Top 10 Steps for a Successful EMIS Project: New Report

Leaders at large enterprises know that gathering and disseminating information about EHS performance can lead directly to improved financial performance, says Dorney Douglass, a senior director at Sphera. In a new report from Environmental Leader, sponsored by Sphera, Douglass discusses how enterprises are publicly setting performance goals and reporting business sustainability, ranging from water consumption and supply-chain stability to greenhouse gas emissions and safety performance. Smart companies use an environmental management system (EMS) or an integrated management system like OEMS that is then underpinned by a standardized, enterprise-wide environmental management information system (EMIS). An EMIS helps them accurately set goals, and track what is happening at every level of the organization in a timely manner.

Getting an EMIS implemented, adopted, and maintained can be achieved more easily than many project managers realize, especially when they approach the initial planning stage with strategic questions. Companies that follow a disciplined process can line up the funding needed to plan, implement, and sustain the ongoing investment required to properly maintain the EMIS.

Putting an EMIS into place means looking ahead five, 10 or even 15 years. Each company looking to improve their environmental management system may be at different levels of maturity. No matter where you start with an EMIS project, there are steps that will increase your likelihood of success down the road, advises Dorney Douglass, a senior director at Sphera. This new report shares Douglass’ key insights for planning and managing an EMIS project, including details about:

• Documenting the project vision • Conducting process discovery • Building the business case • Preparing to compete for funding • Creating a comprehensive communication plan • Checking progress and results • Anticipating ongoing improvements