Leveraging information technology for EHS management—A practical approach

Abstract Information Technology (IT), simply defined as a system to manage the exchange of information, is available in several different forms including off-the-shelf databases, custom-built programs, Web-based software, or a combination of electronic and paper records. Whatever its form a wisely selected IT-based solution can be of great use to an environmental, health and safety (EHS) department, especially in a time of corporate downsizing and diminished resources. Broadly applicable EHS IT solutions not only save time and money, but they can also earn an environmental department positive exposure and increased visibility throughout the company. The following article delineates a practical, nontechnical process to guide the environmental manager in designing and assessing information technology solutions.