Best Practices For EHS Software Implementation Services

Published 15 July 2019 by Isabel Velasco & Steve Bolton &
EHS Services EHS Software Best Practices

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Executive Summary

This report provides corporate managers with best practice advice for implementing EHS software, particularly for firms obtaining support from a consulting provider. To capture best practices, Verdantix undertook 19 interviews with EHS, quality and IT managers and senior executives heavily involved in software implementation processes and decision-making, as well as ten heads of practices at EHS consulting firms. Verdantix analysis finds that best practice approaches to EHS software implementation involve: (1) conducting workshop sessions to scope a plan that fully aligns with the firm’s internal vision; (2) adopting an agile approach that is strategically structured across multiple phases, and (3) allocating significant effort to change management that aligns with location-specific attitudes. 

Table of contents

Accurately Implementing EHS Software Proves To Be A Challenge For Firms
Misalignment Of Internal Stakeholders’ Vision Risks Unsuccessful Implementation Results 
Insufficient Effort Placed On Change Management Causes A Barrier To Widespread User Acceptability
Over-Customization Of Software Typically Yields Unwanted Results 

Successful Implementation Requires An Agile Approach That Proves To Drive Value Early On
Select EHS Consultants With Proven Depth And Breadth In Technical And Subject Matter Expertise
Conduct Workshop Sessions To Scope A Plan That Fully Aligns With The Firm’s Internal Vision 
Adopt An Agile Approach That Is Strategically Structured Across Multiple Phases 
Allocate Significant Effort To Change Management That Aligns With Location-Specific Attitudes 

Table of figures

Figure 1. Spending Changes On EHS Software Implementation Services
Figure 2. Eight Common Challenges Experienced During EHS Software Implementation
Figure 3. Seven Bad Practices That Risk Unsuccessful Implementation Of EHS Software
Figure 4. EHS Consulting Vendors Interviewed
Figure 5. Best Practice Guidance For EHS Software Implementation Process

About the authors

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 services delivery and EHS training. Her current agenda is focused on benchmarking prominent players in the digital EHS services market, as well as in-depth market size and forecast studies that span EHS software and EHS services across global regions. Prior to Verdantix, Isabel worked within the sustainability function of GlaxoSmithKline. Isabel holds an MSc in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Edinburgh.

Steve Bolton

Research Director

Steve leads the Verdantix EHS research practice, based out of our New York office. He has 25 years of experience advising on sustainability, EHS, circular economy, corporate social responsibility and other business value topics. Steve received a dual environmental science and public policy Bachelor's degree from The College of William and Mary, a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University, and an MBA degree from James Madison University.

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