In a Perfect World, Environmental Data Management is a Continuous and Integrated Business Process

It's too bad that environmental data management systems are often considered purely as computational tools, best to remain in the hands (or computers) of the back-office scientist or engineer.  Any organization involved with the collection and reporting of environmental information is missing an opportunity by not integrating an environmental database management system with activities involving scheduling and planning, field data collection, laboratory analysis, and compliance and management reporting.

  

I've witnessed companies realize some pretty significant benefits after implementing a standardized environmental data management process, such as;

1. Cost reductions.  Nearly every successful business on this planet has recognized the cost benefits associated with process or product standardization.  You don't have to look very hard though to find companies take great pride in the standardization of engineering, development or manufacturing processes and then pay little attention to the methods by which their consultants and laboratories collect, store and report environmental monitoring data.  Chris French, Remediation Manager with Honeywell, published one of the few papers illustrating the cost benefits of implementing a standardized environmental data management approach (Honeywell Data Management Case Study).  His pilot project suggested that a 65% cost savings could be realized by improving environmental data business processes.  I think that Chris's analysis underestimates cost savings as he didn't evaluate the potential cost reductions associated with tasks such as computer modeling and risk assessment when data is properly managed.
2. Maximize Data Quality. Standardization improves quality.  Minimizing duplicate copies of information improves quality. Developing methods for people to report and analyze data improves quality.
3. Enabled Informed Decision Making.  I've spoke with numerous environmental managers who feel powerless when they require background data to support decision making.  In some instances, environmental data remains in the possession of consultants who never really have a mandate to deliver raw data back to their client.  In many other situations, environmental data remains 'locked' deep inside pages and pages of tables of data printed at a 6 pt font.  Companies who develop standards to collect and maintain their data will be better able to understand their data and make better decisions for the future. 

Our industry needs to recognize that an environmental data management system is much more than just software.  To be most effective, environmental data management must address all environmental data business processes with firm objectives of reducing costs, maximizing data quality, and promoting flexible methods of data reporting and data analysis.