates as a whole. The unity of processes, functions and documentation are distinctive features of IMS. The most common model of IMS is where additional quality management systems are added to the quality management system certified as compliant with ISO 9001 and playing the role of the basic system, for example, environmental management and occupational safety systems.

The etsablishment of an IMS in a company is often a consequence of a successfully implemented quality management system. Improving economic performance and obtaining additional benefits from the use of a systematic management approach encourages the company management to extend such approach to other areas.

Advantages of implementing an integrated management system and having it certified

Reduced price and cost of other resources required for the implementation, certification and maintenance of a unified system as compared to similar processes pertaining to standalone management systems;
Improved efficiency of the management system due to the implementation of a comprehensive approach and minimization of duplication, disconnection and conflicts between processes and functions of standalone management systems;
Improved image of the company fueled by the creation of a solid image pursuing a single strategy focused on sustainable development;
Raising awareness and coherence of actions of the company's staff due to their involvement in various aspects of the integrated management system.

Certification stages

1. Application Fill in the application and forward it to the certification body.

2. Assessment Certification services are priced based on the factors referred to below. This stage results in the execution of contract.

3. Document review Stage 1 of the certification process. Detection of violations and assessment of whether the documentation is consistent with the requirements of the standard.

4. Audit Stage 2 of the certification process. Studying the company’s processes and verifying whether the documentation is consistent with the real condition of the company’s management system. The audit results in a report and decision on whether the certificate is to be issued or withheld.

5. Issuing certificate In the event that favorable decision is made, the Customer will be issued a certificate of conformity which will be valid for 3 years.

6. Surveillance audit The 1st and the 2nd surveillance (supervision) audits are conducted annually within the validity term of the certificate.

7. Re-certification The re-certification audit is conducted upon the expiry of the certificate. If favorable decision is made, the Customer will be issued a new certificate of conformity which will be valid for 3 years.

Factors affecting the price of the service: