Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about management systems consulting and the SP+ software solution, and browse additional resources to learn more about our SharePoint software solution.

SharePoint Software Solution

SP+ is a SharePoint-based software platform designed to manage Quality, Safety and Environmental systems in one place. It helps organisations meet the requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 by centralising documentation, streamlining processes and improving visibility.

SP+ includes tools for document control, incident and hazard management, risk and control registers, compliance obligations, audit scheduling, and objective tracking. It also supports structured workflows, action tracking, and automated notifications.

Yes.  As the SP+ solution is built on Microsoft’s  SharePoint platform, it is available to anyone with an existing Office 365 subscription.

If your business does not operate on Office 365 currently, you will need to purchase a subscription.

The SP+ software solution features a customisable SharePoint design, ensuring your systems look and feel like your own.

Customisation includes branded page headers, icons and images across the platform, as well as your company logo embedded as the primary logo.

Creating a SharePoint design from scratch can be an extremely costly exercise for organisations, which is why SP+ provides an affordable solution for a customised SharePoint platform.

In many cases, yes.

As SP+ software is built using Microsoft SharePoint, there are many possible integrations available with other system management products.

However, the comprehensive features of the SP+ platform are often enough for organisations of any size to maintain compliance, and operate effective, streamlined systems, without the need for other costly software platforms or subscriptions.

Book a demo to see all the capabilities of our software solution in action.

SP+ is built into your existing SharePoint platform, which means there is no need for third-party hosting or external portals. It is fully customisable, cost-effective and familiar for teams already using Microsoft 365.

The SP+ platform has been designed on the requirements of ISO standards for Quality, Safety and Environment. Each module ensures the requirements for the standard can be met, reducing the effort required to get your systems ready for certification, and ensuring they remain compliant in real time.

SP+ helps you stay audit-ready by keeping your records, reports and evidence structured and accessible. The platform logs incidents, actions and reviews, supports version control, and allows you to present evidence clearly against ISO clause requirements.

Of course. SP+ is scalable for organisations of all sizes. Small and medium-sized businesses often benefit from the ability to start with core features and expand the system over time as their needs grow.

SP+ inherits all Microsoft 365 security features, including multi-factor authentication, user access control and version tracking. Since the platform runs in your own Microsoft environment, your organisation retains full control of all data and permissions.

Yes. We can help you transfer documents, registers and forms into SP+ so your existing data is retained and integrated into the new platform. We also provide training and support to help your team make the transition smoothly.

We offer ongoing support, system updates and assistance with form changes, dashboard enhancements and training. You can request new features or refinements as your system evolves, and we continue to work with you long after go-live.

ISO Certification

Our team of management system consultants can guide you through every step of the ISO certification process, from system development and documentation to training and audit preparation. With an in-depth knowledge of the standards and your organisation, we ensure that your management system meets all ISO requirements, preparing you effectively for the certification audit. 

The SP+ SharePoint solution stands out by providing an all-in-one platform where all necessary forms and systems for Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management are included and ready to use from day one. Unlike many QHSE platforms that require businesses to create forms and workflows from scratch, SP+ comes equipped with smart forms for incident reporting, hazard identification, risk assessments, audits and more. This immediate availability reduces the time and effort required to implement an effective management system.

With built-in modules such as risk management and document control, organisations can quickly establish processes that align with ISO certification requirements, ensuring compliance and readiness for audits without the usual setup delays. This comprehensive approach allows businesses to focus on their core operations while confidently managing their management systems.

The SP+ software platform is aligned to the ISO standards for Quality (ISO 9001:2015), Safety (ISO 45001:2018) and Environmental management (ISO 14001:2015). The built-in modules are designed based on the requirements of each standard, helping you maintain continuous compliance. By utilising the platform’s ongoing monitoring and reporting features, you can ensure your management system adheres to the relevant ISO standard.

Features such as the integrated Risk Management Module allow businesses to capture risk events, assess their impact, and implement controls seamlessly, ensuring that potential issues are addressed proactively. The Audit Module helps businesses schedule and track internal audits, manage findings, and ensure corrective actions are completed. Additionally, the system’s built-in Goals/Objectives and Management Review modules ensure continuous improvement and keep the company aligned with the requirements for ISO 9001 certification, ISO 45001 certification and ISO 14001 certification.

Management System Consulting & Training

We help organisations design, implement and improve Quality, Safety and Environmental Management Systems. These systems are aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 and built to reflect how your business actually operates.

Our team conducts thorough audits and gap assessments to identify areas of improvement in your management system. We provide detailed reports and recommendations to ensure that your system not only meets ISO standards but also supports your business objectives effectively.

In addition, our consultants can work directly with your key team members to ensure you are prepared for third party management system audits. We can also manage your internal audit schedule, and perform independent internal audits on your system.

Management systems should be reviewed at least annually, though more frequent reviews may be necessary based on industry dynamics or business changes.

To maintain effective Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management Systems compliant with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001, our system review service is ideal for clients with limited time and resources. This is especially important for clients with ISO certified systems, to ensure preparedness for surveillance and re-certification audits.

If your business has undergone substantial change or growth, contact us to arrange a system review ahead of your next scheduled audit.

Clients of SP+ benefit from internationally recognised training provided by Auditor Training Co, part of the Southpac International Group. This includes ISO standards courses and Lead Auditor training, such as the 5-day Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Lead Auditor course, the 2-day Internal & External Lead Auditor course, and various ISO standards courses like ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001.

These programs equip your team with the skills to maintain, audit, and improve your ISO-certified management systems. SP+ clients also receive exclusive discounts and rates on all Auditor Training Co courses, providing added value and ongoing support.​

We start by understanding your business operations, risks, obligations and goals. Then we design a system that fits your processes and supports your people. This approach works across industries like construction, engineering, aviation and professional services.

An Integrated Management System combines the requirements of ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 into one structure. It reduces duplication, simplifies compliance and helps your business manage risks and responsibilities more efficiently.

Yes. We provide full support from initial gap assessments through to certification audits. That includes system development, documentation, internal audits and audit preparation.

Internal audits help test how your system is working in practice. We conduct independent audits that assess compliance, identify risks and highlight areas for improvement. Audits can focus on specific processes, sites or your entire system.

We create policies, procedures, manuals, registers and forms that meet ISO requirements and reflect how work is actually done. Our focus is on clear, usable documentation that supports both compliance and operations.

Yes. We assess your current system to identify any gaps, overlaps or issues. We then help improve the structure and content so it is more effective, easier to maintain and better aligned with your business.

It depends on your size and scope, but most projects take between 8 and 16 weeks. We provide a clear timeline and work closely with your team throughout the process.

Yes. We can implement a traditional system using documents and spreadsheets or a digital system using our SP+ SharePoint platform. Both options are aligned with ISO standards and can be scaled over time.

We combine practical consulting with system design and technology. Our team includes experienced auditors and SharePoint specialists who work together to build systems that are both compliant and easy to use.

Integrated Management System Development

An Integrated Management System, or IMS, brings together Quality, Safety and Environmental frameworks into one structured system. This approach allows organisations to manage ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 requirements through a single, cohesive platform.

An integrated approach helps reduce duplication, streamline reporting, and improve system performance. It supports better alignment across departments, simplifies audits and reviews, and helps demonstrate strong governance to clients and regulators.

We commonly include ISO 9001 for Quality, ISO 14001 for Environment and ISO 45001 for Health and Safety. These three standards work well together, but other standards can also be integrated depending on your business needs.

Integration is beneficial for businesses of any size. Smaller organisations often see efficiency gains by managing everything in one place, while larger companies benefit from improved coordination and governance across teams and sites.

We start by understanding how your business operates, then build the system around your actual processes, roles and risks. This ensures the framework is relevant, easy to maintain and supports how your people already work.

Yes. Many of our clients develop an IMS as part of their certification pathway. We align the system to the requirements of each ISO standard so you are well prepared for both Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits.

No. Some organisations begin with one standard and add others later. We can design your system to support staged integration, allowing your business to grow into the full framework over time.

An IMS includes policies, procedures, risk registers, compliance obligations, incident and hazard reports, objectives, and improvement records. These are structured to support all three standards without unnecessary duplication.

Yes. Many of our clients use our SP+ software platform to manage their IMS within SharePoint. This provides document control, workflow automation, SmartForms and real-time visibility across all system areas.

Timelines vary depending on scope and resources, but most implementations take between 10 and 16 weeks. We provide a clear project plan and work closely with your team throughout the process.

Internal Audits

An internal audit is a structured review of your management system to check how well it is working in practice. It helps assess compliance with ISO standards and identifies areas for improvement before external audits.

Internal audits are a core requirement of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. They provide evidence that your system is being implemented, help detect nonconformances early, and support continual improvement across your business.

We conduct independent internal audits tailored to your system and operations. This includes audit planning, evidence collection, evaluation of compliance, and reporting of findings with practical recommendations.

Absolutely. Internal audits can focus on specific areas such as a department, process, or location. We also offer full-system audits that assess overall alignment with your ISO standards.

Yes. Our consultants are certified lead auditors with experience across ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. They understand the requirements of each standard and how to apply them across different industries.

Yes. We provide a clear audit report that includes strengths, nonconformances, observations, and recommended actions. Reports are structured by ISO clause to make follow-up easier and support audit readiness.

Most organisations conduct internal audits at least once per year. Some choose to audit more frequently based on risk, system maturity, or upcoming certification timelines.

Yes. We can help create a risk-based audit schedule that aligns with your system’s scope, legal obligations and business priorities. This includes planning for recurring audits and preparing for external reviews.

We offer follow-up support to close out nonconformances, review corrective actions and help you improve your system. We also assist with preparing evidence for external audits or surveillance visits.

Yes. If you use our SP+ SharePoint platform, internal audits can be scheduled, tracked and reported using SmartForms and dashboards. This helps manage findings, assign actions, and maintain audit readiness year-round.

Resources

Product Overview Brochure

Download the full product overview outlining all the features and capabilities of SP+ software.

Southpac Plus Your Business Management Solutions Product overview brochure cover.

White Papers & Case Studies

Read more in-depth into how SP+ provides simple and seamless solutions for common issues faced by organisations in a range of industries.
Click to download.

Southpac Plus provides a white paper on information transformation and empowering businesses through information management.
Southpac Plus' White paper on how to set up SharePoint to create a custom intranet solution for organisations.
Case Study of an Asphalt business using SP+ to integrate Quality, safety and environmental systems in a single platform.
A case study with a major labour-hire company tells how they used Southpac Plus to enhance collaboration between departments.

Key Feature Videos

See how these key features of SP+ will help your systems run smoother.

Using Smart Forms

Access and complete Smart Forms on any device and keep your data in a centralised location. With Smart Forms, you can save time, reduce errors and create workflows to automate and streamline processes.

Document Management

Manage documents for all your systems, including quality, safety and environment, with features such as version control, change management, archiving and document approval workflows.

Company Intranet

With SP+, your SharePoint solution will look and feel like your own, providing a front door to your business for staff to communicate and collaborate in real time.