By Phil Molé, MPH
The term “mixed authentication” in the context of EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) software refers to the availability of multiple methods of user authentication to access the software platform.
While login and authentication may not be the first features companies consider when evaluating EHS software, it’s an important factor that can significantly impact implementation success and long-term usability.
This overview outlines common authentication methods used in EHS platforms and explains why mixed authentication should be a key consideration when choosing a solution.
What are Common Types of ‘Authentication’ in EHS Software?
You’re probably in the market for EHS software primarily because of the benefits the software brings for you and your team. Increased engagement of your employees in safety, improved efficiency in addressing risks, reduced rates of occupational injuries and illnesses, and better regulatory compliance. Still, don’t forget that the way you access those capabilities is through user authentication — the means the software provides for authorized users to verify their identity and use the software.
Here are the most common authentication methods for users to access EHS software.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) – For employees or internal users in the company’s IT infrastructure who log-in using company credentials.
- Local/Native Login – For external users like contractors, suppliers, or auditors who are not part of the company directory. These users do require a username/password stored within the EHS system.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – An authentication method that involves an extra step, such as confirming a code sent by text to mobile or email. MFA is often used as an extra layer associated with a primary authentication method.
- Social or Email-based Login – Used in rare cases, especially for external users (e.g., Google login, Apple ID, or custom link).
Why Should You Want EHS Software with Mixed Authentication?
Recall the earlier point that authentication is your means to access all the valuable tools and capabilities within an EHS software platform. If authentication isn’t flexible enough to accommodate different types of users, it becomes a roadblock instead of a smooth on-ramp.
There are times when a single authentication method just won’t cut it. For example, if you have distinct populations of employees such as payroll employees and contracted workers, you will quickly find that one authentication method won’t effectively serve both groups. The more contractors you have, the worse of a sticking point this can be. If it’s difficult for contractors to access the software they need to view safety data sheets (SDSs), conduct inspections, complete safety orientations, or perform other contractor safety tasks, you’re going to run into bottlenecks that not only waste precious time, but introduce risks that could cause or exacerbate incidents or injuries. Keep in mind, too, that the ability of all workers including contractors to participate in your safety program is a central ingredient of a successful management system as envisioned by international standards like ISO 45001.
Software with mixed authentication features can help get you unstuck by providing different authentication methods for different employee populations, such as SSO for payroll employees vs. username/password for contractors, vendors, and visitors.
This flexibility allows organizations to onboard users without needing them to be in their internal IT system, which allows parties such as contractors and vendors to access the necessary software, such as contractor safety management software used for induction and orientation, or self-serve portals that save time by letting contractors take responsibility for managing their qualification documents and records.
At the same time, host employers can still maintain control over access to data, protecting accuracy and privacy. In fact, industry-leading software including VelocityEHS Contractor Safety & Permit to Work, part of the Accelerate ® Platform, offers mixed authentication capabilities while also meeting global standards for cybersecurity and data privacy such as GDPR and SOC 2.
In short, mixed authentication enables access to EHS software for a wider range of user types, improving flexibility, security, and usability. Be sure to include mixed authentication as a key feature to look for on your EHS software shopping list as you vet the capabilities of software providers you’re considering.
Let VelocityEHS Help!
VelocityEHS understands the importance of mixed authentication to successful implementation of EHS software, especially if you use a significant number of contactors and vendors or have frequent visitors coming and going at your facilities. That’s why our Contractor Safety & Permit to Work software specifically provides for mixed authentication methods, allowing contracted workers to log into the software via a simple username and password instead of requiring full SSO access to view orientation and induction materials or manage documentation via the contractor self-serve portal. Our Accelerate ® Platform also gives you innovative, expert-designed capabilities for safety, chemical management, industrial ergonomics and operational risk management, with an integrated user experience and a single sign-on powered by mixed authentication.
If you’re ready to learn more, set up a meeting with us so you can see our software in action.