Synergist - December 2010

Table 1 identifies some of the data entered into the calculator tool, and Table 2 provides the results. Though not shown, the inputs include information about short- and long-term disability claims as well as litigation expenditures (the calculator applies Watson Wyatt industry norms if no data is available for the company in question). Note that the break-even estimate in Table 2 includes a six-month implementation period.

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Implementation

When evaluating how an integrated OHS software system can help your organization, you must consider the post-purchase implementation, which is just as important as the software itself. If the software is not properly implemented, you will not derive the maximum ROI from your purchase. Management buy-in for implementation consulting services can sometimes be difficult to achieve, but the investment is well worth the cost. (Note that the sample results in Tables 1 and 2 are calculations based on the cost of a standard six-month implementation.)

Make sure that adequate staff resources are in place during implementation. Staff will be involved in making important decisions regarding how the software will be configured. Staff resources typically include internal OHS staff, who understand your organization best, and consulting staff from the software vendor, who know the software best. Be sure to consult your vendor to get a detailed quote of the costs up front. Services can include detailed business process reviews and configuration support to help ensure the software works in harmony with your organization. Some vendors employ consultants who specialize in functional areas and types of implementation (i.e., enterprisewide vs. local, or in specific countries or areas), so inquire about who will be working on your project. You can ask to meet the people who will work on your project team, which will allow you to evaluate whether the provider you’re considering is right for you and your organization. Ultimately, if the vendor is a good fit, you’ll benefit from the greatest ROI.

Value

Whether purchased off the shelf or built in-house, a comprehensive OHS database that integrates OHS data in one place can significantly enhance data quality and efficiency within your organization.

Moving to an integrated system requires an investment in time and money, but it could result in significant savings. System solutions may vary from one organization to the next, but the fundamental concepts regarding return on investment are the same for all.

MonicaMelkonian,CIH,isaseniorapplicationconsultantandmemberofthe product design team at Medgate, Inc. She also is an active member of AIHA’s IH ValueStrategyWorkingGroupandComputerApplicationsCommittee.Shecan bereachedat(503) 385-7040ormmelkonian@medgate.com.

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FB# Advertiser Page

2....3M ........................ 3

14....BowenEHS ................ 35

7....BureauVeritas .............. 14

13....Colden .................... 35

1 . . . . EMSL Analytical . . . . . . . . . Cover 2

3. . . . Environmental Monitoring Systems .................... 5

4....NEXTTEQLLC............... 7

8. . . . On-Site Instruments . . . . . . . . . . 15

12. . . . Open Range Software, LLC . . . . 31

9....RaecoRents................ 16

5....RJLeeGroup ................ 9

10. . . . Safetec Compliance Systems,Inc. ............... 17

6....SKCInc. ................... 13

FB# Advertiser Page 23....TSIInc.................Cover3

11. . . . University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey . . . . 18

24. . . . Zefon International . . . . . . . Cover 4

Product Features

15. . . . Actio Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

16. . . . DataChem Software, Inc. . . . . . . 36

17. . . . Industrial Scientific Corporation . 36

18. . . . Open Range Software, LLC . . . . 36

19. . . . Safetec Compliance Systems,Inc. ............... 36

20....SiteHawk .................. 36

21....Spiramid ................... 36

22.... TSIInc. .................... 36

1—Type of firm:

1 ; Manufacturer

2 ; Consultant

3 ; School/College

4 ; Hospital

5 ; Government 2—Professional function:

A ; Administration/Mgmt.

B ; Marketing/Sales C ; Industrial Hygienist D ; Physician E ; Nurse F ; Environ. Specialist G ; Safety Specialist H ; Health Specialist I ; Res./Development J ; Purchasing Agent

3—Purchasing authority: 1 ; Recommend

2 ; Specify

3 ; Approve

4—Number of employees:

A ; Under 100

B ; 100 to 500

C ; 500 to 1,000

D ; Over 1,000

5—This inquiry is for:

A ; Immediate Purchase A ; Myself B ; Someone else A; Yes B; No

8—Select the primary type of products you recommend, specify, and/or buy in your job (check all that apply): A ; All of the following B ; Air Sampling Equipment C ; Direct Read. Equipment D ; Respiratory Protection E ; Protective Clothing F ; Medical/Occ. Health G ; Environ./Waste Control H ; Training/Education I ; Safety Equipment J ; Asbestos Abatement K ; Computer Software