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ISO 27001 combines very well with other standards due to shared processes and overlapping requirements. This integration saves time, reduces costs and creates a coherent management system. For example, organisations can link ISO 27001 with NEN 7510 for healthcare providers, BIO for government agencies or ISO 9001 for quality management. An integrated approach avoids duplication of effort and ensures more efficient audits.
Why would you want to combine ISO 27001 with other standards?
Combining ISO 27001 with other standards offers cost efficiency, streamlined processes and broader compliance coverage. Organisations do not need to set up a separate management system for each standard, but can cleverly reuse overlapping elements.
The practical benefits are considerable. Your documentation is integrated rather than fragmented across different systems. Employees only need to learn and apply one set of procedures. Audits can be combined, saving time and money.
Many organisations take this approach because stakeholders often expect multiple certifications. For example, a hospital needs both ISO 27001 for information security and NEN 7510 for healthcare information. Integrating these creates a coherent system that meets both requirements.
The strategic value lies in creating a robust foundation. Instead of separate certifications, you get an integrated management system that makes your organisation structurally stronger and better prepared for future requirements.
Which standards are best combined with ISO 27001?
NEN 7510 (healthcare), BIO (government), ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment) are the most compatible standards with ISO 27001. These combinations offer natural synergies through overlapping management principles and similar process structures.
For healthcare institutions, the combination of ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 makes sense. Both standards focus on information security, with NEN 7510 specifically addressing healthcare processes. The overlap in risk analysis, access control and incident management makes integration easy.
Government agencies benefit from the link between ISO 27001 and BIO (Baseline Information Security Government). BIO builds on ISO 27001 principles, but adds government-specific requirements. This combination ensures compliance with both international standards and Dutch government requirements.
ISO 9001 combines well with ISO 27001 because both standards use the same management system structure. Quality management and information security reinforce each other through shared processes for document management, audit programmes and continuous improvement.
Sector-specific considerations often determine the best combination. Manufacturing organisations often choose ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. IT companies combine ISO 27001 with ISO 20000 for IT service management.
How does an integrated audit work in practice?
An integrated audit assesses multiple standards simultaneously by using overlapping processes and shared evidence. For example, auditors check risk assessments that cover both ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 requirements, creating efficiency and consistency.
Preparation starts with identifying common elements between standards. Documents such as information security policies and procedures for access management and incident management often serve several standards at the same time. This overlap is exploited to optimise the audit scope.
During planning, auditors prepare an integrated checklist covering all relevant requirements. They schedule interviews and document reviews so that overlapping topics are covered at once. This avoids repetition and reduces the burden on your organisation.
Implementation is systematic by process rather than by standard. For example, auditors look at the complete user management process, checking all applicable requirements from the different standards. This gives a more complete picture of effectiveness.
Reporting is integrated, but with clear references to specific standards requirements. You get one report with findings grouped by standard, including recommendations that strengthen the whole management system.
What are the challenges in combining standards and how do you solve them?
Conflicting requirements, complex documentation and resource management are the main challenges in standards combinations. These obstacles are solvable through careful planning, clear prioritisation and experienced guidance during the integration process.
Conflicting requirements arise when standards prescribe different approaches to the same topic. The solution lies in choosing the most restrictive requirement that covers all standards. For example, if ISO 27001 requires annual risk assessments and another standard requires semi-annual, choose semi-annual.
Complex documentation is avoided by adopting a layered structure. Create overarching policy documents that cover all standards, complemented by standards-specific procedures where necessary. Use a document matrix to show which documents cover which standards requirements.
Resource management requires realistic planning and clear division of roles. Designate owners per process who are responsible for all relevant standard requirements within their domain. Train these process owners in the specific requirements of each standard affecting their process.
Successful implementation requires experienced support that understands the nuances of different standards. We help organisations develop integrated management systems that are practically workable. Our context-oriented approach creates systems that add real value rather than just ticking compliance boxes.
For advice on combining standards in your specific situation, you can contact with us. Our experience with ISO 27001 certification and other standards helps you make the right choices for your organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs of combining ISO 27001 with other standards?
The initial investment is higher due to more complex implementation, but in the long run you save significantly on audit costs, documentation and training. Integrated audits cost 20-30% less than separate audits per standard.
How long does it take to implement an integrated management system?
An integrated implementation takes 6-12 months on average, depending on the number of standards and organisation size. This is only 20-30% longer than a single standard while achieving multiple certifications.
What competences do employees need for an integrated system?
Process owners must master all relevant standards requirements within their domain, plus basic knowledge of the other standards. Training in integrated thinking and risk management is essential for successful management of the system.
Why do some organisations fail at combining standards?
Failure often arises from underestimating the complexity, insufficient resources or trying to implement all the standards at once. Successful is a phased approach with strong project leadership and experienced guidance.
