IMS Action Plans - The journey from a QMS to an IMS - Part 2

The journey of moving up to an IMS

July 2024.

This article is the second part of our series on the journey from a QMS (Quality Management System) to an IMS (Integrated Management System).

There is a growing trend to expand and integrate management systems. In some cases, an organization has an existing management system for one topic (let's say a QMS based on ISO 9001), and it now needs to also formally address another topic (e.g. based on any of the other ISO standards). We felt that it would be useful to many businesses for to get our insights on the key steps in the journey from a QMS to an IMS.

This series of articles is based on the journey as experienced by one of clients - Allmet Engineering - as we work with them on expanding their QMS (based on ISO 9001) to become an IMS (also meeting the requirements of the ISO 14001 environmental standard and the ISO 45001 OH&S standard). This case study will illustrate how the journey works out for one business. It's very much a live journey. So, follow us to find out the outcome and hopefully learn some valuable insights along the way.

Taking action to address the gaps identified

The first step taken was to conduct a Gap Analysis of the existing QMS against the requirements of both ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. That step was described in the first part of this series. That article is available here.

In Allmet's case, the analysis was performed by Qudos consultants and recorded in the company's copy of Qudos³ IMS software. A report was produced along with a Gantt chart outlining the key steps and timeline to develop the IMS.

A significant value-add here is that a series of Action plans were automatically generated by the software. These link the Gap Analysis report with a series of Action Plans able to be assigned to the responsible person and with target dates to take the required actions.

Planning

The actions identified included both documentation and implementation of controls. Some of the Actions were assigned to Qudos consultants and some were assigned to key members of the Allmet team -such as HR and Operations.

Documentation

The gap analysis identified the need for some existing documents to be expanded (such as the BMS overview*). There was also the need to introduce some new documentation (including OHS and environmental policies, various registers, VOCs and training records).

Qudos consultants have been preparing the necessary documentation - where applicable utilising templates from the Safety Toolkit and Enviro Toolkit.

Implementation of controls

An example of the implementation of controls includes the provision of on-site training on basic first aid, CPR and the use of spill kits. A specialist was engaged for this training - Geoff Robins of Southern Cross First Response.

Another control implemented was related to workplace signage. This was reviewed and enhanced where applicable.

About Allmet's management system

The company in our case study is Allmet Engineering - a steel fabrication business in Queensland, Australia. Allmet has been established for over 30 years and provides a range of engineering and fabrication services to business clients in industries that include mining and resources, transport, oil and gas etc. Several years ago, Allmet engaged Qudos to help develop its BMS (Business Management System)* and achieve ISO 9001 Quality certification. We initially provided a Gap Analysis service, followed by ongoing consultancy to establish, implement and maintain the system. This service includes the scheduling, performing and recording of internal audits. It is facilitated by the use of Qudos³ IMS software to efficiently and cost-effectively support the system in the cloud. ISO 9001 certification was successfully achieved that year, and the system has continued to improve with certification maintained. OHS and Environmental policies are in place, as well as controls to ensure a safe and healthy workplace that meets legal compliance. In response to customer requirements, Allmet then decided to expand their system and seek certification to both the ISO 14001 environmental standard and the ISO 45001 OH&S standard.

* You will notice our use of the term BMS (Business Management System) instead of QMS. That is part of our philosophy to help ensure that Quality is considered an integral part of the business as well as better supporting the trend towards expanding to an integrated management system to address multiple topics.

The next steps in the journey

Over the coming weeks and months, we will be publishing more articles on the journey from a QMS to an IMS. Every situation is a little bit different, but we hope that these articles will highlight those key steps and how they can be taken.

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