| Financial analysis: |  |
| Environmental impact analysis: | --- |
| Waste management/P2: | |
| Environmental cost listing/database: | --- |
| Cost estimation: | --- |
| Alternative product/process comparison: | --- |
| Financial analysis: | |
| Environmental impact analysis: | --- |
| Waste management/P2: | |
| Environmental cost listing/database: | --- |
| Cost estimation: | --- |
| Alternative product/process comparison: | --- |
| Cost control | --- |
| Resource control | --- |
| Estimating control | --- |
| Schedule control | --- |
| Scope control | --- |
| Risk control | --- |
Quantum offers FacTS as a modular, configurable EHS information management system. This has been designed to run on multiple platforms and support multi-facility operations. Quantum offers families of products for users. These include the Facility Tracking system for manufacturing and service organizations; the Waste Information Management System (WIMS) for waste treatment, storage, disposal, recycling and transportation facilities; the MSDS Generation and Delivery system; and Computer-Based Training. FacTS modules include those for air emissions management, chemical inventory tracking, illness and injury tracking, MSDS template design, sample tracking, SARA reporting, and waste tracking. Areas addressed by the various modules include the following:
Other features of the system include the following:
The reference library covers information on SARA, RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, OSHA,CAA, CWA, 67/548/EEC, State, local and user-defined topics. The system does not address solid waste, storm water, groundwater, wastewater, drinking water or pretreatment management.
FacTs has three modules that are designed to support project management planning and monitoring activities. These are primarily used to monitor work progress and 'performance against plan" for project areas carried out by different contractors. These three modules are "Standard Operating Procedures," "Work Order," and "Information Requests." The "Standard Operating Procedures" module tracks and manages tasks or projects and defines procedures to be followed for their safe completion. The "Work Order" module generates work orders defining tasks, priorities, due dates, and resources required. Although not as detailed as other project management tools offered in the market, this area can help environmental considerations more integrated with projects. However, it is typically used in environmental projects (remediation related) and may not be utilized in other projects that only have environmental components.
| Raw material acquisition | --- |
| Manufacturing stage | --- |
| Use/reuse/maintenance | |
| Recycle/waste management | |
Life-cycle stages covered may vary by module. The waste management module(WIMS) covers cradle-to-grave tracking of wastes. WIMS covers waste treatment, storage, disposal, and recycling. The MSDS and chemical inventory tracking considers use and reuse of chemicals. The manufacturing stage is considered to the extent that emissions as a result of process activities can be calculated. However, the actual products of manufacturing are not tracked (unless the company manufactures hazardous chemicals, for example). However, these life-cycle stages are not necessarily covered in the case of each individual chemical, material, or product. Also, the products manufactured are not covered(if at all) in all their life-cycle stages either. The life-cycle stages are not kept distinct within the system.
| Conventional | --- |
| Potentially hidden | |
| Contingent | --- |
| External | --- |
The software contains different fields where users can detail the types of costs, dollar amounts, and units. All fields are user defined and users can add fields to detail costs as required. Thus, users could develop a system to track and record all costs. However, the system still does not assist in estimating external and contingent costs. There is no feature for creating historical cost libraries (that can further be used in cost estimation). However, all information from FacTs can be archived. Also, the report writer included in the system allows users to create custom reports using any combination of fields. Mathematical equations can be created to perform various types of cost analyses. The cost fields can also be sent to other packages, such as Excel. It may be possible to create historical cost libraries in this manner. A package like Excel will allow users to perform different types of graphical and financial analyses of the costs as well. However, there is no methodology to assist in dynamic cost control in the system.
The system is not designed for cost estimation.
| Net present value (NPV) | --- |
| Payback period | --- |
| Internal rate of return (IRR) | --- |
| Benefits cost ratio | --- |
| Other | --- |
No financial indicators are generated within the package. However, cost data can be exported to spreadsheet programs such as Excel that do have financial functions.
The modular structure allows users to move from simple to advanced applications, as required. The products offer flexibility through customization options, such as custom exception reporting, user-defined default settings, and menus. The relational database technology and integration with other systems simplifies data entry and affords a wider perspective for users. The report writer allows customized reporting using any field combinations.
Quantum offers remote demonstrations of their products. The products come with user manuals, on-line documentation, and the option for an annual maintenance contract, which provides software updates and telephone support. Other services provided include system integration and installation, custom software development, training, and environmental engineering consulting.
The system has some modules for project management, but these modules address limited areas. Users would not be able to build and manage a complete project using these modules. The system as used contains qualitative and quantitative information that can be useful in project management, such as hidden costs or safety considerations for material selections. However, it doesn't have an interactive function that allows this information to be processed for use in project planning. If this area is developed, the tool could prove useful for incorporating environmental costs and considerations into projects and decision making. Like most other environmental management tools, the primary objective is to facilitate compliance, although the tool allows detailed cost tracking. Users can add cost fields, but the system as is does not consider a comprehensive list of costs. Less-tangible and contingent costs cannot be estimated.
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