Picking the best EHS software solution for your company is a massive task. As a result, the journey from selection to implementation can span months.
It’s no wonder, though. So many vendors promise the ultimate (and safest) solution. However, with little differentiation between systems, it can feel like you’re wading through the EHS marketplace.
In fact, independent analyst firm Verdantix found the similarity of most EHS software vendors leaves buyers confused.
Sound familiar? Then you’re in the right place. This blog post is here to guide you to the best EHS software companies based on your requirements.
First, we’ll ask why EHS software is essential for worker safety. Then, we’ll look at some scenarios and the best software for each one. Finally, we’ll discuss the most popular comparison websites to aid your search.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Why you need EHS software
First things first, what are the benefits of EHS software?
In a nutshell, EHS software collects and manages a wide range of data on a company’s occupational health and safety and environmental impact. This data is analyzed to provide incident insights, letting you put preventative measures in place.
The software eases the management process by pulling together forms, workflows, notifications, dashboards, libraries and the data warehouse into one place, consequently improving transparency and performance.
For example, EHS software automates certain (sometimes mundane) data tasks. One theory reckons automation saves 50% of time on administrative tasks, giving you precious time back.
Lastly, and most importantly, configurable and flexible EHS software moves with any new health, safety and environmental compliance legislation. Also, it helps plan and document inspections and audits, so you’re never caught out.
Now, we know why you should get EHS software. But to get the best application, let’s explore a few scenarios:
1. On a budget: Workhub
EHS software isn’t cheap, but there are suitable options for organizations more sensitive to pricing.
For example, an “off-the-shelf” or “out-of-the-box” solution is likely to cost less than a configurable one.
Furthermore, when it comes to pricing, look for per user. If you only have a couple hundred users, this is likely the most cost-effective pricing model for you.
With that in mind, Workhub is a popular choice for mid-market firms. Their pricing is readily available on their website, and they have a free version in case you want to trial the software first.
Workhub’s mission is to provide a simple, all-round solution to clients. Subsequently, their pricing is cost-effective for companies with low to medium EHS risks, and an EHS budget on the smaller side.
What is a small budget? Using data from NAEM, anything less than around $60,000 USD, including setup and the first year’s license, is within the parameters of a small budget.
Bear in mind that your functionality requirements significantly impact cost. If you have a small budget, keep the scope small, too.
2. Big scope: Enablon
Now we jump to the other end of the scale.
Notably, EHS software tends to be modular. That is, there are several optional components making up the system, such as Incident Management, Risk Assessments, Audits, Inspections and so on.
Many companies will be looking for “everything”, and some will be able to pay for it.
Therefore, if you have a far-reaching scope and a big budget, Enablon should be on your shortlist.
Enablon is one of the most well-known EHS software solutions, having been around since 2000. Independent industry analyst Verdantix states that Enablon is best suited to “large, multinational firms seeking an enterprise-wide platform offering.”
Like several vendors, Enablon’s platform is enterprise-class. That means it’s designed with complex IT hierarchies in mind, often to be used by all employees in a company.
With arguably the most advanced functionality on the market, Enablon is a strong contender for the most mature, well-funded EHS departments.
What’s a big budget? Anything above the NAEM-reported buyers’ median of $175,000 could be considered a healthy budget for EHS software.
3. Office 365 invested: Pro-Sapien
Often, EHS software buyers put integration with existing IT at the top of their requirements list.
However, Verdantix recently revealed that IT disconnect is the biggest barrier to improving EHS performance, and NAEM found 49% of EHS buyers are unhappy with their current EHS software’s integration capabilities.
So, if an organization has made a strategic investment in Microsoft Office 365, it can make sense for EHS to get in on the action, too.
That doesn’t mean developing something in-house. It means choosing an application that integrates closely with Office 365, such as Pro-Sapien.
Pro-Sapien is enterprise EHS software on SharePoint.
Given its configuration options, strong business intelligence capabilities, and a per region pricing model, it tends to be used by large companies in high-risk industries.
Therefore, similar to Enablon, Pro-Sapien is enterprise-class. However, a lesser breadth of product means relatively milder costs.
According to Verdantix, Pro-Sapien is suited to “firms looking to manage all EHS requirements on Microsoft Office.”
In summary, if you have thousands of employees and Microsoft integration is important to you, Pro-Sapien should be your go-to provider.
4. Environmental Management: ACCUVIO
It’s clear that technology plays an invaluable role in environmental compliance. In fact, in their report EHS Software Benchmark: Environmental Compliance by Verdantix, 50% of respondents were seeking software for environmental reporting.
Although many EHS software providers offer solutions for Environmental and Sustainability Management, some companies require a higher level of specialization.
Accuvio is an enterprise software solution that focuses on measuring and reporting on sustainability data. Their modules range from sustainability reporting to waste management, including greenhouse gas emissions and water treatment.
Furthermore, another advantage of Accuvio is the flexible pricing plans. At the lower price range, companies on a tighter budget can still take advantage of the out-of-the-box version of the software. The enterprise version of the solution, aimed at larger organizations, is highly configurable and purpose built for the client.
5. Mobile-first: iAuditor
Mobile access has become an essential feature of any EHS system. With 81% of firms surveyed in the Verdantix Best Practices: Deploying Mobile EHS Apps using mobile apps in 2019, the question of mobile access is ‘how’, not ‘if’.
The biggest problem is IT departments prohibiting the installation of corporate software on employees’ phones. So, be prepared to provide the hardware.
However, mobility continues to gain momentum.
Although most EHS software vendors provide mobile access, some concentrate on it as a key strength. That includes iAuditor.
iAuditor is mobile-first. That means design that works on mobiles is a priority, over and above larger screens.
This can be ideal when much of the workforce regularly moves around. For example, in transport and logistics, drivers can complete iAuditor inspection forms on their mobile devices anytime, online or offline.
Audits and inspections are a big part of EHS management and compliance. Therefore, having the ability to complete them remotely is a huge time saver for many companies.
If you know most of your data capture will be done on mobile devices, iAuditor is a valuable option.
Use EHS software comparison websites
Still haven’t found what you were looking for? You can zoom in on EHS software vendors across any of these websites:
Verdantix
Verdantix is an independent analyst firm specializing in environment, health, safety and quality management. Their annual reports include the annual EHS global survey, covering 411 decision-makers across 25 industries and 35 countries.
Although some of their research reports require a subscription, Verdantix often publishes useful press releases, news and blogs about their findings.
Capterra
Capterra is the home to reliable software reviews, all 700,000 of them. The website allows you to compare features, deployment, users and product rating of all EHS vendors.
Take a look at the EHS Management Software category.
Software Advice
Software Advice is like Capterra and the same company runs both of them, Gartner.
However, there is a different selection of vendors on each site, so it might be worth checking out their EHS category.
Comparison websites are a good place to start, but the most reliable information you’ll get is from the vendor. So, create a list of systems that could fit your requirements and contact the vendors for a conversation.
Alternatively, another option is to involve an EHS consultant who can guide you through the process.
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
You know the saying.
The environmental, health and safety software marketplace can be overwhelming at first glance. However, when you know exactly what you're looking for, the search becomes clearer and more attainable.
In that vein, hopefully this article has provided some insight. By doing your research and knowing what you want, you'll accelerate on your EHS journey.
