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Think You Don’t Need an Incident Management System? Here are 5 Benefits That Will Change Your Mind


Think You Don't Need an Incident Management System? Here are 5 Benefits That Will Change Your Mind

An incident management system can improve your organization’s compliance, resolution time and prevention strategy.

How many incidents does your organization experience in a year? Even small companies face the daily threats of harassment, injuries, fraud, security breaches and more.

Failing to manage incidents not only puts employees' well-being at risk, but also the future of your company. Think you're doing okay with your current system? These five benefits of a proper incident management system should give you a change of heart.

Is your organization managing incidents effectively?

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1. Compliance Won't Be a Headache Anymore

Compliance is hard, period. Keeping track of what forms to send where and in what timeframe is a lot to remember in the best of times, not to mention in the aftermath of an incident.

Using an incident management system makes the process easier and less stressful. The software has up-to-date compliance built into the workflow, so you won't forget a step or miss a deadline.

For example, not sure which OSHA form to fill out? Based on the type of incident you log, the system prompts you with a template of the correct form. You'll also automatically get tasks with deadlines that adhere to regulatory requirements. Not only does using an incident management system boost compliance, but it also frees up brain space and time in your day.

RELATED: What to Look for in an Incident Management System

2. You'll Stop Incidents Before They Happen

Prevention should be the top priority in your company's incident management strategy. Keeping incidents from happening takes a lot less time and money than picking up the pieces later.

Identifying your risks and problem areas takes smart data analysis. You could spend hours on this task and still not find every subtle pattern of behavior or red flag. An incident management system, on the other hand, can find your "hot spots" in minutes.

Choose what data sets you want to look at and the software formats a thorough, accurate report highlighting areas of risk in your organization. Then, focus your preventive efforts (e.g. policy changes, training programs, equipment updates) on these areas for a safer, happier work environment.

3. Collaborating Just Got Easier

Dealing with an incident effectively means you need to work fast. You might need information from another department, help from another investigator or input from an outside expert. Collaborating is often slow and frustrating.

An incident management system lets you work as a team efficiently and securely. All information, evidence and notes about the incident are stored within the case, so everyone working on it can contribute to the central file. Real-time updates keep team members in the loop, perfect for when you're collaborating remotely or with an external party.

The convenience of the incident management system doesn't mean you have to compromise security, though. A password-protected platform and information access based on roles or manually assigned keep sensitive information away from prying eyes.

RELATED: How Incident Management Software Protects Your Company

4. Your Liability Will Go Way Down . . .

Poor documentation sets your organization up for disaster. Without proof that you conducted a timely, fair and thorough investigation into an incident, you could face fines from regulatory bodies or payouts to disgruntled employees.

Incident management systems help you keep strong records to reduce liability. Each incident file includes a detailed timeline with all actions taken on the case, including the time and date each task was completed. You can then export this report to share with auditors, lawyers and other stakeholders if needed.

5. So Will Your Resolution Time

The only thing worse than a workplace incident is an incident that's had time to escalate. Failing to address issues when they're minor can result in a more expensive, stressful and long resolution process later.

To ensure your investigations are as efficient as possible, you need a web-based, mobile-friendly incident management system. Team members can work on files anywhere, anytime. That means no details lost or time wasted when an investigator travels between a work site or interview location and the office.

Incident management systems keep your team on track, too. Task reminders and alerts when someone has worked on a file keep everyone in the loop and ensure they stick to their deadlines. Resolution time will decrease and employees will feel safer at work.

Want to learn more about how an incident management system will benefit your organization? Get the run-down here.