There are numerous areas of our world where software programs can be extremely helpful and useful, and the realm of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) is a great example. Stormwater inspections management software is often used for everything from tracking inspections to maintaining compliance and more, and knowing the most important qualities of this software is important if you'll be applying it to any setting.
At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to offer comprehensive SWPPP inspections and other SWPPP solutions for clients around Utah, helping keep them in compliance with SWPPP guidelines at all times. Here are some of the most important qualities to be looking for in stormwater management software, which will double as a basic explainer of the key functions this software will carry out.
For any site where SWPPP guidelines are in place, compliance is always the primary concern. Without proper tracking and management of stormwater inspections and other related tasks, it's easy for a site to fall out of compliance without realizing it – this not only poses a risk for fines or penalties, but also brings potential environmental hazards into play.
The ideal SWPPP software will include a detailed compliance dashboard that is separated by site, giving you an easy way to track and measure compliance efforts across your entire portfolio of sites. This dashboard should be easily accessible and updated in real-time, making it simple to identify any issues and address them promptly.
Another key function of SWPPP software is its ability to customize inspection forms based on the specific needs of your site. This will vary based on site size, type, location and industry, so look for software that will allow you to modify forms in this way.
Furthermore, all forms that may be needed for a given site should be easily accessible through the software. In many cases, this may mean adding forms for specific types of inspections or observations not already present in the program.
Because weather is such a vital factor in managing stormwater, it's crucial to be able to track upcoming weather patterns and make necessary adjustments as needed. The ideal SWPPP software will offer real-time weather forecasts and reports, with the ability to send notifications if any potential issues arise.
For instance, if a major rain event is forecasted, you'll want to know about it so you can make sure your site is prepared. The best software will alert you of this and allow you to take any necessary precautions.
Another key feature of stormwater management software is its ability to help you manage and complete any action items that arise from inspections or reports. This includes not only tracking these items, but also providing reminders or notifications when they are due for completion.
Mapping is a key feature of SWPPP software, as it allows you to visually track and understand the layout of your site in relation to its stormwater management efforts. Look for software that includes this feature, which will help you identify areas of concern or potential issues more easily.
For instance, does the software you're considering have a mapping feature that allows for pollutants and BMPs? These are vital for understanding how your site is performing and where any issues may lie.
Down related lines, maps are only useful if they have the proper legends and keys available. The best SWPPP software will include unified legends that provide easy access to individual site information within each map, allowing users to quickly understand what's being shown.
These legends should be accessible at both company and divisional levels, allowing for easy comparisons between sites and their SWPPP efforts.
While this may seem obvious to some, it's always wise to make sure the SWPPP software you're considering includes an autosave feature. This will save you a great deal of time and potential headaches if there is ever a power loss or other issue that could cause data to be lost.
Software without this type of feature may require manual saving, which can be burdensome and potentially lead to errors in the data being saved.
Lastly, while all the above features are important for efficient and effective stormwater management, it's also vital to consider cost-effective solutions. The best SWPPP software should offer a range of pricing options and packages, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.
At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we understand the importance of providing cost-effective solutions for our clients. Contact us today to learn about how we work with clients on their SWPPP software or other needs around Utah, or to set up an appointment!
