Worst Practices For EH&S Software Projects

Executive Summary

The market for EH&S software is growing at a healthy pace – and has been for some time. Verdantix forecasts growth of 11% per annum over the next five years and spend of $1.0 billion in 2017 alone. But all is not well in the world of EH&S software implementation: failed projects abound. Customers complain about vendors over-promising and not delivering; vendors moan about consultants over-customizing their software; and consultants diplomatically point out the lack of planning on the part of their clients. This report, based on 32 expert interviews and insights from vendor selection engagements, provides EH&S executives with an honest overview of the worst practices in EH&S software projects. To avoid the litany of errors highlighted in this study, EH&S executives should shape more effective governance, create a vision for their technology plans, invest time upfront in engaging user groups and map out business processes in more detail. EH&S technology governance will get harder in the future with the influx of Internet of Things devices, smart PPE and millennial employees.