Expert insights from Cority’s partners on EHS digital transformation, best practices, common challenges, and future-proofing strategies.
The Growing Importance of EHS Technology
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) technology has become a cornerstone for organizations striving to enhance compliance, streamline operations, and improve sustainability. However, implementing these platforms is only the first step. True optimization requires a strategic approach that includes stakeholder engagement, user adoption, workflow efficiency, data analytics, and long-term resilience.
To help organizations unlock the full potential of their EHS technology investments, Cority reached out to five leading companies that bring a wealth of expertise in EHS digital transformation. Experts from partners at ALL4, Arcadis, Booz Allen Hamilton, Enhesa, and Protex AI share their insights on best practices, common challenges, and forward-looking strategies to maximize business value. Their guidance, based on real-world experience, can help organizations implement, sustain, and evolve technology investments to meet dynamic business needs.
Laying the Groundwork: Best Practices for Implementation
Question: What are the top three recommended best practices for a seamless implementation of an EHS platform?
Successful implementation is the bedrock of any effective EHS technology strategy. In the following section, Leah Foertsch, Principal – Digital EHS&S Advisory, and Dennis Veltre, Principal – Organizational Change Management, from Arcadis which brings decades of experience in sustainable solutions and digital transformation, share their insights on establishing this solid foundation.
- Identify and involve the right stakeholders: Engaging the appropriate stakeholders early in the process ensures that the technology aligns with both business and operational needs. When project sponsors are highly engaged, it increases the credibility of the implementation and drives broader buy-in across the organization.
- Define success metrics: Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives from the outset keeps projects on course and enables organizations to measure return on investment effectively. Clearly defined success metrics also ensure that technology investments continue to deliver meaningful value post-implementation.
- Start with a business process assessment: Prioritizing a Business Process Assessment (BPA), before the technical design phase, reduces complexity, optimizes workflows, and improves project outcomes. Conducting a BPA helps teams avoid unnecessary customization and ensures that the system is configured to support existing business objectives rather than forcing processes to fit the technology.
Check out the blog, Successfully Implementing Your EHS Software Solution, for software implementation best practices.
With a solid foundation, ensuring user engagement is the next critical step to maximizing the value of EHS technology.
Driving Adoption: How to Ensure Successful User Engagement
Question: What strategies work best for driving user adoption and engagement with new EHS technology?
Even the most advanced EHS technology will fall short of its potential without widespread user adoption. In the following section, Jessica Sokol, Lead Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, which specializes in digital transformation and human-centered solutions, highlights the importance of a human-centered approach in driving engagement. Organizations can improve adoption by focusing on the following strategies:
- Building an interconnected network of peer super users: These individuals provide organic advocacy and troubleshooting, reducing reliance on formal training.
- Creating a sense of ownership among employees: Employees who are involved in the early stages of implementation are more likely to feel invested in the technology. Encouraging user feedback and incorporating frontline workers in the decision-making process enhances engagement.
- Simplify messaging: Focus on clearly communicating the direct benefits to the employee, emphasizing “what’s in it for me”, to address varying levels of comfort with technology and drive engagement.
Once users are engaged, optimizing workflows within the EHS platform becomes crucial for driving efficiency and realizing tangible business results.
Improving Efficiency by Optimizing Workflows
Question: What are some key ways organizations can optimize workflows within an EHS platform to improve efficiency?
EHS technology can be a powerful tool for streamlining operations and reducing inefficiencies. However, this is only true if organizations take a proactive approach to system governance and data management. In the following section, Brian Hua, Business Analyst at ALL4, a firm known for helping businesses navigate environmental regulatory challenges and digital EHS solutions, emphasizes two critical areas:
- Program Governance: A well-defined governance structure is essential for aligning EHS programs with overarching business goals. This involves assigning clear roles and responsibilities across all levels, from executive sponsors to operational teams. Effective governance ensures everyone understands their duties and is accountable for their actions. This structured approach not only supports continuous improvement but also fosters a culture of accountability and transparency. By having a strong governance framework, organizations can ensure that their EHS programs are consistently monitored and evaluated, leading to sustained success.
- Data Capture: The ability to standardize data collection and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) is fundamental to an effective EHS program. Consistent data collection allows organizations to enhance visibility into their operations, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Standardized data ensures all relevant information is captured accurately and reported consistently. This enables organizations to track performance against set benchmarks and identify areas for improvement. By focusing on data capture, organizations can drive operational excellence and achieve their EHS goals more efficiently.
The data captured through optimized workflows becomes a powerful asset when leveraged with advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling informed decision-making.
Leveraging Data: Unlocking the Power of Analytics & Reporting
Question: What are the most valuable analytics or reporting capabilities organizations should focus on, and how can they use them effectively?
Organizations can significantly enhance decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics and reporting tools. In the following section, Bex Kilkelly, Head of Partnerships & Business Development at Protex AI, a leader in AI-powered safety intelligence, highlights key considerations for maximizing the value of data-driven insights:
- Customizable workspaces: Configurable dashboards tailored to specific user needs provide enhanced visibility into risk trends, compliance gaps, and operational performance. Customizable workspaces allow teams to focus on the most relevant data points, reducing information overload.
- Instant site behavior insights: Real-time data analysis enables organizations to quickly identify and address potential risks before they escalate. Rapid access to key insights supports a proactive approach to workplace safety.
- Seamless system integration: Seamless integration with business intelligence (BI) and EHS management platforms is essential. By collaborating with technology partners, organizations can track leading indicators through their preferred BI workflows or EHS management platforms. This integration ensures data-driven insights are effortlessly incorporated into existing processes, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.
- Streamlined reporting: The ability to quickly create customizable reports is invaluable. Advanced reporting tools that allow for real-time report generation, flexible data visualization, and targeted distribution. Therefore, helping organizations improve communication with stakeholders, regulators, and leadership teams.
For more information on BI within EHS, check out the blog, The Critical Capabilities EHS Professionals Require from Business Intelligence (BI) Tools.
Looking ahead, organizations should consider how to future-proof EHS technology investments to ensure long-term value and adaptability.
Looking Ahead: Future-Proofing EHS Technology Investments
Question: What advice would you give organizations looking to future-proof EHS technology investments?
The EHS landscape is constantly evolving. In the following section, Andrew Giffen, Head of Product Management at Enhesa, a trusted source for regulatory intelligence that helps organizations stay ahead of compliance changes, shares strategies for future-proofing EHS technology investments to ensure long-term relevance:
- Embrace uncertainty: Recognize that predicting future events, especially in complex networks, is challenging. The more complex the network, the less resilient it becomes. This makes it vulnerable to disruptions like elections, natural disasters, or supply-chain issues. Organizations must design flexible EHS programs that can adapt to changing conditions.
- Implement horizon scanning tools: Proactive monitoring of regulatory changes, emerging risks, and industry trends enables organizations to anticipate changes and plan accordingly, reducing the need for reactive measures.
- Collaborate with best-in-class technology vendors: Partnering with innovative EHS solution providers ensures organizations have access to the latest advancements and best practices. By leveraging AI technology, organizations can enhance compliance efforts by automating the tracking of regulatory changes and generating data-driven insights. This helps organizations stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment and allows them to concentrate on core business issues
Key Takeaways
Maximizing EHS technology investments requires more than just implementation. It demands a holistic approach that spans stakeholder engagement, user adoption, workflow optimization, data utilization, and sustained adaptability. By leveraging expert insights from at Arcadis, Booz Allen Hamilton, ALL4, Protex AI, and Enhesa, Cority ensures their integrated suite of products continue to meet market demands with scalable, configurable, and secure solutions that drive continuous improvement.
In the rapidly changing environment of EHS and sustainability, it’s crucial to invest in true SaaS EHS software that’s configurable to a variety of business needs and scalable to company changes. Implementing solutions that are guided by industry expertise empowers organizations to achieve EHS goals effectively while also future-proofing EHS management programs.
