Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Certification
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001: Quality, Environmental, Occupational Health & Safety
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Integrated Management Systems (IMS) is a comprehensive approach to organizational management, combining multiple aspects of an organization’s processes, procedures and approaches into a unified system. IMS ensures that all aspects of your business align with strategic objectives. Through streamlined processes, clear guidance, and enhanced transparency, IMS strengthens decision-making processes and bolsters the achievement of business objectives by facilitating efficiency and effectiveness, strengthening your competitive position, and fostering a culture of responsible business practices and continuous improvement.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed several important management systems standards, including the widely adopted ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management) standards. Aligning your IMS with ISO standards ensures that processes are presented in a well-organized manner, organizational structures and resources are clearly outlined, and goals and key figures are communicated transparently. In addition, these standards provide a vehicle through which you can obtain third-party certification recognition for your company’s efforts, meeting customer requirements and satisfying stakeholders.
Choose SCS
Whether your organization has already adopted an IMS that already integrates ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, is working toward increased management integration, or is just at the start of your journey, SCS provides the certification expertise you need:
o IMS Certification – This certification involves a detailed evaluation of your alignment with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and/or ISO 45001 requirements through an integrated management approach. External third-party assessment brings a vital outside perspective to your management systems and processes, helping you identify potential gaps and opportunities along the way for greater efficiency and effectiveness to help you achieve your business goals.
o Individual MS Certifications – SCS can assess your adherence to any of the following ISO standards individually:
- ISO 9001: Organizations frequently choose ISO 9001 as their entrée into the world of third-party certified management systems. This standard provides a framework for establishing and maintaining effective quality management systems (QMS), ensuring that products and services consistently meet customer requirements and regulatory standards. Implementation helps organizations enhance customer satisfaction, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement.
- ISO 14001: Establish an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) to identify, monitor, and control environmental impact. By adopting ISO 14001, organizations can improve resource efficiency, minimize waste, reduce environmental risks, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.
- ISO 45001: Take advantage of this framework for establishing and maintaining an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system, with processes that ensure a safe and healthy work environment for employees and other stakeholders. Implementation helps organizations reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and promote a culture of health and safety awareness.
- Benefits
- Program Details
- Process
- FAQs
- Program Documents
- Certification opens doors to global markets and can provide a competitive edge in a crowded market, thereby increasing opportunities for business expansion and growth.
- Certifications to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 highlight your commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and employee well-being.
- ISO certifications can be seamlessly integrated with other sustainability certifications, allowing you to showcase their comprehensive commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
- The certification process provides valuable external feedback to validate your approaches, or identify opportunities for improvement, setting your organization on a path of continuous improvement.
All three ISO standards are similarly structured, a key to effective integration of management systems:
| ISO-9001 Quality Management System |
ISO-14001 Environmental Management System |
ISO-45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System |
|---|---|---|
| Context of Organization | ||
| Understanding the organization and its context, including the internal and external factors that affect its ability to achieve the intended outcomes of its Quality Management System (QMS) | Identifying environmental conditions, issues, and relevant stakeholders that influence the organization’s environmental management and performance | Recognizing the context in terms of occupational health and safety conditions, identifying interested parties, and understanding external and internal factors that affect the OH&S management system |
| Leadership | ||
| Top management’s commitment to the QMS, establishing a quality policy, and assigning roles, responsibilities, and authorities | Leadership’s role in setting the environmental policy, ensuring integration of the EMS into business processes, and promoting continuous improvement | Top management’s responsibility for providing leadership, establishing an OH&S policy, and ensuring active worker participation and consultation. |
| Planning | ||
| Planning actions to address risks and opportunities, setting quality objectives, and planning changes in the QMS | Planning actions to manage environmental aspects, comply with legal requirements, and achieve environmental objectives | Planning to identify and assess OH&S risks, determine legal and other requirements, and set OH&S objectives and plans to achieve them |
| Resources | ||
| Determining and providing the necessary resources, including people, infrastructure, and environment, to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve the QMS | Providing resources needed for the EMS, including human, technological, and financial resources | Ensuring availability of resources such as personnel, equipment, and budget to implement, maintain, and improve the OH&S management system |
| Operations | ||
| Planning and controlling the processes needed to meet product and service requirements, including design and development, production, and delivery | Implementing operational controls to manage significant environmental aspects, prevent pollution, and ensure compliance with legal and other requirements | Establishing and maintaining processes for hazard identification, risk assessment, and operational controls to manage OH&S risk |
| Performance Evaluation | ||
| Monitoring, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating the performance and effectiveness of the QMS, including internal audits and management reviews | Evaluating the EMS performance through monitoring, measuring, analyzing, and auditing environmental performance, and conducting management reviews | Assessing the performance of the OH&S management system through monitoring, measurement, analysis, evaluation, and internal audits |
| Improvement | ||
| Determining opportunities for improvement, implementing corrective actions, and continually enhancing the QMS’s effectiveness | Taking actions to improve the EMS, including addressing nonconformities and implementing corrective actions for continual environmental performance enhancement | Identifying opportunities for improvement, taking actions to enhance OH&S performance, and addressing nonconformities through corrective and preventive actions |
- Scoping and Project Initiation
• Client submits application and requests a quote for ISO/IMS certification services
• SCS confirms the project scope and provides a proposal for ISO/IMS services
• Client signs Work Order and returns to SCS to begin the certification process - On-Site Audit
• Client provides documentation to SCS’s review
• SCS auditor conducts an on-site audit of client operation
• SCS provides client with an audit report detailing compliance to ISO/IMS standard(s) requirements and any corrective actions needed - Corrective Actions
• Client responds to any necessary corrective actions
• SCS reviews the audit report and corrective action documentation - Final Certification Decision
• SCS makes a certification determination and informs if approved
• Upon ISO/IMS certification, client is issued a certificate
Upon successful certification, SCS offers a wide range of Client Marketing Support services.
What is ISO?
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a global body that develops and publishes standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in various industries. ISO standards help organizations implement best practices, enhance customer trust, and comply with regulations.
What does Integrated Management Systems (IMS) mean?
An Integrated Management System (IMS) combines multiple management system standards into a single, streamlined framework. It allows organizations to efficiently manage quality (ISO 9001), environmental impact (ISO 14001), and occupational health and safety (ISO 45001) while reducing duplication and improving overall performance.
What is included in an Integrated Management System?
An IMS typically includes policies, procedures, and processes like internal audits that address:
- Quality management (ISO 9001) to ensure customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
- Environmental management (ISO 14001) to reduce environmental impact and ensure compliance.
- Occupational health and safety (ISO 45001) to protect employees and create a safe working environment.
By integrating these systems, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Can I certify to just one of the three standards covered under IMS certification?
Yes, organizations can choose to certify to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 individually, one at a time. However, integrating multiple standards into a single management system can provide greater efficiency and cost savings.
How do I get certified?
To start the process, your company will complete and submit an application to SCS, then authorize a Work Order. You will then submit documentation for review. An SCS auditor will conduct an on-site audit and issue a report with findings. If needed, you will address any identified non-conformities. SCS makes the final determination based on your compliance with the relevant standards. If approved, you will receive certification.
How much does it cost?
Certification costs vary depending on factors such as company size, scope, number of sites, and complexity of operations. Your company can provide this information on the application form. Please contact us for a tailored quote.
How long does certification take?
The timeframe depends on factors such as company size, existing management systems, and readiness. On average:
- Small organizations: 3 - 6 months
- Medium to large organizations: 3 - 12 months
The process can be faster if an organization already has structured processes in place.
What happens if a company does not meet all the requirements during the certification audit?
If non-conformities are identified during the certification audit, your company could correct them before obtaining certification. The audit team will issue a report detailing the areas that require improvement. Your company must then implement corrective actions and demonstrate their effectiveness. Once the non-conformities have been addressed, the certification process can continue toward completion.
| Document Name | Document |
|---|---|
| IMS Brochure | English | Spanish |
| ISO 14001: 2015 | Visit Site |
| ISO 45001:2018 | Visit Site |
| ISO 9001:2015 | Visit Site |
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