6 mins read

Four Steps to Implement an ISO Management System

Implementing ISO Management Systems Standards can streamline business processes, improve business performance and demonstrate your ability to meet the needs of your customers.

The three most prevalent ISO Standards are ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems and ISO 45001:2018 OHS Management Systems.

ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems

What is a QMS?

A Quality Management System based on the ISO 9001 principles is, a set of business processes and documentation which focus on enhancement of customer satisfaction by meeting customer requirements.

What Does ISO 9001 Provide?

  • ISO 9001 standard provides a framework to establish Quality management policies, objectives, processes and governance, and facilitates an organization’s achievement of its strategic goals.
  • ISO 9001 utilizes a structured, effective, and efficient process that drives continual improvement for an organization’s Quality performance.

The Key Benefits of the ISO 9001 Standard

  • Improving its ability to respond to statutory and regulatory issues (i.e. product nonconformities, product recalls, etc.)
  • Reducing the overall costs of reworks, materials waste, and machineries and equipment maintenance
  • Reducing downtime and the costs of disruption to operations, project delays
  • Improving product quality and liability, service delivery and customer satisfaction
  • Improving profitability through process improvement and on assets management
  • Recognition for having achieved an international benchmark

ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems

What is an EMS?

Environmental Management System is a set of business processes and documentation which control the conditions and factors that affect, or could affect the environment (including; air, water, land, natural resources, flora, fauna, human and their relationship) to protect the environment and respond to changing in environment.

What Does ISO 14001 Provide?

  • ISO 14001 standard provides a framework to establish Environmental policies, objectives, processes and governance, and facilitates an organization’s achievement of its strategic goals.
  • ISO 14001 utilizes a structured, effective, and efficient process that drives continual improvement for an organization’s Environmental performance.

The Key Benefits of the ISO 14001 Standard

  • Improving its ability to respond to regulatory compliance issues
  • Reducing the overall costs of Environmental incidents and pollutions
  • Reducing downtime and the costs of disruption to operations
  • Reducing the cost of penalties for environmental offences
  • Improving Environmental sustainability (depletion of pollution creation, waste generation, using renewable and non-renewable resource)
  • Recognition for having achieved an international benchmark

ISO 45001:2018 OHS Management Systems

What is an OHS Management System?

OH&S Management System is a set of business processes and documentation which control the conditions and factors that affect or could affect the health and safety of workers (including temporary workers and contractor personnel), visitors, or any other person in the workplace, to avoid their ill health and/or injury.

What Does ISO 45001 Provide?

  • ISO 45001 standard provides a framework to establish OH&S management policies, objectives, processes and governance, and facilitates an organization’s achievement of its strategic goals.
  • ISO 45001 utilizes a structured, effective, and efficient process that drives continual improvement for an organization’s OH&S performance.

The Key Benefits of the ISO 45001 Standard

  • Improving its ability to respond to regulatory compliance issues
  • Reducing the overall costs of incidents and injuries
  • Reducing downtime and the costs of disruption to operations
  • Reducing the cost of insurance premiums
  • Improving morale, as well as reducing absenteeism and employee turnover rates
  • Recognition for having achieved an international benchmark
Download and save the Guide to Understanding Management Systems to share and refer to later

The Four Steps to Implement ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001

Step One: Know the ISO Standards

  • It is essential that key staff know the ISO Management System’s requirements.
  • Everyone in the business does not need to be experts in the ISO Standard requirements.
  • You should absolutely purchase a copy of the ISO Standard(s) and review the key concepts.
  • Seek training if you still feel unsure about the ISO Standard(s) and the requirements.

Step Two: Keep Everyone Informed

  • The implementation process is not a task of just a few chosen ones.
  • Everyone needs to be involved in this process. Every worker needs to know what is being implemented, why is it being implemented, which are the benefits for the organisation and for themselves, and how they will be involved in the process.
  • Communication is key in implementing change. Set up displays on notice boards that show the progress being made. Listen to any concerns or complaints. Make everyone feel included.

Step Three: Allocate an Implementation Team

  • Having a solid plan in place is essential to making the transition to a new system. When you have the right people on the job the process will be much easier to get through. Your team will create a workable plan that will set your business up for success.
  • Ensure that all the “shall” items in the ISO Standard(s) have been captured and implemented.
  • Monitor process performance and start internal audits to check that all standard requirements are being met.

Step Four: Use Risk-Based Thinking

  • Risk is inherent in all aspects of a management system. There are risks in all systems, processes and functions.
  • Risk-based thinking ensures these risks are identified, considered and controlled throughout the design and use of the management system.
  • Use risk-based thinking in building your management system and processes.

Need More Help Developing an Implementation Plan? Watch Our Free Webinar Here.

In this 30 minute webinar, ComplianceLab Director, Hazel Smirlis and SAI Global Technical Scheme Manager, Saeid Nikdel, discuss a practical plan for implementing ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Watch this free webinar to learn:

  • Why you should implement ISO Standards
  • An overview of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
  • The steps to implement ISO Standards
  • Why certify your Management System and the steps to certify
  • The key considerations when implementing
  • Still have questions? We’re here to help.

    Contact Us

    Sales Enquiries, fill in the form to ensure we have the details we need to answer your query or send us an email

    assurance@saiglobal.com

    Not a sales enquiry or you are looking for SAI Global Standards? Click here to view contact details.
    Chat with us