Market Overview: Digitizing EHS Services

Isabel Velasco

Isabel Velasco

30 Apr, 2018

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Executive Summary

The EHS services industry is experiencing an important transition towards the digitization of their value propositions. How can EHS service providers be the first in line to push this transformational change? Based on 145 responses from executives at EHS consultancies via an online survey, and data from 382 EHS decision-makers on their technology preferences, this Verdantix report provides a strategic overview of the current state of digitization of EHS services and makes recommendations for digital strategies. The survey data was supplemented by in-depth interviews with practice leaders at AECOM, Arcadis, CH2M (acquired by Jacobs in December 2017), DEKRA Insight, DuPont Sustainable Solutions (DSS), EY, Golder, Ramboll, SustainIt, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).  Verdantix analysis finds that in order to remain competitive, EHS services firms should develop a five-year digital scenario, strengthen organizational-wide digital capabilities, initiate acquisition plans, and develop strategic digital partnerships.
Market Overview: Digitizing EHS Services

Digitization Of The EHS Services Industry Has Reached A Tipping Point
EHS Consultants Have Utilized Information Management Tools For Decades 
Consultants Now Use A Much Broader Range Of Digital Technologies  
Adoption Of Digital Technologies By EHS Consultants Has Hit A Tipping Point 

Market Trends Will Force EHS Service Providers To Implement Aggressive Digital Strategies
Additional Waves Of Innovation Will Crash Onto The Agenda Of EHS Service Providers
Smart Clients Will Increasingly Demand That Consultants Use Digital Tools 
Competitive Dynamics Will Compel Executives To Respond With Urgency

 EHS Service Providers Urgently Need To Up Their Commitment To Digital
Develop A Five-Year Scenario Covering The Risks And Opportunities Of Digital
Strengthen Organizational Capability To Embed Digital Into Decision-Making
Initiate Acquisition Plans To Quickly Achieve Critical Mass With Digital Expertise 
Develop Digital Partnerships Focused On The Potential For Service Offering Enhancement
Figure 1. Tech Roadmap For EHS Technologies
Figure 2. Nearly Half Of EHS Consultants Perceive Digital As Essential To Succeed
Figure 3. Current Impact Of Technologies On EHS Consulting Revenues
Figure 4. Current Adoption Of Drones Across Four Usage Scenarios
Figure 5. Drivers To Use More Digital Technology In 2018
Figure 6. Seven Areas Of Expertise Are Significant To Succeed With Digital Initiatives
Figure 7. Multiple Barriers To Using Technologies For EHS Project Delivery
Figure 8. Impact Of Technologies On EHS Consulting By 2021
Figure 9. Change In Client Spending On Digitized EHS Projects By 2021
Figure 10. Potential Of Technologies To Transform EHS Services By 2023

About the Author

Isabel Velasco

Isabel Velasco

Industry Analyst

Isabel is an Industry Analyst in the Verdantix EHS practice. Her current agenda focuses on research on all applications of EHS Software, and digital technologies used for EHS ...

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