What exactly is EHS digital transformation?
EHS digital transformation is not only about procuring software with cloud technology or SaaS, but it is the automation of processes to increase efficiency, agility, and complete or gradual disconnection from manual and/or excel-based work method.
So why should organizations implement digital transformation for EHS? And why is the need for this implementation getting critical day by day?
Apart from the fact that 95% of leaders believe that digital transformation is essential for a company’s success, many other factors have led to EHS digitalization. Let us look at the aspects in detail.
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 efforts, 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.
High Degree of Accuracy
With implementing a digital system, collecting data in real-time becomes an easy task. This leads to a better foundation of compliance data. A continuous data collection process ensures accuracy and timely implementation of the compliance requirements identified during audits.
The real-time data 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 compliances.
Automation of Data Management
Reporting and form submissions have become a simplified task using software solutions. The high-end software systems can inform the organizations of the current status of the reporting forms. It tells them when they are due, why they are due, and the process to submit them.
This process further expedites the compliances and audit processes. The streamlining of data management tools in software 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.
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.