If you’ve been following our business case series—great news! You’ve already tackled some of the toughest tasks, like identifying your EHS issues, presenting the right solution, and proving the ROI. Now, it’s time to move toward implementation. In this phase, you’ll create a timeline that demonstrates to leadership how you’ll keep things running smoothly. Here are our top tips for success.

Tip 1: Refer to your statement of work

Your implementation journey starts with a Statement of Work (SOW); a blueprint that lays out your project’s scope, requirements, goals, and objectives. With a pricing schedule, timelines, and the methodology for rolling out the EHS software, the SOW keeps everyone aligned—from leadership to your project team—so that expectations are clear from day one.

Tip 2: Build your project team

Your project implementation team will be the backbone of your rollout. It should include members from various departments, especially those who understand your organization’s safety needs.

Designate a strong project manager to lead the team. Their job? Break down tasks, set priorities, and make sure everything works cohesively. From initial software setup and data migration to staff training, this team will be responsible for keeping the implementation on track. Be sure to outline specific goals and deadlines for each phase—accountability is key to avoiding delays.

Tip 3: Develop an implementation timeline

Now that you’ve got your team, it’s time to lay out an implementation timeline. Rolling out an EHS platform across every site in one go might not be realistic, especially for larger organizations. Here’s how to break it down:

1. Assess risk levels at different sites. High-risk locations will benefit the most but may come with more complex challenges.
2. Prioritize sites based on risk ratings. Develop a multi-year timeline that allocates resources where they’re needed most.
3. Focus on high-impact modules first. Start with features that align with your business goals and can deliver quick wins. Many companies opt to begin with incident management or auditing tools, but your choice should be based on what will give you the easiest and fastest results.

By identifying areas where you can see significant benefits quickly, you’ll build momentum and gain support for scaling further. Seeing results within 6 to 8 months helps avoid implementation fatigue and keeps enthusiasm high.

But be warned! As the project grows, other departments may want to expand functionality or add new workflows. It’s important to remain focused and scale only when it aligns with your organizational objectives and offers clear, substantial gains.

Tip 4: Set challenging but realistic deadlines

Every successful project has one thing in common: clear, achievable deadlines. Work with your vendor and internal teams to set challenging yet realistic deadlines for each phase of the project. Set these deadlines early on and build out a project management calendar to ensure the rollout stays on track without overwhelming your team or causing delays.

Tip 5: Don’t underestimate change management

Let’s face it—change can be hard. That’s why change management is essential for the smooth adoption of your new EHS software. Start by communicating with your employees about the benefits of the new system and how it will improve their daily tasks. When people understand how change helps them, they’re more likely to embrace it.

Ideally, you’ll kick off change management activities before the project officially begins. So, identify a change management facilitator who can keep everyone informed and motivated.

Remember, change management isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a continuous process. Provide training for key team members before the software goes live. The better prepared your people are, the smoother the implementation will be.

Tip 6: Follow the stages of implementation

Your EHS software rollout will typically follow these five stages:

1. Preliminary analysis – assess your current system and identify key gaps.
2. System specification – work with IT to select the right software and configurations.
3. Configuration – set up the system according to your business needs.
4. Training and user acceptance – ensure your team is fully trained and comfortable with the new system.
5. Go live – launch the software and monitor initial performance.

Implementation timelines vary depending on factors like the number of modules, server deployment type (cloud or on-premises), and available resources. Be sure to set realistic timeframes for each phase and agree on key milestones with your vendor and IT team. Setting a clear go-live goal helps keep everything on track.

Tip 7: Budget for implementation costs

Understanding the full cost of implementation is crucial for managing expectations. Here’s a breakdown of some potential costs:

• Software license or subscription fees: These are standard whether you’re deploying on-premises or in the cloud.
• Module subscription costs: These vary depending on which modules you choose.
• Per site/user deployment fees: Costs may rise based on the number of sites or users.
• Mobile application licenses: An essential cost for field teams.
• Hosting fees: On-premises deployments may require additional IT resources.
• Implementation fees: These include data migration, formatting historical data, and custom forms.
• Training fees: Necessary for team members who need backend access.
• Integration costs: If you need to connect the EHS software with other systems like ERP or CRM.

By having a clear view of these costs from the start, you can budget accordingly and avoid surprises down the line.

With a solid plan and clear goals, your EHS software implementation can be smooth and successful. Stick to your timeline, focus on quick wins, and you’ll build momentum. Before long, your organization will enjoy a more streamlined, efficient, and safer way of managing EHS.

Stay tuned for the final installment of our series, where we’ll share tips on pitching your digital tool and securing support from key stakeholders across your organization.