"From simple to complicated to simple": This is a good way to describe the life cycle of a management system and the associated learning curve, the participants of the DACH user meeting and the symposium "5 years of Integrated Management Systems (IMS) at the HSZG" agree. 

Two days of concentrated expertise on the topic of IMS in Zittau! Company representatives, certifiers, consultants, scientists, graduates and students - we welcomed around 80 participants to the HSZG on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the IMS department. A packed program consisting of an engaging panel discussion, workshops on perennial topics of everyday IMS life, keynotes from renowned colleagues and storylines from IMS companies, where they told THEIR IMS story. 

The supporting program was no less exciting. In the "Market of Opportunities", companies could, for example, discuss their management system ailments with our experts in the so-called "IMS Clinic", experience live demonstrations of IMS software or have an IMS T-shirt printed. An excursion to fit GmbH with insights into the practical implementation of management systems rounded off the specialist program.

The events were also a good opportunity to present the "Zittau Model of Management System Integration" developed by Prof. Brauweiler and her team. This summarizes the variables on which the design of an IMS depends in a formula and differentiates degrees of integration. It was a special honor to welcome Anni Koubek from Quality Austria, on whose relevant book our model is based.

5 years of IMS at the HSZG have made a difference. As Prof. Dr. Friedrich Albrecht emphasized in his welcoming address, the IMS department was established at the university in order to make a further contribution to the sustainable shaping of society and the economy. This has been successful: By offering two Master's degree courses in IMS, we have created an attractive range of courses in the region with excellent job prospects. Our IMS graduates are sought-after junior staff at (supra-)regional employers due to their unique training in Germany and the numerous additional TÜV qualifications. Our IMS students and employees are important cooperation partners who help companies to remain competitive in the market and thus secure jobs. Virtually every company must demonstrate one or more management systems in order to be able to enter into business relationships or be legally compliant. Through our theory-practice transfer modules, project work, IMS breakfasts and seminars as well as the energy efficiency network, we help companies to set up and maintain their systems and impart up-to-date specialist knowledge and tried-and-tested methods as required.

Despite everything, there is still plenty to do. And so the fifth anniversary also served to present new ideas for the development of the IMS in teaching, research and transfer and to agree on collaborations.