A recurring set of problems in the EHS sphere is the number of delays, errors, and compliance risks associated with a non-digital complex workflow IBC approval process. Delays caused by missed memos. Errors caused by misunderstood information. Compliance risks, which are generated by a lack of knowledge in regard to how the process should unfold. Many of these issues can be solved by moving to a digital software setup for a streamlined approval workflow process between multiple departments in the IBC Approval process.
Let us start with the problem of delays. In the modern world, a vast amount of interpersonal and business-related matters are solved via email. While a digital tool, emails do not provide a concrete chain of communication to follow and record events. Emails can be missed, deleted, or sent to the wrong person. This can cause crucial data not to be received in a timely manner, which in turn causes delays in the decision-making process.
- The answer provided by a digital system is that it provides a central system to house all data regarding who is involved in a given approval process and what stage the approval process is at. It also provides an easy way for the appropriate parties to look up and access applications to review and approve as necessary.
Now, let us talk about errors. These can include grammatical mistakes, mathematical errors, and incorrect data. While these can occur in any setting, they can be compounded by the lack of a central digital system to help regulate what information is being entered.
- A digital system brings to the table ways to manage and automate the data entered into these forms, including the Principal Investigator who can submit applications, the Administrator who can approve the application, the dates of submission, and the time. It also creates a record for all these details and when permits and forms need to be resubmitted.
The final issue is compliance risk. Various situations can cause this, a few of which are as follows: An applicant enters the wrong or incorrect data. The applicant does not understand what data needs to be entered.
- A digital system can help with all of these causes. It can provide a template by which the forms can be filled out. It can provide a place from which applicants can pull the required data to fill out the forms. I can also provide examples of what kind of data is needed for any given section. A digital system can also provide tools for a reviewer to manage and notify an applicant of what they should be entering. All while keeping a record of what is being asked and what stage of the process they are in.
Many of us in the EHS industry have felt the pain of delays, errors, and compliance issues. A digital system like Safety Stratus provides a secure, consistent, and helpful tool to increase compliance and productivity. To reduce errors and miscommunication. To provide an intuitive way of completing the IBC approvals process. These are all brought to the table with a digital system.
AUTHOR BIO:-
Stephen Alvarado began his career as a Technical Support Agent. He has worked in this field for five years before moving to Safety Stratus.
He served in this position for two years before transferring to a Role as a Product SME. Stephen brings an extensive knowledge pool from working in the tech industry. He is passionate about the development and progress of the Environmental, Health, and Safety field and looks to bring his hard work and focus to help guide that progress as a team.
