Integrated Management Systems
Management systems are effective tools which a company can use in their operational organization. In order to meet the variety of needs, several systems may be required simultaneously. However, this increases the risk that unclear responsibilities, extensive documentation, duplication, conflicting solutions and high information losses are caused by parallel arrangements. The inefficiency and the higher cost of mutually insulated part-management systems jeopardize the continuous improvement process and the ultimate effectiveness of the overall system.
There are numerous overlaps between the topic-specific management systems. These can be used to cross-link the subsystems and to build an integrated management system. A combination of the individual elements minimizes the conflicts in the management, ensures coordinated objectives and provides clear, quantifiable targets as possible. Lean organizational structures are an important success factorespecially for small and medium businesses.
Based on the practical benefits the following advantages of an integrated management system can be summarized:
- use of synergy effetcs (e.g. standardized procedures and instruments)
- Reduction of administrative burdens through joint documentation of the individual systems,
- identification and optimization of interfaces,
- increased efficiency through elimination of duplication,
- simplification of complex processes and organizational structures,
- detection of conflicting requirements and possible trade-offs
- reduction of costs and time,
- increasing the acceptance of the management systems
