Every business, no matter how small or large, should strive to be the best possible version of itself. If you haven’t already, one of the best ways to future proof your business and reach your objectives is by taking advantage of a business integrated management system (IMS). Here are seven benefits of using a cloud-based IMS …
1. Manage compliance in the field
Are you ever concerned about your business struggling to control compliance requirements in the field? A number of factors can create a situation where field team members fail to accurately and consistently follow protocols and procedures. This could be caused by lack of accessibility of systems, employees feeling it takes too much time or a lack of understanding of processes and the importance of said processes for adhering to standards. Regardless of why it does happen or could happen, your business must take steps to address this issue immediately- especially in the current risk-averse climate.
A cloud-based compliance solution provides a clear framework – a ‘single source of truth’ – for a business to store all documents online and manage a variety of the repetitive manual tasks associated with maintaining ISO compliance. For example, online forms allow field workers to automatically enter real-time data, while non-compliance issues are raised immediately and can be resolved proactively.
2. Improve efficiency
When it comes to improving administrative, communication and employee efficiency, digital IMS truly comes to the fore. By automating processes that were previously manual and cumbersome, these digital platforms significantly cut down the time and resources required to complete workflow.
For example, employees in the field can communicate more effectively using an associated smartphone/tablet app. Automation of activities like register updates and employment record updates also save a business valuable time. Further efficiencies still can be achieved in the reduced time it takes to write documentation and train new staff using a streamlined central hub of information.
3. Increase productivity and improve communication
Improved efficiency through automated processes naturally generates increased productivity at the same time. With a single digital platform providing an easily accessible home for all documentation, operations and communications, the entire business is working from the same page. Data entry errors and duplication are eliminated and staff can focus on the core projects and tasks that matter most.
Communication of critical information and updates to the system can be achieved in real-time via an app, and, as such, the opportunities for errors to occur due to out-of-date information are dramatically reduced.
4. Access to real-time data remotely
For a business to be successful, it must make critical decisions and deliver reporting to customers based on accurate, reliable and readily available information. Using a cloud-based IMS ensures all data and insights are collected and processed in ‘real-time’ for team members to review or analyse when they need it and produce reports to communicate to customers. Access to real-time data also leads to more informed decision-making, by more individuals, more of the time.
Furthermore, and increasingly more important, access to the integrated management system in the cloud also affords employers the option to have employees working remotely because important data is available wherever they are.
5. Impress customers with communication and reporting systems
The ongoing provision of up-to-date evidence of compliance to requirements will increasingly become a requirement of tenders and contracts in a post-Covid environment. For this reason, being able to effectively communicate with customers and deliver data, information and updates in real-time using a cloud-based automated reporting system will become near essential.
6. Scale your business with ease
Along with the everyday operational improvements, a cloud-based IMS also enables a business to scale quickly and safely. Imagine trying to grow your business while being weighed down by a complicated, confusing and completely outdated paper-based management system – it’s an almost impossible task. If expansion is on your agenda, it’s already time to head for the cloud.
7. Establish a disaster recovery plan
A cloud-based IMS essentially performs the role of your organisation’s preemptive disaster recovery plan. While nobody wants to think about it, the reality is that sometimes things can go horribly wrong for any business. Whether it’s a security breach, human error, environmental impact or any other form of disaster, the best preparation is to keep as many of your business assets as possible in a place they can be recovered. That place is the cloud.
Considering making the switch to compliance management software? Contact ICS Consulting today.