10 tips for systems integration

10 Tips for Systems Integration

Are you certified to ISO9001 and want to add Safety & Environment certification to your systems?

Its easier than you think

For companies that have an existing Quality Management System (QMS) and wish to integrate either;

• Safety Management System (SMS), AS/NZS4801 or OHSAS18001 • Environmental Management System (EMS)

We have prepared 10 tips to help you through this process!

Compass Assurance Services Pty Ltd | 1300 495 855 | compassassurance.com.au

Tip 1: Understand your existing QMSUnderstand the existing QMS, its effectiveness, and how the workforce perceives the system.

Ask yourself…

“Is the existing QMS documentation clear and workable?”

“Do employees believe that the system is helping the company to achieve desired results?”


Tip 2: Clarify your scopeEnsure that the scope of the systems will be consistent, that the systems will cover the same; facilitiesproductsactivitiesservices

In particular, this will be an important issue if third-party registration will be sought.


Tip 3: Establish a Cross Functional Team Including, at a minimum, representatives from the environmental, safety and quality functions to determine the optimal approach to system integration.


Tip 4: Manage resistance

Manage resistance to change as needed. Some employees and managers may be reluctant to change a system with which they are already

familiar and/or in which they have important roles.


Tip 5: Understand the Key differences

Understand how SMS, QMS and EMS differ in purpose. While there are many common management system elements, there are elements of each system that are unique.


In the case of SMS and EMS, these include, for example; • Risk identification, • health issues, • environmental aspects, • communications, • emergency preparedness

and response. These differences must be acknowledged and accommodated within the integrated management system (the secret is working out what not to integrate).


Tip 6: Update your Documentation Modify system documentation as required (sometimes a staged approach is beneficial).

Make sure you keep documentation clear and simple for all employees to understand


Tip 7: Consider system integration Consider whether to integrate procedures or keep them separate on a procedure-by-procedure basis.

While integration can reduce the total number of procedures or work instructions, it also can confuse the overall purpose of such procedures, in some cases….


Tip 8: Employee Review Review proposed changes with affected managers and employees.


Tip 9: Train your Employees Train managers and employees on the integrated system once the integrated system documentation has been prepared.


Tip 10: Internal Audits Audit the integrated system and take actions as necessary.


What now?Contact us for more information on everything certification on 1300 495 855 Want to learn more about certification? Download our free checklists from the websiteOr think you're nearly ready for certification? Request a Quick Quote


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10 tips for systems integration

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