In the early stages of technology adoption, Excel emerged as a basic solution for businesses' management software needs. Nearly four decades later, more comprehensive and industry-specific solutions, including EHS management platforms, are now available.
Many EHSQ teams struggle to end their dependence on Excel because of its familiarity and resistance to change. However, Excel's limitations could hinder EHSQ teams from achieving optimal efficiency and the desired safety outcomes.
Limitation: Excel relies on manual data entry, increasing the risk of human errors. This actually occurs at a high rate with research studies showing that the average percentage of spreadsheets with errors is 94%. A single wrong entry can lead to incorrect data interpretation and, subsequently, poor decision-making.
Solution: Cloud based EHS software often includes validation rules and automated data entry methods, which greatly reduce the risk of errors. Through the use of API’s, EHS software can directly import data from other business applications
Limitation: As the volume and complexity of EHS data increase, Excel can struggle with performance issues and even data loss, hindering scalability.
Solution: Cloud based EHS software is designed to handle large volumes of data without performance loss. The software can scale with the growth of the company, accommodating more data and users overtime.
Limitation: Excel relies on basic password security features, which is insufficient for protecting sensitive EHS employee data.
Solution: EHS software offers advanced security measures such as encryption, user access control, and robust authentication mechanisms to ensure data security.
Limitation: Excel does not support real-time data updates, leading to potential delays and inconsistencies in data access among team members.
Solution: EHS software typically supports real-time updates and collaboration, ensuring all team members are working with the most current data.
Limitation: Excel lacks robust version control and audit trail features, creating difficulties in tracking changes and data accountability, which is only accentuated via shared files.
Solution: EHS platforms usually have robust audit trail capabilities, allowing for comprehensive tracking of changes, easy retrieval of previous versions, and clear accountability.
Limitation: Excel's data analysis capabilities may not be sufficient for complex EHS data analysis and reporting.
Solution: EHS software provides powerful data analysis tools, customizable reporting, and dashboards for better decision-making.
Limitation: Excel lacks built-in, EHS-specific features such as incident tracking, compliance monitoring, or automated alerts for potential risks.
Solution: EHS software is purpose-built with features tailored to EHS management needs, such as incident tracking, compliance monitoring, training curriculums, and automated alerts.
Limitation: Excel does not easily integrate with other software systems, leading to potential inefficiencies and inconsistencies in EHS management.
Solution: EHS software is designed with API’s to integrate with other enterprise software, facilitating seamless data flow and efficient, cohesive EHS management.
Limitation: Excel has limited capabilities when it comes to customizing workflows or automating EHS-related processes. While it's possible to create certain automated tasks using macros, this requires specialized knowledge and can be quite complex to manage. Furthermore, Excel cannot handle complex workflow processes such as automated alerting, task assignment, follow-ups, and escalation procedures that are often required in EHS management.
Solution: EHS software, on the other hand, typically comes with customizable workflow engines that can automate routine tasks and processes. These tools allow for the creation of sophisticated workflows that align with a company's EHS processes, including automated alerts, task assignments, follow-ups, and escalations. This automation not only improves efficiency but also helps to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of human error.
Limitation: Excel lacks dedicated customer support specifically tailored to EHS management. When encountering issues or needing assistance or customization, EHS managers often have to search for solutions independently.
Solution: EHS software platforms typically provide dedicated customer support that understands the unique requirements and challenges of EHS management. They offer assistance during implementation, training, and ongoing system usage. Whether it's resolving technical issues, answering questions, or providing guidance on best practices, a responsive and knowledgeable customer support team can significantly enhance the user experience and ensure the successful adoption of the EHS software platform.
In an era where safety and compliance are paramount, companies cannot afford to rely on outdated and inefficient software like Excel for their EHS management. They've committed to creating safe and compliant environments, reflecting the growing emphasis on health, safety, and sustainability in our world today. To uphold these commitments, it's essential to utilize purpose built software that ensures a comprehensive and effective approach to EHS management.
While Excel was once a common tool for managing data, the world has since moved forward with specialized EHS platforms. Companies with a strong safety consciousness can leverage these platforms, designed with industry-specific features, to manage their environmental, health, and safety processes with the precision and robustness they require.
Feeling limited by traditional software that doesn't cater to your rigorous EHS standards? Reach out to our team today and schedule a demo. Discover how our solutions can empower your commitment to safety and compliance.
Made in the U.S.A.
© Copyright 2021