4 reasons to choose an Integrated Solution over multiple Point Solutions

Summary

Donesafe is an integrated solution, which brings with it a long list of benefits that will help you achieve your goals faster and more effectively while also contributing to a more compelling business case to all stakeholders;

• Connected systems that can be automated, systemized and run in real-time
• The simplicity of use for end users
• Simplicity for IT teams maintaining the system
• The reduced total cost of ownership (read more about this here)
• Future proof.

What is an integrated solution?

An integrated solution allows you to connect all your data, people and processes together in a single solution. This approach has now become the accepted best practice among leading HSEQ management teams. The reason for that is quite simple; it brings with it benefits in reporting, efficiency, consistency, speed and simplicity.

What is a point solution?

A point solution is widely used to fix a singular problem. While the implementation of a point solution is faster when compared to an integrated solution, it lacks regard to related issues that exist or will be caused. For example, a point solution may help you conduct audits, but cause you to have a disconnected and clunky management system without ability to set actions, alerts and follow up.

4 benefits of an integrated software solution

1. Process improvement through integration

Connecting all your data, people and processes together to form a connected solution has now become accepted best practices in any HSEQ management team. The reason for that is quite simple; people, systems and data are mostly cross-functional and must work together to achieve exceptional results.

All stakeholders are connected in one automated workflow with access to the same consistent data. The process is continuously monitored and potential deviations can be alerted in time. 

In the case of multiple point solutions making up the complete system, each step of the process needs manual data exchange (import/export, or double handling, for example) with another point solution, increasing processing times and the risk of failure. In that case, it is hardly possible to monitor and control the entire process as it is fragmented across multiple point solutions.

2. Simplicity of use through a single interface

A key prerequisite for any successful software implementation is end user acceptance. And this is driven by a software platform that everyone can understand and use, with an intuitive and fast to learn interface. If people can not easily find their way through the system, they will likely not accept it. 

Individual point solutions may be easy to use, but when they are patched together to form a bigger system, it quickly becomes clumsy and complicated for end users. Confusion about what solution does what, and the need to learn multiple user interfaces restrict their effectiveness.

Integrated solutions have a more universal approach toward end users. Once people understand the user interaction for one function, they can apply that knowledge to all processes within the software. The solution operates in a consistent and recognizable way. 

3. Fewer software systems to maintain

In general, IT departments prefer to reduce the number of software solutions they need to maintain. As each individual software solution has its own specific IT requirements, release policies, and support windows, typically IT departments prefer the concept of one integrated solution. In many projects, the business case for implementing an integrated safety, quality and environmental solution is even based on reducing the number of existing point solutions and their associated costs.

As integrated solutions use one single source of information, complex data interfaces are not necessary. Having one database for all information dramatically eases the maintenance of data, ensures consistency and data quality, and supports better reporting and more extensive analyses.

4. Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

For many organizations, quantifying software benefits in terms of money, resources, time savings, quality, agility, and compliance improvements is an exhausting exercise. Business case practices show that demonstrating benefits for an integrated solution is easier and more obvious when compared to point solutions. By nature, integrated solutions deliver more transparency, more control, and more reliable information.

But what about investment? The price difference to create a system using multiple point solutions when compared to one integrated solution is significant. When accumulating point solutions, you ultimately pay for the same thing multiple times, for example hard costs to the software vendor (accounts, server space, cost of sales, support, overheads). These costs are passed on to you, the user. With an integrated solution, those costs only get passed on to you once. On top of that, you gain benefits of bundling where total relative cost reduces.

Read more on cost savings https://donesafe.com/2018/12/comparing-donesafes-long-term-pricing-to-alternative-solutions

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