Integrated system (IMS) vs. Quality and Environment separately

Some of the benefits of having an Integrated system (IMS) vs. Quality and Environment separately include

• IMS is easier to control because Organization’s management system is essentially a ONE system. It could comply with several Standards and in this sense, is called integrated
• Duplication of processes is eliminated.
• Documented information volume is decreased and thus its management is simplified
• Certification, oversight and internal audits are significantly simplified as a result of the possibility of conducting a combined audit (simultaneous audit of several systems).
• This all above results into saving recourses on maintaining the Integrated system in operating condition.

Our Integrated Management System Manual Template is fully aligned with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.
Manual gives detailed description of the IMS processes and their interaction. (Click to download a sample IMS processes interaction diagram)
The depth of the description is enough for the Organization to decide that this IMS Manual is the only IMS document, which summarizes all mandatory Procedures as well as the procedures that regulate processes in accordance with the existing good practices.

This could be a rational decision of the Organization that provides services for small and mid-size manufacturing companies.

See the IMS section on our website for information about the template.

ISO 9001:2015 Products

ISO 14001:2015 Products

ISO 50001:2011 Products

Tips for staff undergoing an ISO 9001:2015 audit

What tips do you provide your front-line staff who are going to be interviewed for either an internal or external ISO 9001:2015 audit?

If the personnel already has experience of passing the ISO 9001:2008 certification audit, give them the following advice:

1. Employees should prepare the answers to the following auditor’s questions:
1.1. Risk based thinking (cl.4.4.1.f, cl.6.1):

• Demonstrate examples of risk assessment (identification, analysis, evaluation) in the activities that you are performing (in the Process).
• Demonstrate examples of risk treatment.
• What projects to improve QMS (to enhance desirable effects or to prevent undesired effects) were initiated as a result of Risk treatment.

Note: An example of a methodology for addressing risks and opportunities

1.2. Organizational knowledge (cl.7.1.6):

• How do you access the knowledge of the Organization?
• Demonstrate examples of using the Organization's knowledge in the activities that you are doing (in the Process).

Note: you can find examples of arranging the control of Organizational knowledge activities in the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manual

2. Managers should prepare the answers to the following auditors questions:
2.1 Context of the Organization (cl.4.1):

• Where do you get information about the external and internal context of the organization?
• Provide examples of use of information about the external and internal context of the organization when making decisions.

Note: the examples of gathering, transfer, and use of information about the external and internal context of the organization can be found in ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manual

2.2. Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties (cl.4.2):

• Who are the interested parties?
• Give examples of considering the requirements of interested parties in your activities.

Note: the examples of gathering, transfer, and use of information about the needs and expectations of interested parties can be found in ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manual

3. Production personnel should prepare answers to such questions of auditors (cl.8.5.1.g):

• Give an example of human error prevention activities in your processes.