Digitize management systems

Management systems based on ISO standards have become an indispensable part of today’s business practices for companies. In particular, management standards for quality, the environment, energy, and occupational
and health have been established in the market for decades.

The use of software to manage the integrated management system (IMS) is indispensable for organizations today due to the increasing demands placed on management systems and the growing number of such systems. The use of software enables the digitized mapping of all regulations for the IMS, thereby saving time when locating information
and preventing unintended approvals or misunderstandings.

Learning to use digital management systems while still in college

The use of software applications in the IMS field involves costs for every organization, and these
are rarely covered by universities or students. To ensure that students can still learn how to use digital
integrated management systems and apply their theoretical knowledge directly, a new partnership has been established between the Team
integrated management systems (TIMS) at HSZG and Modell Aachen GmbH. On this basis, students can use the “Q.wiki” software free of charge.

Q.wiki has its roots in the Chair of Quality Management at RWTH Aachen University and the Fraunhofer IPT. Since its spin-off in 2009, Modell Aachen GmbH has been a leader in interactive and agile management systems based on wiki technology, with over 550 customers worldwide.

Under the guidance of Dr. Carsten Behrens, Managing Director of Modell Aachen GmbH, the software has been used in the “Environmental Management Systems” (EMS) module since the summer semester of 2021. In this module, students take on the role of an EMS team and develop an integrated quality and environmental management system for various fictional companies. In doing so, students not only gain specialized knowledge of ISO 9001 and 14001 but also acquire important methodological competence along the way.

This collaboration benefits both sides: Students learn how to digitize management systems, while Modell Aachen GmbH identifies gaps in application and areas requiring adaptation by applying the software to new contexts—a win-win situation!

Text: M.Sc. David Horsch