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Table of Contents
Introduction
When EHS systems are implemented with end-to-end technology systems, they have a single source of truth. Therefore, all the users, from compliance to operations, can easily track information, validate it, send approvals, locate and access data quickly, and unlock strategic sustainability value.
What exactly is EHS digital transformation?
EHS digital transformation is not only about procuring software with cloud technology or SaaS; it is also about automating processes to increase efficiency and agility and complete or gradual disconnection from manual and/or Excel-based work methods.
So why should organizations implement digitalization of HSE systems, and why is this implementation becoming increasingly critical?
Apart from the fact that 95% of leaders believe digital EHS transformation is essential for a company’s success, many other factors have led to EHS digitalization. Let us look at the aspects in detail.
Why Do We Need a Digital Transformation Health and Safety System?
Single Source of Truth
When EHS systems are implemented with end-to-end technology systems, they have a single source of truth. Therefore, all the users, from compliance to operations, can easily track information, validate it, send approvals, locate and access data quickly, and unlock strategic sustainability value.
And all this is possible without much manual effort, spreadsheet errors, and copy-paste inaccuracies.
The single data source expedites approval and compliance procedures, leading to a high reduction of wastage of resources and time.
For example, implementing a digital permit-to-work system helps manage all permits in one place. This centralized platform ensures the maintenance operations are in sync and takes the said time to be completed.
High Degree of Accuracy
Implementing a digital transformation health and safety system makes collecting data in real-time easy. This leads to a better foundation of compliance data. A continuous data collection process ensures the accuracy and timely implementation of the compliance requirements identified during audits.
The real-time data for digital EHS services is critical to track, record, and detail the incidents, near-misses, regulatory compliances during maintenance, and shut down times. As a result, the organization has a high degree of accuracy in storing, regulating, and acting upon the data for regulatory compliance.
Again if we consider the above PTW example, there are fewer or no inaccuracies when generating and overlooking the permit work if there is a digital system.
Automation of Data Management
Reporting and form submissions have become simplified using software solutions. High-end software systems can inform organizations of the current status of the reporting forms. They tell them when they are due, why they are due, and how to submit them.
This process further expedites the compliances and audit processes. The streamlining of data management tools in HSE digital systems has led to significant automation of the entire EHS procedure.
According to OSHA, Proper Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) procedures can control hazardous energy and prevent 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.
If the system informs you that your machine requires maintenance before completely breaking down, imagine how many resources it saves! It also saves any incidents that occur due to malfunctioning equipment.
Visionary Leaders
If we closely look at the organizations today, more and more have become extremely cautious in the EHS area. In 2016, the global EHS software market was valued at 930 million U.S. dollars, and it reached a whopping 1410 million U.S. dollars in 2020.
This means that the higher authorities want to meet all the compliances and do not want to fall short of any activity when it comes to safety. Therefore, when people with the correct mindset are ruling, importance is given to the right things. As a result, safety is placed as the priority in most organizations.
And when safety is given priority, the authorities need the processes to be seamless, automated, and rapid. And this can be achieved only through automation and digital transformation.
The ‘WHY’ factor
When we ask why organizations are shifting their EHS to digital systems, it seems like a simple answer. The answer might be that there is minimum wastage of time and resources or digitalization is the new trend.
But to speak the truth, more and more organizations have learned the importance of safety in a harsh way.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a game-changer in the EHS industry too. The need to minimize risks, increase efficiency, improve sustainability, and decrease incidents is given critical importance. It has become imperative to transform the age-old methods and replace them with strategized technology. These are the ways that will develop innovative ways to meet compliance obligations.
And That’s How It Is!
With the emergence of IoT, Cloud, BigData, Mobility, etc. EHS performance is enhanced in more meaningful ways. The EHS safety software helps to make EHS processes more intelligent, automated, and predictive.
The entire safety team and related people remain well-informed to make critical decisions. They can manage risks, meet compliances, arrange audits, and align with the EHS processes.