For organizations that have to select and implement an EHS software system, the selection of the solution is only part of the challenge. The software implementation can be an even greater challenge that requires significant time and resources
Even the best EHS software system in the market will fail to meet expectations if the implementation goes wrong. A successful implementation ensures that the EHS software system is:
- Addressing the pain points that led to the initial decision to select a new software solution.
- Being adopted by all users across the company to deliver a quicker ROI.
- Delivering value to the organization.
If you will embark on an EHS software implementation, the good news is that many organizations have valuable best practices and lessons to share. Based on past implementations, is there one overarching lesson that applies to almost every step of a software implementation? The answer is yes, and it is the following: Always Communicate.
A new report by NAEM on How to Successfully Deploy an EHS&S Software System highlights six steps that lead to a successful implementation. Three of these steps put a strong emphasis on the need to communicate, while the other three steps also touch on aspects where communication is key, such as business units collaboratively agreeing and getting proper feedback from users during a pilot roll-out.
NAEM’s guide is based on observations, recommendations, and lessons learned from in-depth interviews with EHS&S professionals and implementation partners. The six steps from the report will help you start and stay on the right track as you introduce an EHS&S solution in your organization. The report will also help you answer the following questions:
- How to set key priorities.
- What is the best strategy to avoid “over design”.
- When should the new system be tested and introduced to users.
- How to sell the value of the new system.
There are many cases where the importance of communication is highlighted throughout the six steps to implementation success. It’s clear that effective communication is the universal ingredient found in all stages of a successful EHS software implementation. Always remember to communicate early, often and openly.
