28 Jun 2021

5 keys to deploying web-based EHS software successfully

Web-based EHS software can provide many benefits to an organisation, from meeting regulatory requirements, to minimising operational risks and liabilities, improving corporate image, meeting customer demands and achieving competitive advantages.

The demand for precise data management is on the rise as businesses around the world strive to improve their EHS performance.

When it comes to guaranteeing compliance and driving EHS performance, non-specialist tools like Excel, in-house systems, and generic ERP solutions can only take you so far, as generic solutions frequently lack the ability to give comprehensive, real-time data in an easy-to-understand format. Web-based EHS software eliminates the manual compilation of internal and external reports, which not only end up being time-consuming but also aren’t always without any errors.

Modern web-based EHS software’s primary strength is that it allows users to swiftly and cost-effectively analyse progress and assist in making informed judgements for the business and its staff.

Here are 5 keys to deploying web-based EHS software successfully:

1. Selection of the right software/partners for the organisation

Selecting a web-based EHS software product based on overall capability requirements and priorities, such as  incident management, risk assessment, audit and inspection, and so on, while keeping your business’s three- to five-year roadmap in mind, is the ideal place to start.

Although the technology is important, it is also important to assess how well your provider fits into your company’s culture. Continuous collaboration can have a major influence on your working relationship, so don’t only rely on your provider’s glowing references. Learn more about how the supplier interacts with its business partners and clients by digging deeper. You need to know if they will they call you back after the sale is made? And what their road map entails? These are critical elements for initial and even long-term success.

2. Buy-in from top executives

Executive buy-in and support is essential to make web-based EHS software a success. Executive buy-in means more than just approving the project’s budget and signing a cheque. Top executives need to be available to make crucial business decisions that will impact the organisation as significant business choices will inevitably need to be escalated to executive management, and executives must be involved to help make critical decisions concerning EHS.

3. User experience

A web-based EHS software solution that is not user friendly means that it will be difficult to obtain buy-in from employees. You want as many people capturing high quality data into your software as possible, providing an overall view of the performance of your EHS management system. More high quality data means better trending and reporting, ensuring good decisions are made when implementing EHS initiatives. Therefore its important for the web-based EHS software to be user-friendly.

4. Setting SMART Goals

The idea is to set goals that are ambitious but achievable. This is accomplished through a collaborative, disciplined approach with your vendor and, if necessary, an implementation partner, setting deadlines based on internal and external resources. You must Build a project management schedule that is tough yet do-able.

5. Begin change management actions prior to the start of the project

Choose an individual to serve as the project owner or change management facilitator and employ agile approaches to deliver the most rapid results. Provide project resources with functional and technical training to facilitate a smooth transition.

Companies need to have a holistic approach in order to build successful web-based EHS software. This will allow them to make considerable progress in reducing EHS and business risks, as well as guarantee regulatory compliance and strengthen their reputation.

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