If you’ve found yourself struggling to convey a concise answer to questions like “What is a management system?” or “What do you mean by process?”, you’re not alone. My kids gave up years ago in answering “What does your Dad do for work?” At one point, I summed it up as “Daddy reads emails and types on the computer all day.” Describing something like process improvement and system implementation isn’t easy. I hope to help you in answering these questions in this blog series about management systems.

A solid BMS captures the essence of your operations, linking your high-level vision with the day-to-day work activities. It’s where your high-level strategy meet practical workflows. By combining leadership, employee engagement, and technology, a BMS keeps your organizational “body” strong for the proverbial marathon, while ensuring you stay on course and ahead of the competition.

Still confused? Think of a business management system (BMS) as the body of how an organization operates, aligns with customer needs, provides value, grows and changes. It’s not just one thing - it’s a carefully orchestrated mix of processes, people, policies, and information designed to meet your company’s goals, while adapting to an ever-changing world.

Let’s continue with the body analogy. The human body is made up of several complex systems such as the the circulatory (cardiovascular) system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, skeletal system, and several others. The cardiovascular system is responsible for transporting blood throughout the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells, and removing waste while the skeletal system provides structural support for the body through bones, joints and a few other elements. These bodily systems are easy to understand in purpose. They all need to work together to sustain and optimize quality of life.

Businesses have various systems too. The quality management system (QMS) focuses on customer satisfaction while the environmental management system (EMS) focuses on minimizing negative environmental impacts. There are also systems that focus on information security (ISMS), energy management (EnMS), occupational health and safety (OH&S) and so on. Together, this bundle of systems and special interests support the overall BMS. Some refer to this bundle as integrated management systems (IMS).

Ulimately, the BMS is the implementation roadmap - and resources needed for a successful journey - to realize the desired future state of the business.

Here’s the kicker - no two systems look or behave the same. Your business is unique, so your management system should be tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re streamlining workflows, managing risks, or ensuring compliance with standards like ISO 9001, a well-built BMS creates a foundation for sustainable growth.

Examples of Common BMS Frameworks:

• 12-Tools Methodology: A set of digital tools and templates that provide a BMS framework and process mastery (read more about the 12-Tools Methodology)

• ISO Standards: ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 27001 for Information Security Management, etc.

• Six Sigma: Focused on process improvement through the reduction of variation

• Lean Management: Emphasizes value creation and reduction of wasted resources such as excess inventory, travel time, etc.

• Concentric Management Systems: A “one system” approach that integrates various systems into a common understanding.

The BMS is the ultimate playbook for running your organization with purpose and clarity. Good businesses don’t just happen. Good businesses are deliberately built to last through a systematic approach to business management.

I hope this article has armed you with a few new means of conveying the concept and importance of business management systems to your colleagues… and… well, perhaps your kids. If all else fails, just tell them you email and type on the computer all day.

To learn more about comparing the systems in the human body with business management systems, check out the follow-up article “Comparing Business Management Systems and the Human Body”.