Unpacking the Challenges and Opportunities Behind EHS Compliance Digital Transformation
Written by Robert Szűcs-Winkler
Digitalization is reshaping how companies approach Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) compliance. While it holds enormous promise for improving EHS management, data availability, and decision-making, many organizations still struggle to successfully digitize their EHS processes. So, why do so many EHS compliance digitization projects fall short?
The Real Challenges Behind EHS Digital Transformation
Two critical challenges often derail EHS digitalization initiatives:
1. Collecting the Wrong Data
Digitized data is only useful if it supports EHS performance monitoring and compliance. Collecting data for the sake of it, without knowing how it connects to measurable outcomes—wastes resources and leads to data fatigue. There is no room for "maybe this will be useful later" logic.
2. Collecting Too Much Data
Excessive data collection can be just as damaging as insufficient data. For example, measuring electricity use at the site level tells you very little unless you're equipped to interpret fluctuations. Without sub-metering or breakdowns by production line, you're left guessing the source of inefficiencies. Precision data supports EHS risk assessments and enhances decision-making clarity.
Lessons from the Field: The KPI Pitfall
Take this real-world example: A manufacturing plant focused on optimizing its main KPI, kWh per product manufactured. Initially, they tracked total site electricity and divided it by units produced. While this gave an overview, it lacked the granularity needed to model or predict the effects of specific energy-saving investments.
Only after installing sub-meters and working with energy engineers did they start collecting actionable data. This shift allowed them to pinpoint inefficiencies on production lines, assess ROI for each change, and build a scalable data model to support future decisions.
The lesson? Digitalization must follow business logic, not the other way arou
Digitization in Practice: The Case of the Digital Washroom
One innovative client in the hygiene product industry implemented a smart washroom system. Their EHS software integration included:
- Wireless soap and towel dispensers sending real-time data to a central database
- Door sensors tracking occupancy
- Automated alerts for inventory replenishment
This digital ecosystem enabled:
- Hygiene compliance monitoring, especially during virus outbreaks
- Training where handwashing rates were low
- Waste reduction and cost savings in procurement
Such examples show how EHS digitization tools improve both compliance and user experience in practical, measurable ways.
Common Misconceptions About EHS Digitalization
Many still associate digitization with futuristic tech like drones, AI-driven robotics, or biometric surveillance. But in the context of EHS management systems, the real transformation often starts with simpler tools:
- Smart meters
- Centralized dashboards
- Integrated EHS compliance software
- Workflow automation tools
However, adoption is not universal. For example, regulations around camera use or employee tracking still lag behind in many regions. Thus, legal compliance must also be considered in the digitization roadmap.
What Digital Transformation in EHS Is Really About
EHS digitization isn't just about flashy tech. It’s about:
- Making better decisions using real-time data
- Reducing administrative burden
- Streamlining reporting under frameworks like CSRD or ISO 45001
- Mitigating operational risk and improving workplace safety
Above all, it's about aligning your digital tools with real business needs and regulatory demands.
Final Thoughts: Let Data Support EHS Compliance, Not Complicate It
To succeed in EHS digitization:
- Define your business goals first.
- Identify which data directly supports EHS compliance and safety outcomes.
- Choose tools that integrate well with your workflows.
- Avoid overwhelming your team with data that cannot be acted upon.
Digitization is a tool, not the goal. It becomes a powerful ally in protecting people, processes, and the planet when correctly implemented.
