AI Management System (AIMS)
A structured framework of policies, processes, and controls for managing AI throughout its lifecycle. It provides the organizational scaffolding to govern AI systematically rather than ad hoc. ISO 42001 defines the first internationally certifiable AIMS standard.
Why It Matters
An AIMS gives organizations a repeatable, auditable way to manage AI risk. Without one, governance efforts fragment across departments and nothing scales beyond the first few use cases.
Example
A healthcare company implements an AIMS that includes an AI risk register, mandatory impact assessments before deployment, ongoing monitoring dashboards, and annual third-party audits — all integrated with their existing quality management system.
Think of it like...
An AIMS is to AI what an Information Security Management System (ISMS) is to cybersecurity — the operating system that makes governance real instead of aspirational.
Related Terms
ISO 42001
The first international standard for an AI Management System (AIMS), published by ISO/IEC. It provides a certifiable framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve responsible AI governance. Compatible with other ISO management system standards like ISO 27001.
AI Governance
The frameworks, policies, processes, and organizational structures that guide the responsible development, deployment, and monitoring of AI systems within organizations and across society.
AI Audit
An independent evaluation of an AI system's compliance, performance, fairness, and governance practices. Audits can be internal (conducted by the organization's own team) or external (by independent third parties), and may be required by regulation for high-risk systems.