The Importance of Continual Training in Quality Management

Quality Management Systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 are more than just certificates on a wall—they are the backbone of consistent performance, customer trust, and operational excellence. At the core of a thriving QMS lies one often underestimated element: continual training. No matter how comprehensive your system is, it is only as effective as the people managing it.

Throughout my decades working with maritime companies and small to mid-sized enterprises, I’ve seen the impact of ongoing training firsthand. Businesses that prioritize continual learning not only avoid stagnation but also elevate their standards. There is a direct link between continual improvement and business success, and training is the vehicle that is a key support in that journey.

Why Continual Training Matters in Quality Management

Keeping Up with Evolving Standards

ISO standards aren’t static. ISO 9001 itself has undergone several revisions over the years. Businesses that don’t train their teams regularly risk falling out of conformity. However this is not all that is evolving. Compliance obligations are evolving and as a result risks to the process which lead to changes to the process to mitigate these risks. The importance of quality management training becomes critical when standards evolve—because what worked yesterday may not satisfy today’s expectations. Further additional training such as FMEA and problem solving prove valuable assets in an employee’s skill set.

Addressing Changing Customer Expectations

Customer expectations today are higher and more fluid than ever. Continual training helps quality management teams adapt to these changes by enhancing their ability to identify trends, analyze feedback, and implement responsive changes. One client in the logistics sector updated its training modules and noted reduction in user errors.

Reducing Errors and Improving Consistency

Mistakes in quality management usually stem from a lack of awareness or understanding. In one engineering services company I consulted for, inconsistent recordkeeping was leading to frequent audit findings. After implementing training for ISO standards, non-conformance reports dropped by 40% within six months. Continual training instills consistency and reduces costly errors.

Core Areas to Focus on During Quality Management Training

Internal Audits

Effective internal audits are a pillar of any ISO 9001 system. Providing internal audit training empowers staff to identify gaps before external auditors do. For instance, a food packaging SME trained their department heads as internal auditors and saw a 50% reduction in minor non-conformities during certification renewal.

Risk Management

Modern QMS frameworks emphasize risk-based thinking. Employees should be trained in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks. Structured risk management training helps businesses anticipate disruptions and make data-driven decisions. A UK-based electronics firm credits their stable growth during Brexit to scenario planning introduced through risk-focused training modules.

Customer Satisfaction Improvement

Training teams to effectively track, analyze, and respond to customer feedback ensures that quality doesn’t just meet but exceeds expectations. One case in point is an IT services company that held quarterly feedback analysis training. Within a year, they saw customer complaint resolution time cut in half.

Document Control

Poor documentation can unravel an otherwise sound system. Proper training ensures that document management is consistent, accessible, and aligned with regulatory requirements. When a ship maintenance contractor implemented a document control training module, audit time was reduced by two days due to quicker access and better version tracking.

Benefits of Regular Training for Employees

Increased Employee Engagement

When staff feel invested in, they reciprocate through higher ownership and accountability. Employee training benefits include stronger morale and lower turnover. A maritime safety company I worked with reported a 25% drop in staff attrition after launching a quality-focused training initiative.

Improved Efficiency and Product Quality

Skilled employees waste less time and deliver higher quality outputs. A Swiss manufacturing firm using Lean principles alongside ISO 9001 saw productivity rise 20% after implementing skill-based development paths.

Higher Customer Satisfaction Rates

Customers notice when a business is responsive and consistent. Continual training enhances the service culture, as knowledgeable employees handle queries and issues more effectively. Improved quality leads directly to happier customers.

Best Practices for Implementing Continual Training Programs

Regular Workshops and Refresher Courses

Schedule recurring workshops to ensure that staff stay updated. These can be quarterly or semi-annual, based on system complexity. One health care distributor holds monthly ISO huddles and credits it with their 98% audit readiness score. This also helps build memory muscle and increase knowledge retention.

Online Training Platforms

Digital learning tools are cost-effective and accessible. QMII has worked with clients to develop custom ISO 9001 training courses tailored to various industry needs. The elearning is an effective tool to develop blended with in-person workshop reinforcement.

Certification Renewals and Upgrades

Make sure employees know that training doesn’t end with initial certification. Renewal cycles often introduce updates, and staff must be prepared. Invest in quality management training programs that include updates on ISO revisions and emerging practices.

Tools and Resources for Quality Management Training

  • Online Courses: Contact QMII to learn more about how we can develop custom eLeaning modules for your organization. We also provide all our classes in a virtual instructor-led format.
  • Webinars: QMII frequently host free webinars on trending QMS topics.
  • Consultants: Working with experienced consultants accelerates learning and contextualizes standards for your business. QMII consultants are all field experienced and bring that experience to the classroom to enhance your learning.

Conclusion

Training isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in the stability and future of your QMS. A quality management system that is static soon becomes obsolete. Continuous improvement is only possible when learning is continual too.

Whether you’re aiming to reduce audit findings, improve product consistency, or boost customer trust, the answer often lies in a better-trained team. Don’t wait for non-conformities to force change.

Invest in continual training today and future-proof your quality processes for tomorrow.

How Management System Standards Help Small Businesses Scale

 today’s competitive landscape, structured growth is not just an advantage for small businesses—it’s a necessity. Without a clear framework, businesses risk chaotic expansion, inconsistent quality, and missed opportunities. This is where Management System Standards (MSS) come into play. Standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 provide small businesses with the structure needed to scale sustainably and confidently.Their structure also allows the flexibility needed to allow the small businesses to be agile and adapt.

Over my 25+ years working within the maritime industry and supporting businesses, startups, and service organizations, I have seen firsthand how implementing process based standards such as ISO standards for small business transforms not just operations but also mindsets. Whether it’s a marine engineering firm or a boutique consulting firm, Management System Standards lay the foundation for scalable success.

What Are Management System Standards?

Management System Standards (MSS) are structured frameworks that help organizations manage and improve their processes, ensure quality, meet regulatory requirements, and achieve strategic objectives. These business management standards provide a “blueprint” for how to run your business more effectively.

Some well-known examples include:

  • ISO 9001: Focused on delivering consistent Quality
  • ISO 14001: Focused on improving Environmental performance
  • ISO 45001: Focused on Occupational Health and Safety 
  • ISO 27001: Focused on Information Security 

By adopting Management System Standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and ISO 45001, small businesses can create an operational backbone that supports consistent delivery, sustainable practices, and workplace safety. They become more resilient, adaptable, and attractive to clients, providing a strong competitive advantage in crowded markets.

Key Benefits of Implementing Management System Standards

Improved Operational Efficiency

When I helped a small manufacturing company, providing parts to a large shipyard, implement ISO 9001, their operational bottlenecks became immediately visible. By mapping processes and applying continuous improvement practices, they reduced their non-conforming outputs by 25% within a year. They also retained the business of the shipyard and grew to win more contracts. Management System Standards encourage clarity in workflows, reduced waste, and smarter resource use—essential factors if you’re looking to improve business operations.

A great real-world example is the case of Precision Micro Ltd., a UK-based manufacturer that reported a 15% productivity boost after ISO 9001 implementation, according to the British Assessment Bureau. Their streamlined processes directly contributed to significant cost savings and faster turnaround times.

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Clients notice consistency. They notice responsiveness. MSS like ISO 9001 place a sharp focus on customer feedback loops and satisfaction monitoring. Working with a credentialing provider, we were able to reduce the time it took to produce credentials from 4 months to less than a month. Happy customers mean repeat business and glowing referrals—a prime example of the benefits of ISO 9001.

Similarly, The Italian Food Company, a small deli supplier, increased their customer base by 20% after achieving ISO 9001 certification. They attributed their success to improved product consistency and faster complaint resolution, showcasing how ISO standards can directly impact business growth.

Better Compliance and Risk Management

Navigating environmental and safety regulations can overwhelm small teams. ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 help businesses manage compliance proactively. By systematizing risk assessments, my maritime clients could avoid regulatory penalties and significantly improve workplace safety. These standards also engage the leadership in the system and place more accountability on them for the effectiveness of the system. These strategies showcase how crucial risk management for small business is to sustainable growth.

The case of Skyform Ltd., a Scottish construction company, is notable—they reported a 70% reduction in workplace incidents after implementing ISO 45001. Additionally, they saw a notable increase in contract awards, thanks to their enhanced safety credentials.

How Management System Standards Enable Small Business Growth

Building Trust and Credibility

Certifications like ISO 9001 signal professionalism to clients and partners. It’s a game-changer for credibility. QMII has supported hundreds of clients in achieving first time certification including a government contractor that then won a major contract largely because their ISO 9001 certification assured the client of their reliability. This is a clear example of how to scale small business operations effectively.

According to research by ISO.org, organizations that are ISO 9001 certified are 54% more likely to achieve successful contract bids compared to their non-certified counterparts.

Streamlining Internal Processes

Clear documentation, responsibility assignments, and continuous improvement loops lead to a leaner, more agile operation. Internal teams spend less time firefighting and more time delivering value, supporting smart business growth strategies. For example, Advanced Engineering Ltd. reduced their internal quality issues by 40% after implementing ISO 9001, creating more time and resources for strategic initiatives.

Access to Bigger Markets

Many government agencies and corporate giants require small businesses to have specific certifications before awarding contracts. MSS opens doors to new revenue streams. Small business certifications like these are often the ticket to playing in larger arenas.

Research from the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) found that certified companies are 62% more likely to enter new markets and expand their client base successfully.

Case Studies: Small Businesses That Scaled with MSS

  • BIZZY B Management Systems (South Africa):
    After achieving ISO 9001 certification, Bizzy B saw a 30% increase in business efficiency and a significant reduction in client complaints. According to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), their improved processes helped them win several new contracts with government agencies.
  • Premier Foods Ltd (UK):
    According to BSI Group, Premier Foods implemented ISO 9001 to tighten quality controls across their supply chain. This led to a notable 20% reduction in customer complaints and supported their expansion into new international markets.
  • TNT Express (Italy):
    TNT Express leveraged ISO 9001 certification to streamline its logistics and customer service processes. ISO reported that after implementation, TNT Express improved on-time delivery rates by 18% and reduced operational errors, giving them a significant competitive advantage.

How to Get Started With Management System Standards

Step 1: Gap Analysis

Identify where your current processes fall short of standard requirements. This initial assessment prevents wasted effort later and is the critical first step in how to get ISO certification. Contact the QMII solutions team to learn how our Gap Assessment can set your system up for success. Grounded in a tailored approach that appreciates your existing management system, the QMII approach delivers maximum benefits with minimal change.

Step 2: Implementation

Develop and roll out the necessary policies, procedures, and processes to align with the chosen Management System Standards. This includes documentation, assigning responsibilities, conducting internal audits, and embedding a culture of continual improvement. Use QMII’s Action Planning Checklist to guide you. 

Step 3: Training

Educate your team on the standards and why they matter. Everyone must be on the same page for successful adoption. QMII’s Awareness Leaders Training is a great starting point.

Step 4: Certification

Choose an accredited body to certify your system. Remember, certification isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a commitment to continual improvement. Following the correct ISO certification steps can set your small business up for long-term success.

Step 5: Maintenance

Post-certification, regular audits and reviews keep your systems sharp and aligned with your growth trajectory. Certification for small business initiatives is only as strong as their ongoing maintenance.

Importance of Professional Consultation: Partnering with experts, like QMII, can dramatically simplify this journey. We bring perspective, proven tools, and the experience to help you avoid common pitfalls and tailor your approach to your specific industry needs.

Conclusion

Scaling a small business requires more than ambition; it demands structure, consistency, and credibility. Management System Standards provide the scaffolding small businesses need to grow sustainably, improve operational efficiency, and access bigger markets.

Start simple: pick one standard that aligns with your immediate goals. Implement it well. Then build from there. Structured today, successful tomorrow!

Developing Significant Audit Checklists: A Information to Worth-Pushed Audits

Audit checklists are very important equipment in making sure compliance and/or conformity, keeping up auditor objectivity, and assessing procedure effectiveness. Alternatively, a tick list is best as efficient as the way in which it’s designed and used. If now not thoughtfully advanced, checklists can grow to be inflexible tick-box workout routines that fail so as to add genuine worth to the auditing procedure.

A well-constructed audit tick list serves as a roadmap for auditors, serving to them assess conformity to requirements, outline the audit pattern and determine spaces for development all inside the scope and standards of the audit. This text explores the foundations in the back of growing significant audit checklists, making sure they force genuine enhancements somewhat than simply gratifying procedural necessities.

The Objective of Audit Checklists

A robust audit procedure is very important for assessing each conformity and effectiveness in any control gadget. The tick list must in reality be a questionnaire that permits the auditor to analyze the gadget somewhat than only a tick-off record. The main purpose of an audit tick list is to:

  • Be certain the audit purpose is met
  • Handle auditor objectivity and impartiality
  • Function a information, now not a constraint
  • Supply a structured method to information assortment

Whilst checklists aren’t obligatory, they’re treasured belongings that assist auditors get ready completely and take care of center of attention. Alternatively, they will have to be designed sparsely to steer clear of restricting the auditor’s talent to suppose significantly and discover problems past a predefined set of questions.

Audit Checklists: A Device, Now not a Constraint

A poorly designed tick list can prohibit auditors somewhat than empower them. Auditors will have to now not be boxed in through inflexible checklists that simply facilitate ticking off issues. As an alternative, checklists must inspire auditors to discover how properly a procedure is operating, somewhat than simply confirming that it exists.

To reach this stability, the audit purpose will have to force the tick list—now not the wrong way round. Figuring out what the audit is making an attempt to succeed in will assist form a tick list that helps significant analysis somewhat than a compliance-driven workout. 3rd events subsequently regularly use canned checklists. Auditors appearing inner audits to evaluate conformity, procedure efficiency and make sure the control gadget permits chronic development, must create their audit checklists to fulfill targets.

Key Concerns in Designing an Efficient Audit Tick list

1. Objective and Scope

Earlier than growing a tick list, auditors will have to outline the audit purpose and decide whether or not they’re assessing:

  • Conformity to requirements (making sure procedures meet set necessities)
  • Effectiveness of processes (comparing whether or not processes succeed in their meant effects)
  • Each conformity and effectiveness

Obviously defining those sides is helping identify the scope and sampling measurement of the audit, making sure that the tick list aligns with organizational objectives.

2. Query Varieties for Higher Insights

The effectiveness of an audit in large part relies on the form of questions requested. The next query sorts can strengthen the intensity of an audit:

  • Open-ended questions – Inspire dialogue and deeper insights (e.g., “How do you make sure your repairs procedure aligns with high quality requirements?”)
  • Closed questions – Used when explicit verification is wanted (e.g., “Do you’ve a documented repairs agenda?”)
  • Hypothetical questions – Assess robustness through exploring ‘what-if’ eventualities (e.g., “What would occur if a key provider didn’t ship on time?”)
  • Silent questions – Observations that permit auditors to collect knowledge with out verbal wondering (e.g., Checking whether or not staff observe documented procedures in real-time)

Steer clear of main questions that counsel an anticipated reaction. As an alternative of asking, “Can I see your carrier logs?” which assumes logs exist—an auditor must ask, “How do you monitor repairs actions?” Again your questions with suitable necessities from the factors.

3. Placing the Proper Steadiness Between Construction and Flexibility

Checklists must be structured sufficient to verify thorough protection of audit standards, but versatile sufficient to permit auditors to observe vital leads and discover problems past the scope of predefined questions. The writer outlines two approaches to checklists:

  • Standardized checklists – Useful for coaching new auditors and making sure consistency however can result in complacency if overused.
  • Freshly ready checklists for every audit – Permit for a extra adapted method, encouraging deeper engagement and fighting predictability in responses.

A hybrid method—the place auditors refine same old checklists for every audit—would possibly be offering the most productive of each worlds.

4. Making sure Objectivity and Auditor Competency

Auditor conduct performs a vital position within the effectiveness of the audit procedure. The presentation highlights key auditor attributes, together with:

  • Moral and truthful method
  • Diplomatic and observant mindset
  • Flexible and decisive nature
  • Tenacity and willingness to strengthen

Moreover, organizations must supply good enough coaching and mentorship to auditors, in particular new ones, to verify they may be able to behavior thorough and independent audits. Auditors will have to be inspired to invite further questions, when essential, so long as they continue to be inside the audit scope and meet the audit purpose.

Tick list Building Very best Practices

To create a significant and efficient audit tick list, organizations must:

  1. Obviously outline the audit purpose and decide whether or not they’re assessing conformity, effectiveness, or each.
  2. Body questions correctly the usage of a mixture of query sorts, keeping off main questions.
  3. Evaluation audit standards and related documentation to verify alignment with organizational requirements.
  4. Be certain the tick list helps the PDCA (Plan-Do-Test-Act) cycle through bearing in mind more than a few related clauses.
  5. Steadily replace checklists in keeping with audit effects, auditor comments, and organizational adjustments.

Conclusion

A well-designed audit tick list is not only a formality, this can be a strategic device that complements the intensity, reliability, and worth of an audit. By means of specializing in audit targets, the usage of various wondering tactics, making sure flexibility, and keeping up auditor competency, organizations can create checklists that force significant enhancements.

Audit checklists must information auditors, now not prohibit them—making sure a complete analysis of programs, processes, and controls. By means of regularly refining audit checklists and making sure they upload worth, organizations can transfer past compliance and in opposition to steady development and operational excellence.

P-D-C-A with a Christmas Tree

As a QMII employee, I can sit and observe classes whenever I want, more so since they are virtual instructor led these days. It allows me to get a refresher on the clauses, even though it is so hard to get them. It gets me every time. When the time comes to interview auditees, I smile like a Cheshire cat; not a confident grin but one that hopefully does not betray my nervousness.  Often, I am nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. However, my QMII ISO lead auditor training has prepared me well. I am nervous as the auditee too, even though I know audits are not about pass or fail.  While I call myself a writer and researcher my greatest struggle perhaps lies with Audit Report writing. Oh, man! QMII lead auditor training, however, well prepared me to gather all notes during an audit to present a valuable report to the auditee. Smile.

The aspect of Lead Auditor training I like is the P-D-C-A cycle because I can use that analogy anywhere in my life. I have the responsibility of putting up the tree, however, currently, my application of the P-D-C-A is not going so well. Perhaps a re-plan is needed?

So from the Lead Auditor classes that I have attended, P-D-C-A stands for the following and the task next to it is what I have to do:-

P – Planning: We have to put the tree. Also, the objective of my mission. Considerations include where are the decorations kept, do we have enough, do we need a ladder, what should be the first step, then the next (like testing the lights before we put them on the tree), and more. Most important plan the time to do it in my busy schedule!

D – Do: Now to put my plan into action! Locate the boxes, get them out, unpack, and, get my team to help me even if they don’t want to (just to cheer me on perhaps). Yay! Thanks guys, for your help! Thumbs up for that. Basically, everything else that needs to be completed before the tree is finally up and lit up and everyone is happy. The DO stage can be extremely exhausting. How about that drink to cool me down?

Note – From my Lead Auditor training and also when I am auditing my clients, I know that the ‘DO’ section of the process is where a lot of the “action” happens. Just because “you gotta do it, man, get on with it!” I feel the pain of the “Do’s” as it is easy sometimes to plan but more taxing to put the plan into action. Now getting back to my tree.

C – Check: Once the tree is up and you think the job is over, it is not. You have to wait for the others to “check” the tree out and give their opinions. Pass comments, critique your effort while you are bickering away that they didn’t do anything, but they get to analyze it. What was that? Oh yes, I agree it is just an opportunity for improvement and we love our non-conformities.

A – Act: The verdict is out. The tree looks great. Beautiful decorations. However, the lights seem to flicker at some places, we need better lights for next time. Get more decorations. Good job!

VERDICT

Plan it better next time. Stop bickering when you are doing the job. Be patient and stop being

grumpy when they are “checking” and analyzing your work. Continually Improve this process till you get your Act together – words of a wise Yoda who is enjoying the view of the Christmas tree and listening to the Christmas songs.

Can I get that drink now? Long Island, please. Merry Christmas!

Why we need ISO 9001

Quality! Who does not want it. We read through hundreds and thousands of reviews each day just so we can buy a quality product or service. Even those searching for an ISO 9001 training are looking to identify a training provider that will provide a quality training. ISO 9001 is an international standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines the framework for a quality management system. Organizations looking to deliver a quality product or service can use the framework to build a management system that helps them attain this goal.

So why do we need ISO 9001? Why not rely on this framework of reviews. After all many people have not even heard of ISO let alone ISO 9001. However, those who relied on reviews will find that they are not a sure-shot formula to guarantee success in decision making. ISO 9001 also need not necessarily guarantee this. However, ISO 9001 is not meant for the customer but for the organization implementing it. While it is centered around the customer requirements, with a focus on the customer, the benefit is to the organization implementing it. ISO 9001 training provides an in-depth overview of the standard and how it is to be implemented.

ISO 9001 has come to signify a global base minimum for a quality management system. Inherent in the certification that customers see is a commitment from the organization to continually improve, to identify and segregate non-conforming outputs and to design controls to ensure the process can deliver per requirements. An organization purchasing from another half way around the world has some level of confidence now. ISO 9001 training will demonstrate that ISO themselves say don’t just rely on certification. Determine the type and extent of control on the outsourced provider based on their impact to your processes.

ISO 9001 training can be tailored for all levels of the organization. For management who want to understand their role in the system as also why they should spend the money and invest in it. The workforce wants to understand how it benefits them and why they should adapt to the changes as they take place. Auditors need to understand the interpretation so they can assess if the system is being well run. So while an organization may not need ISO 9001 certification they can surely benefit from ISO 9001 and ISO 9001 training.

QMII provides ISO 9001 lead auditor training in a unique format that allows all levels of the organization to sit in on the same class and to leave as and when their relevant section is complete. Join us in a class and learn more about what ISO 9001 can do for you.

Integrated Management Systems AKA ‘A balanced lifestyle’

Integrated Management Systems (IMS) when well implemented enable improvement across various facets of the system. Management system implementation reminds me of the orientation that my gym instructor gave me when I first enrolled at my local health club:- “Losing weight doesn’t happen just in one day and with crash diets: you gotta workout, gotta sleep the right amount, have a little fun in life and yes, food is the most important factor, but everything is in moderation. A combination of all that will give you a satisfying result and you’ll be a happier person. No shortcuts.”

When I look at the anatomy of an organization, I remember these words and know they are applicable to those looking to implement management systems, especially Integrated Management System (IMS). With IMS, they are looking to address multiple concern areas such as quality, environmental protection, safety, security, and overall happier stakeholders.

What is an Integrated Management System?

These days search engines like Google are the go-to source for all the answers, angles, interpretations and everything else. As I thought about the IMS and its benefits, I too turned to the ‘Google’ for insights! This is what I understood: “A management system is a set of policies, processes and procedures used by an organization to ensure that it can fulfill the tasks required to achieve its objectives. These objectives cover many aspects of the organization’s operations including financial success, safe operation, product quality, client relationships, legislative and regulatory conformance, and worker management.” (Source: Wikipedia)

Another applicable example that I can give is how a country runs? There is politics, religion, economics, business all in a blender with a spoonful of “science” and “logic” to it, which is rarely used (winking). A successful balance is needed and the country well-managed for it to be successful and have happy citizens.

There has been an increased demand for integrated management systems in recent years. Organizations are beginning to recognize how these systems enable improvement across various facets of the business. For organizations looking for continual improvement and efficiency as also ensuring the security of information, the question is: why to implement two different systems when one can meet both requirements. Think of a cocktail – If you want Vodka and Tequila together, why not order a Long Island Iced Tea instead of two separate drinks.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has, since 2013, been aligning its standards to the new High-Level Structure in which all ISO requirement standards are published with 10 clauses and identical sub-clauses. The High- Level Structure allows for easier integration of management systems into our existing system and ensures that the policies and objectives for each standard do not conflict with those of another. ISO standards use the basic Plan-do-check-act cycle to achieve continual improvement through vigorous use of the system.

Benefits of Integrated Management System

Integrated management systems allow organizations to identify and address various and different kinds of risks to their system: financial, strategic, competitor, security, safety environmental and others. All this while ensuring continual improvement of the organization. This approach enables organizations to meet the needs of its stakeholders and to adjust to the changing needs through systematic and planned changes.

Back in the good ol’ days, we did not have to worry about computer hackers, though there were other means by which our security was threatened. An information security breach can be a large liability for many organizations these days. How do we ensure that our organization is prepared for such potential breaches? We do not want a cyber-security system operating outside of our business system. We want it integrated into it.

Integrated management systems also are more cost-effective in the long run. There are cost savings in implementation, training, and auditing. Why spend on two/three different system audits in order to meet with the requirements of each Standard, when an integrated audit can assess the common requirements of each standard at the same time. These include competence, control of documented information, system measurement and analysis, etc. For the users of the system, benefits include objectives that align with the integrated policy, reduced duplication of effort and no conflict in the expectations of the management with respect to each policy. This makes the system more efficient, effective and very progressive. It also makes the system more flexible and adaptive in nature to the changing context of the organizations and needs of the relevant interested parties.

Conclusion

Integrated Management Systems can help the organization align its existing system to the requirements of multiple international standards using a single common factor in lieu of discrete systems. Hence, reducing duplication or redundancies. This includes its scope, policies, objectives, programs, processes, protocols and many more. In the maritime field ISO 9001:2015 can easily be merged with ISM Code or in the aviation industry, aerospace requirements along with requirements for occupational health and safety. To meet the growing demand of stakeholders for environmental sustainability, you can also add on the requirements of ISO 14001. Add Security to it, and you got your self a perfect Long Island Iced Tea, I mean your perfectly integrated system.

A lot of time and money is saved in implementing integrated management systems. It also helps in maintaining accountability and consistency for one perfect integrated system. Once your management system is integrated, you will notice reduced bureaucracy along with a reduction in duplication of efforts, redundancy, and expense. It will optimize resources and streamline the process. Integrated management systems will also help with the following: –

  • Curbing conflicting objectives
  • Eliminates conflicting responsibilities and relationships
  • Improves Internal and External communication
  • Harmonizes practice for each Standard in one
  • Business focus is unified to maintain its objective/goal
  • Customer focus is one and not for various tasks

Oh and continuing my health analogy, a well-integrated management system will give you the desired outputs and satisfaction as does those number reducing on the weighing scale! Lastly, remember that there are no shortcuts. Templates come with many promises but do not enable the long-term gains that a well-implemented system will afford. Refer QMII’s time tested approach here.