If you are on the front lines, you likely ‘get’ the value of inspection / audit software right away. You probably see it as a no brainer and you are sure your management will jump at the chance to use it once you show it to them.

But they don’t. Instead of seeing all the incredible benefits you see, your management team says, “We’re doing fine right now, so we really don’t need anything new.” I wish I could tell you this is uncommon but it isn’t.  Although you experience all the pain of using photocopies, spreadsheets and other manual processes every day - your management team likely needs more so they can get it.

The only way to do this is to make a case for inspection software that management can relate to.

Time is Money

Money talks, so often the best first step is to gather some hard data showing where currently audits and inspections could be performed more efficiently. The most common way to do this is to look at time. If you can accurately estimate the time spent using your current process and multiply it by a standard rate you can figure out the approximate cost of doing inspections. Then with help from your preferred software provider you can determine how much time you can save and your case is off to a good start.

Prove It

Logical arguments for time and cost savings are a fantastic first step for making your business case, but your work isn’t done. These arguments may sway your manager, but they’ll be a lot more persuasive if you can offer some proof to go along with it. Case studies from other companies or data from a trial can help make a compelling case no manager will turn down.

Align with Corporate Objectives

To really super-charge your proposal to management for inspection and audit software, you need to complement the current strategic direction. For example, if safety and reducing lost hours is a focus, you may want to demonstrate how using software for better inspections and audit can contribute. Build the business case for your idea by showing how your idea does not conflict with current priorities, but in fact supports them by planning for the future.

Have a Plan

Most executives are risk adverse. Rather than trying to hide any potential risks in implementing audit and inspection software, develop an implementation plan including how you will mitigate risks as they arise.

There is no guarantee that every proposal you make to management will get approved. When you combine your passionate belief in something like inspection and audit software with a well thought out business case, you can really improve the chance.