The DataPipe Approach - Page 2 (continued)

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There are many benefits to integrating your EH&S data into one centralized data repository. 

 

Maximize the level of data integration - use your data wisely

In a non integrated system, the islands of information used and maintained cannot easily communicate with one another. Each excel doc, home grown system or software package has its own method of storing data and communicating. Sometimes the data is not in a form that another program understands. Furthermore, there is no consistency for how users enter data, causing communication between programs to break down. For instance, in the case of an onsite injury, one user might enter a body part code, while another user on a different system enters the term, “right arm”. In this example the communicating databases may not understand that these could be the same thing.

With DataPipe, all your data across many forms, modules and disciplines are integrated and consistent making data entry a snap and even more importantly, reporting and data retrieval as efficient as it can possibly be. And because you can define how your data is organized using our configurable org structure (we help you define and set this up during implementation), you are not restricted to any software limitations, you can actually run the DataPipe system the way you run your business.  More on org structures.

 

An integrated system reduces multiple data entry

In using the piecemeal approach there is redundant information (e.g. each system needs to maintain Human Resource data) that is often out of sync the instant after it’s brought into one of these systems - especially in larger organizations where HR data changes daily and sometimes hourly. Entering this data multiple times for multiple systems can be cumbersome and problematic.  Errors are often made.  Data is often missing or not up to date.  This is not an issue with an all-encompassing EH&S system that shares data across its disciplines.  In cases where HR data comes from a specific HR system, custom processes are often set up to import data from the ERP system to DataPipe. These would need to be run periodically (most often on a scheduler once a night at 3am for instance) in an effort to keep the HR data current. .

 

A standard interface can improve efficiency and save time and money

Multiple systems require different training, maintenance and upkeep.  This can be costly and time consuming. Many EH&S professionals are responsible for several closely related areas so having a standard allows your organization to be efficient. It is much more of a burden on an organization to have to train someone on multiple systems than on one common application that is integrated and can cover many disciplines.

Significantly Lower Cost of Maintaining a Single Systems

Almost every organization has begun the trend of consolidating multiple "piecemeal" systems. The piecemeal approach puts a burden on IT Departments that need to install, tune and maintain several systems, as opposed to one common system. This can sometimes amount to significant costs above the final cost of implementing one common system.  In a single integrated system, you have one system to maintain, one system to train your users on and one system to go to when you want to roll up all your data into an integrated powerful report.  Trending, analyses and risk management become possible on levels you hadn't even thought of before.

Never Worry About the Inevitable Loss of the Caretaker

The problem with home grown systems is that individual programs are developed by users who champion the idea. The long-term viability of the program may be in question. When that “champion” leaves the organization the program often becomes unusable because its “parent” is no longer there to care for and feed it.  This is one reason why off the shelf systems are beneficial.  And with an integrated modular system like DataPipe, we become the champion for every module you own and the ones you plan on adding in the future. 

An Integrated System Eliminates Multiple Copies of Non-Comparable Data

In an integrated system, there is only one copy of the common data. Further, the information from one area of specialty can easily be used for comparisons, analysis, reporting, data mining, etc. in another area. Such analysis and reporting is difficult if not impossible to do when using the piecemeal approach.