25 Aug 2021

Why Go with Cloud-based EHS Software?

Cloud-based EHS software is a benefit to not only large organisations, but to small and medium-sized businesses as well, thanks to the full suite of EHS solutions it provides at a fraction of the cost of traditional on-premise systems. Furthermore, cloud-based EHS software allows businesses to scale their software as operations expand and companies grow.

Cloud software vendors own and maintain the infrastructure and keep your data on their servers. You can access your data from any location with an internet connection, either at the office, at home, or anywhere else.

The benefits of using cloud-based EHS software include:

Lower cost

According to the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), building the infrastructure to support cloud computing currently accounts for more than a third of all IT spend worldwide. Meanwhile, traditional in-house IT investment continues to decline as computing workloads migrate to the cloud, whether through vendor-provided public cloud services or private cloud, established by businesses themselves.

Cloud software is almost always less expensive than on-premise software. The monthly or annual price for accessing the software is considered an operating cost rather than an upfront capital expense.

The biggest benefit of cloud-based EHS software is the reduction in costs. Buying server gear, running a lab space, and staffing it with IT personnel are all expenses that cloud-based software eliminates. Security, maintenance and update costs are also excluded. Businesses won’t incur unexpected maintenance expenditures because their software provider handles the maintenance and updates.

Less demand on IT

Companies that use cloud services can move faster on projects and test concepts without having to go through lengthy procurement processes or pay large upfront expenses. They simply pay for the resources that they use. The concept of corporate agility is frequently emphasised by cloud proponents as a major advantage.

The ability to get new services going without traditional IT procurement should make it simpler to get new applications up and running sooner. Furthermore, if a new application proves to be extremely successful, the cloud’s flexibility makes it easy to scale up quickly too.

Not only will businesses be able to free up their IT team to focus on more important activities, but they will also have access to software that is always up to date.

Access to data

Cloud-based EHS software allows users throughout your organisation to access the same data from any location, at any time. Cloud-based EHS solutions allow you to record and retrieve data from anywhere and when modifications are made to one device, they are reflected throughout the system.

Switching to a cloud provider rather than relying on in-house systems for commodity apps like email makes sense. Cloud services may be able to provide a more secure and efficient service to end-users since a company that specialises in running and securing these services is likely to have superior capabilities and more experienced people than a small business could afford to hire.

Mobility has also become an important aspect of safe work operations, allowing field workers to report events on the job, conduct site audits using a digitised checklist, and assess risks. Remote connectivity across devices improves data sharing, communication and decision-making.

Quick implementation

The benefit of cloud-based EHS software is its quick implementation. Instead of a custom solution with a high level of uncertainty, cloud-based EHS software can offer a standardised solution that can be executed fast and at a fixed cost. As a general rule, a simple system activation could take less than two weeks.

Flexibility: scale as you grow

The way each industry or workplace operates is distinct. Ideal cloud-based EHS software should effortlessly integrate into your safety processes by adding more modules, building bespoke workflows and processes, and seamlessly automating repetitive tasks.

Most legacy or on-premise EHS solutions tie you up with limited resources that may not be sufficient to meet your evolving demand. It’s therefore imperative to choose a plan that grows with you and enables you to maximise featured resources, on-demand.

Cloud-based EHS software appeals to those looking to gain traction in their digital transformation programmes and making the switch could not only save costs but also make the business more agile.

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