Over the years, business management systems have become a fundamental tool for the governance of any organization.
From quality management systems (hence the standards of the ISO 9000 family, still the most well-known and widespread technical-regulatory documents at an international level), the evolution of society and business management methods has led to the proliferation of many other management systems (environmental, workplace safety, agri-food, energy ... Here is a complete overview ), often called to coexist .
All this is possible thanks to a structure common to all management systems which, long known as High Level Structure (HLS) , has now found a new guise : it is the Harmonized Structure (HS), which introduces different novelty.
Although the contents of the HS are mainly intended for those who write standards on management systems, UNI believes that these can constitute a useful reference for anyone who uses ISO standards on Management Systems and in particular for those who intend to develop and implement systems of management in organizations, as well as obviously those who are in charge of carrying out first, second or third party audits.
We have therefore made the Guide “Harmonized structure for management system standards and guidance for use” available on our website .
The objectives of the guide are to promote a common understanding of the Harmonized Structure (HS) and therefore facilitate its application in standards, consolidating the most effective integration between the various MSs applicable by an organization.
The document concerns approximately 130 management systems, published or under development.