Managing incidents isn’t optional, but you do have options when it comes to how you manage them.
Some companies use a spreadsheet. Others install software that must be updated routinely company wide. Still others rely solely on pen and paper. The most efficient option is an online incident management system that can be accessed from anywhere, updated succinctly, and that organizes and analyzes data to produce detailed reports. An incident management web application reduces costs and increases productivity. The specifics of how it does so follow.
Having one centralized online system where all incidents are reported in the same way provides consistency throughout the organization, regardless of how many job sites exist or how many employees use the system.
Incident management software provides consistency and consolidation
Having one centralized online system where all incidents are reported in the same way provides consistency throughout the organization, regardless of how many job sites exist or how many employees use the system. Such consistency provides the most accurate data and streamlines the incident management process. Simply put, everybody reports incidents in the same way because everybody uses the same system, forcing adherence to a process. Such consolidation reduces costs because there is only one incident tracking system to update should the need arise rather than making updates at multiple locations over the course of time.
An online incident management system improves asset management
Companies with multiple locations or multiple sites can struggle to keep up with assets like equipment or vehicles. Theft, especially in oilfields and on construction sites, causes loss that shouldn’t be written off as “the cost of business”. Damage incidents might be. To know for sure, companies need an online incident management system that tracks assets, too. A map-based online incident management system allows users to see at a glance an asset’s location and status. In essence, it helps to monitor asset inventory.
Incident management software enables timely communication
“According to ARC Advisory Group, companies could lose up to 5% of production due to unplanned downtime. The average impact of unscheduled downtime has caused [oil and gas] process companies to lose more than $20 billion in production annually.”¹
That quote from World Oil proves that certain job site incidents need to be reported and handled immediately. An incident management web application enables company-wide communication almost instantly, reducing downtime and improving response time. Additionally, clear communication in a centralized place provides a digital paper trail of accountability. The essential people know where to find the information they need when they need it.
Incident documentation tells the story of challenges a company has faced over the course of time, allowing decision-makers to make the necessary adjustments to overcome similar challenges in the future.
Verity Incident Management System allows for email notifications
Certain incident management web applications can be set up so that certain personnel receive an email when an incident is reported. Instead of entering the incident into the system and then turning around and emailing the exact same information to a coworker, an individual can “tag” another person. That person receives an email notification and can see the details of the incident report immediately.
Online incident reporting software provides digital documentation
The value of documentation lies in more than just the accountability it provides. It also provides data that will inform process changes, budgeting, security, asset allocation, safety policies, and technology investments. Incident documentation tells the story of challenges a company has faced over the course of time, allowing decision-makers to make the necessary adjustments to overcome similar challenges in the future.
Incident report database software organizes and synthesizes data
When all incident data is collected in one location, it can be analyzed as a whole. When the incident tracking system organizes the data as part of its functionality, it provides correlation, shows patterns, and reports the big picture thoroughly and with precision. Spreadsheets don’t do that. Pen and paper certainly don’t do that. An online web application for incident management does. In their 2018 outlook, global oil giant BP said, “Digital technology… is the most significant source of system-wide efficiency improvement.”² When the analysis is built in, you save time. When that same analysis is used for future decision making, you save money.
Verity takes efficiency to the next level by incorporating third parties, like law enforcement and first responders, to the system, making them aware when incidents relevant to the community or their services happen.
Proper incident management facilitates data-driven decisions
Once a company sees how much loss exists because of theft, or how often the same types of injuries or equipment damage is occurring, decision-makers can determine budget allotments, safety policies, and maintenance procedures accordingly. With the proper data, it’s not an exercise in guesswork; it’s an educated decision. Having all the data in one incident tracking system saves time that would otherwise be spent gathering information from a variety of sources in multiple locations.
An incident tracking system creates a high-performing culture
All of these factors work together to create a culture that is more streamlined, more efficient, and more cost-effective. There is a reduction in equipment downtime, an improvement in employee safety, an objective accountability, and an identification of losses that informs security and maintenance plans. One incident management application impacts every aspect of the business in a positive manner.
Verity Incident Management System
In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, Verity takes efficiency to the next level by incorporating third parties, like law enforcement and first responders, to the system, making them aware when incidents relevant to the community or their services happen. And Verity does it all at a fraction of the cost of other incident management systems, providing better performance at a better value.
²https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/media/press-releases/bp-technology-outlook-2018.html