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INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Several standards. One coordinated system.

An integrated management system brings two or more management-system subjects into a coordinated way of working. An organization might combine quality, environmental and occupational health and safety processes, or connect information security with business continuity. Integration is a management choice; it does not make the underlying standards interchangeable.

CONNECT

Shared processes

Make responsibilities and interfaces clear.

KEEP VISIBLE

Distinct requirements

Each standard retains its own assessment basis.

01 / SYSTEM DESIGN

Start with compatible boundaries

Identify whether the systems cover the same legal entity, activities, personnel and sites. A quality system covering a factory and an information security system covering only a hosted service may share some processes while retaining different boundaries. Describe these differences before asking for a coordinated assessment.

02 / SYSTEM DESIGN

What can be shared?

Responsibilities, management review arrangements, document control, internal audit planning and corrective-action processes may be coordinated. Subject-specific risks and controls still require attention. Environmental aspects are not the same as workplace hazards, and information-security risk treatment cannot simply be replaced by a general quality risk register.

An integrated system should make those relationships easier to understand. It should not hide a missing process behind a single manual or create a common form that nobody uses effectively.

03 / SYSTEM DESIGN

Common combinations to consider

ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 for organizations coordinating quality, environment and workplace safety.
ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 22301 where information protection and continuity arrangements interact.
ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 where environmental management and energy performance have related responsibilities.
ISO/IEC 42001 alongside other relevant systems where the organization develops or uses AI within its activities.

These are examples for discussion, not automatic eligibility or a promise that every combination is available for every applicant.

04 / SYSTEM DESIGN

Planning a coordinated assessment

Tell EQRM which standards are involved, how much of the system is already integrated, and which sites or processes differ. Include current certificates and audit dates. A proposed programme should make clear what is covered by each standard and how the assessment will be organized.

Do not assume that requesting several standards guarantees a fixed reduction in audit time or cost. Coordination depends on the real system, the competence needed and the applicable programme rules. Certification decisions and claims must remain traceable to the relevant requirements and scope.

05 / SYSTEM DESIGN

Is one combined manual enough?

No. A shared document may describe an integrated system, but assessment concerns implementation and evidence. Ask whether the people responsible understand how shared processes support the different subjects and whether results lead to useful action.

Discuss integrated certification with EQRM or read our integrated management system guide.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about integrated certification

Clear answers before you take the next step.

Is an integrated management system a separate ISO standard?

It is an approach to managing shared processes across relevant standards. The standards included in the proposed certification retain their own requirements.

Which combinations can we discuss?

Quality, environmental and occupational health and safety systems are a common discussion point. Other combinations may also be relevant. Explain the intended standards and boundaries so EQRM can review the proposed arrangement.

Will integration automatically reduce audit time or price?

No fixed saving should be assumed. The extent of integration, organizational complexity, scopes and applicable assessment rules affect planning. Request a quotation based on your actual system.

Can the standards have different scopes or sites?

They may have different boundaries, which must be made explicit. Provide a scope-and-site matrix so shared processes and differences can be reviewed accurately.

Can existing certificates be brought into a coordinated programme?

Provide current certificates, status, audit history and renewal dates. EQRM can review available options; alignment or transfer should not be assumed before that review.

START WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION

Discuss your proposed assessment.

Tell us your activities, locations and the standard you are considering. We’ll review availability and the scope of the proposed engagement.