MSDS software can fulfill different sets of business processes. Just as EHS software addresses a wide set of needs and can mean different things to different people, similarly MSDS software can also be used to describe different functions.
Here are brief descriptions of the different types of MSDS software:
MSDS management: This type of MSDS software is used to manage the following: MSDSs of purchased raw materials (e.g. solvent to include in paint), MSDSs of products used as part of a production process (e.g. grease or oil for machines or tools), and MSDSs of manufactured finished products.
The following should be noted regarding this type of MSDS software:
1) Many solution providers, in addition to offering the platform that manages MSDSs, also may offer a service to get MSDSs from suppliers on behalf of customers. This is meant to make sure that the latest versions of the MSDSs are always in the system.
2) The software can be offered as a standalone product that is purchased and installed on a PC or server, or hosted by the solution provider and accessed online.
3) Some MSDS management software also offer additional features, such as chemical management, automated distribution of MSDSs by e-mail, search capabilities, and reports. These characteristics can save a lot of time, and contribute to product compliance assessments.
MSDS authoring. This type of MSDS software helps a company create its own MSDSs for the products that it manufactures. MSDS authoring software includes the application and the regulatory content required to create MSDSs. Content includes rules to automate product classifications and the determination of statements on the MSDS, phrases in multiple language translations, regulatory lists, and MSDS templates.
- Centralized Storage: It stores all SDS documents in a centralized, easily accessible location, making it simpler to find the information when needed.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps ensure that the organization complies with regulatory requirements for SDS documentation and labeling, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards in the U.S.
- Search and Retrieval: Provides powerful search functionality to quickly locate specific SDS documents based on various criteria, such as chemical name, CAS number, or manufacturer.
- Updates and Notifications: Keeps track of updates to SDS documents and notifies users of any changes or new versions to ensure they are always working with the most current information.
- Integration: Often integrates with other safety management systems or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to streamline operations and improve data accuracy.
- Reporting and Auditing: Offers reporting tools for tracking compliance and conducting audits, which can help in maintaining safety standards and preparing for inspections.
- User Access Control: Manages user permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive safety information.
- Mobile Access: Many systems offer mobile access so that employees can easily access SDS information on-the-go, which is crucial in emergency situations.
When evaluating MSDS software, it is good to look at the big picture and evaluate all business needs. A company may need today MSDS authoring software with regulatory content to re-author MSDSs and convert them to GHS. The same company may need later an automated system to assess purchased raw materials, using the information provided by the MSDSs from suppliers. Finally, it should be noted that there are some solution providers that offer both types of MSDS software (MSDS management and MSDS authoring) through the same platform or solution.
HIBISCUS-PLC
Software for the creation and management of safety data sheets and the labelling of chemicals and hazardous substances.
- User definable libraries allow rapid creation and translation
- Incorporate your own expressions
- Preview and publish your translated output
- Publish in any language and in any combination of languages
- Apply data that varies by country and not language such as regulatory or contact information
- Define any section of the document to hide/display data for any given country
- Can cover all manor gobal compliance regulations and also accommodate for specific logal legislation
- Apply our supplied templates or develop your own to achieve your preferred style
- Use independently, or integrate with Hibsoft Enterprise to solve all your hazardous chemical documentation and labelling needs – without dual entry of data.
MSDSONLINE
MSDSonline – On-demand MSDS chemical management and injury and illness compliance solutions. Author, access, manage and deploy a compliant safety data sheet (SDS) library.
- GHS / Hazard Communication (HazCom) Compliance
- Chemical / Environmental Management and Compliance
- Mobile SDS / Chemical Management Solutions
INTELEX
Intelex cloud-based software manages environment, health & safety, quality and suppliers for regulatory compliance, and streamline ISO initiatives.
- Centralize chemical information for easy access
- Access comprehensive chemical data
- Share chemical information across your EHS program
- Save time and resources
- Meet and exceed compliance requirements
LOGICSDS
LogicSDS manages SDS (Safety Data Sheet) according to GHS/CLP (1272/2008) and to international GHS as GHS-US (HCS/Hazardcom 2012 OSHA) or the chinese GHS.
- A multilingual GHS-CLP label edition module
- A GHS-CLP calculation module based on the product components and data
- A CLP and GHS/US format multilingual SDS (safety data sheets – MSDS) authoring module
LISAM
Founded in 1999, Lisam Systems is a global provider of Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) compliance management software solutions & services, operating from offices worldwide.
MIPSIS
Document Management Software for automation of the office work, collaboration, document flow and business processes.
- Quality Control Inspection
- Recruiting Management
- Maintenance Management
SAFETEC
SafeTec gives environmental, health, and safety professionals the support and technology to meet OSHA Hazard Communication Standards. We provide MSDS management, SDS authoring and On-Site chemical audits to manage thousands of chemicals safely and sustainably.
- Accepted via web, email, fax, or standard mail
- Locate and acquire (M)SDSs directly from the manufacturer of each product or material used in your facilities
- Unlocks your (M)SDS data, thus allowing you to perform detailed chemical searches, streamline your environmental reporting, and automate your hazard analysis process.
- Removes duplicate (M)SDSs, archiving or removing them from your system based on your specifications
- Ensure the latest (M)SDS revision dates are active; services can be performed on a monthly or an annual basis
- Configured to your specifications
ECOONLINE
EcoOnline develops Chemical inventory management solutions to help companies prevent injury to workers and harm to the environment.
- Personalised Safety Data Sheet Management without the hassle
- Localised and relevent COSHH assessment builder which simplifies the task
- Unrivaled real time chemical reporting which is like no other
- Transparent and consistent pricing
- A system which is also available through a mobile app is on hand when accurate information is needed the most
ONLINE-MSDS
Complete MSDS and Environmental Data services and software online. MSDS and Environmental services customized to your needs. MSDS update service, MSDS Push service, Secondary container labeling, tier II, Form R, VOC, Haps, PM 10.
- Online-MSDS provides you with an easy set of solutions to manage your MSDSs
- Simplify the effort it takes to meet the burdensome task of tracking and reporting your HazMat inventory
- Eliminate 50% of the clerical functions performed by your environmental professionals
- Services that can make your time more efficient and beneficial to your company
CINTAS
Cintas leads the industry in supplying corporate identity uniform programs, providing entrance and logo mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services, and industrial carpet and tile cleaning.
- A database of nearly 4 million SDS’s at your fingertips
- Multiple backup options to ensure your electronic SDS management system meets OSHA, WHMIS and other regulatory requirements
- An easy to use web environment so you can get started immediately without training
- Quick Return on Investment by reducing time consuming administrative costs
- Low cost of ownership – There’s no software to download, install or maintain locally, plus you get immediate access to new feature and enhancements
Selection Criteria For Choosing MSDS Management Software
Choosing the right MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) management software is crucial for maintaining safety, compliance, and efficiency in handling hazardous materials. Here are some key criteria to consider when selecting MSDS management software:
1. Compliance and Regulatory Features
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the software helps you comply with OSHA, GHS (Globally Harmonized System), and other local and international regulations.
- Updates and Revisions: The software should provide timely updates and notifications about changes in regulations or MSDS requirements.
2. Database and Search Functionality
- Comprehensive Database: Check if the software includes a large and up-to-date database of MSDSs.
- Search Capabilities: Look for robust search functions that allow you to quickly find specific MSDSs or information.
3. User Interface and Experience
- Ease of Use: The software should be intuitive and user-friendly, with a clear interface.
- Customization: Ability to customize the dashboard and reporting tools to suit your specific needs.
4. Integration Capabilities
- Compatibility: Ensure the software can integrate with existing systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management systems.
- Data Import/Export: Look for features that allow easy import and export of MSDS data.
5. Access and Security
- User Access Control: Ability to define user roles and permissions to protect sensitive information.
- Data Security: The software should offer strong security features, including encryption and secure backup options.
6. Mobile Access and Functionality
- Mobile Compatibility: Ensure the software offers mobile access or a mobile app for on-the-go access to MSDSs.
- Offline Access: Check if the software provides offline capabilities for situations where internet access is unavailable.
7. Documentation and Support
- Training and Support: Look for vendors that provide comprehensive training, user guides, and responsive customer support.
- Help Desk: Availability of a help desk or support team to assist with technical issues and troubleshooting.
8. Cost and Licensing
- Pricing Structure: Evaluate the cost of the software, including licensing fees, subscription costs, and any additional charges for updates or support.
- Trial Period: Check if the vendor offers a free trial or demo version to assess the software’s suitability before committing.
9. Reporting and Analytics
- Reporting Tools: The software should have robust reporting capabilities for generating compliance reports, tracking usage, and analyzing data.
- Analytics: Look for features that provide insights into safety trends and incident tracking.
10. Scalability
Future Growth: Ensure the software can scale with your organization’s growth, accommodating an increasing number of MSDSs and users.
11. User Feedback and Reviews
- Reputation: Research user reviews and feedback to gauge the software’s reliability, performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Case Studies: Look for case studies or testimonials from similar organizations to see how the software has been applied in real-world scenarios.
Most Common Questions Regarding MSDS Management Software
What is MSDS Management Software?
Answer: MSDS management software is a digital tool designed to help organizations store, manage, and retrieve Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). It ensures compliance with safety regulations, provides quick access to critical safety information, and helps manage hazardous materials.
How does MSDS management software help with regulatory compliance?
Answer: The software helps by providing up-to-date MSDSs/SDSs, tracking regulatory changes, and ensuring that all safety documentation is current and accessible. It often includes features to manage compliance with OSHA, GHS, and other regulatory standards.
What features should I look for in MSDS management software?
Answer: Key features to look for include a comprehensive and searchable database, regulatory compliance tools, user-friendly interface, integration capabilities, mobile access, data security, robust reporting and analytics, and strong customer support.
How can the software integrate with other systems?
Answer: Many MSDS management systems offer integration capabilities with existing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management systems, or other enterprise software. This allows for seamless data sharing and improved workflow efficiency.
Is mobile access available?
Answer: Yes, many MSDS management software solutions offer mobile access through dedicated apps or mobile-optimized web interfaces, allowing users to access MSDSs/SDSs from their smartphones or tablets, which is particularly useful for on-the-go safety management.
How is data security handled?
Answer: Data security is typically managed through encryption, secure login protocols, user access controls, and regular backups. The software should also comply with industry standards for data protection to ensure that sensitive safety information is kept secure.
What is the cost of MSDS management software?
Answer: Costs can vary widely depending on the software’s features, the number of users, and the size of the organization. Pricing models may include one-time licensing fees, subscription-based pricing, or a combination of both. It’s important to consider both initial costs and any ongoing expenses for support and updates.
Can the software handle multiple languages?
Answer: Many MSDS management systems offer multilingual support to accommodate global operations and ensure compliance with local regulations in different countries.
What kind of support and training is available?
Answer: Vendors typically offer a range of support options including user guides, online tutorials, customer service hotlines, and on-site training. It’s important to ensure that adequate support and training are available to help your team effectively use the software.
Is there a trial period or demo available?
Answer: Many software vendors offer free trials or demo versions of their products. This allows potential customers to evaluate the software’s functionality and suitability before committing to a purchase.
How often is the MSDS/SDS database updated?
Answer: The frequency of updates can vary by vendor. Ideally, the software should have mechanisms in place for regular updates to ensure that users have access to the most current safety data and regulatory information.
How does the software handle document storage and retrieval?
Answer: The software typically includes features for storing MSDSs/SDSs in a centralized database with easy retrieval options. It should offer robust search functionality and organizational tools to manage large volumes of documents efficiently.
Can the software generate compliance reports?
Answer: Yes, most MSDS management software includes reporting tools that allow users to generate compliance reports, track safety incidents, and analyze data related to hazardous materials.
What happens if the software vendor goes out of business?
Answer: It’s important to review the vendor’s policies regarding data ownership and transition. Some vendors offer options for data export or backup to mitigate potential issues if the vendor ceases operations.
How scalable is the software?
Answer: Scalability refers to the software’s ability to grow with your organization. It should be capable of handling increasing numbers of users, documents, and regulatory requirements as your organization expands.
These questions and answers can help guide your decision-making process when selecting MSDS management software, ensuring you choose a solution that best meets your organization’s needs.