Worst Practices For EH&S Software Projects

Published 27 March 2017 by David Metcalfe &
EHS Software Environment, Health & Safety Market Overview

Access this research

Access all Environment, Health & Safety content with a strategic subscription or buy this single report

Buy Subscription

Need help or have a question about this report? Contact us for assistance

Executive Summary

The market for EH&S software is growing at a healthy pace – and has been for some time. Verdantix forecasts growth of 11% per annum over the next five years and spend of $1.0 billion in 2017 alone. But all is not well in the world of EH&S software implementation: failed projects abound. Customers complain about vendors over-promising and not delivering; vendors moan about consultants over-customizing their software; and consultants diplomatically point out the lack of planning on the part of their clients. This report, based on 32 expert interviews and insights from vendor selection engagements, provides EH&S executives with an honest overview of the worst practices in EH&S software projects. To avoid the litany of errors highlighted in this study, EH&S executives should shape more effective governance, create a vision for their technology plans, invest time upfront in engaging user groups and map out business processes in more detail. EH&S technology governance will get harder in the future with the influx of Internet of Things devices, smart PPE and millennial employees.

Table of contents

Technology Maturity Suggests EH&S Software Projects Should Be A Breeze
EH&S Software Is Implemented To Achieve A Wide Range Of Business Goals
Customers Have Many Mature And Well-Designed EH&S Apps Available To Choose From

An Avoidable Litany Of Errors Undermines EH&S Software Project Success
Cutting Corners On The Vision For People, Process And Technology Is The First Misstep
Flawed Thinking On EH&S Software Vendor Selection Starts Projects Down The Wrong Path
Naïve Expectations That Software Is A Silver Bullet Compounds Problems
Weak Project Management Undermines EH&S IT System Design And Implementation
Inadequate Data Management Resources Quickly Kill EH&S Software ROI

Recommendations For EH&S Executives With Troubled Software Projects
EH&S Executives Should Expect IT Project Governance To Get Harder

Table of figures

Figure 1. Market Penetration Of Commercial EH&S Software
Figure 2. EH&S Software Has Converged On A Standard Product Architecture
Figure 3. EH&S Budget-Holders Articulate Preferences For Different Deployment Options

About the author

David Metcalfe

CEO
David is the CEO of Verdantix and co-founded the firm in 2008. Based on his 20 years of experience in technology strategy and research roles he provides guidance on digital strategies to C-level executives at technology providers, partners at private equity firms and function heads at large corporations. His current focus is on helping clients understand their market opportunity tied to ESG investment trends and their impact on corporate sustainability strategies. During his 12 years running Verdantix – including 4 leading the New York office – he has helped dozens of clients grow their businesses through fund raising, acquisitions and international growth. David was previously SVP Research at Forrester and Head of Analysis & Forecasting at BT. He holds a PhD from Cambridge University and also worked as a Research Associate at the Harvard Business School.

Related Reports

Not a Verdantix client yet?

Register with Verdantix for authoritative data, analysis and advice to allow your business to succeed.