Control of Work (CoW) is a critical component of operational safety and efficiency in high-risk industries. Control-of-Work software enables organizations to digitalize, automate, and improve key safety processes such as Permit to Work, Risk Assessments, and Isolation Management or Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) to streamline operations, reduce human error, and enhance safety outcomes.
However, the real value of a Control-of-Work solution depends heavily on how it's implemented and adopted.
The recent Enablon Sustainable Performance Forum (SPF) conference in Chicago featured a panel session with industry leaders and experts, including Rusty Jacob, ePTW product manager at ExxonMobil, Alex Wong, project lead at Suncor, Mammad Alizada, advisor to the president on health and safety at SOCAR, as well as Zaur Alakbarov, associate director technology sales support, and Joost Mooring, group product manager for Control of Work & Field Operations, both from Wolters Kluwer Enablon.
Below are best practices they emphasized for a successful CoW software implementation.
Engage stakeholders at every level
Successful implementation of CoW software hinges on the involvement of all key stakeholders. Frontline workers bring practical insights into day-to-day needs, while Operations, EHS, and management teams ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.
Most importantly, a strong, visible commitment from senior leadership, often referred to as the “tone from the top,” can significantly influence adoption. When leaders clearly communicate that digital Control of Work is a strategic priority, it builds momentum and drives organization-wide engagement.
Prioritize early and ongoing frontline involvement
Frontline workers are the primary users of CoW software, typically through mobile devices to access permits, isolation certificates, and other critical safety and risk information. However, a common misstep is engaging frontline teams too late in the implementation process, or failing to create a consistent feedback loop.
To ensure the CoW software system meets real-world needs and gains lasting adoption, it is important to involve frontline workers from the very beginning and maintain regular touchpoints throughout the project implementation. Their perspectives are essential for success.
Keep it simple
While every organization has its unique characteristics, many core CoW practices are consistent across industries. To accelerate adoption and reduce complexity, minimize custom configurations and stick to out-of-the-box capabilities wherever possible.
For example, rely on standard permit-to-work templates for common tasks like Hot Work, Confined Space Entry, Breaking Containment, Work from Height, and others, rather than building new templates from scratch. Simplicity leads to greater usability, easier scalability, and faster deployment.
Take a phased, site-by-site approach
Attempting to roll out CoW software across too many sites at once can overwhelm teams and lead to inconsistent adoption. A more effective approach is to start with one site, gather feedback, refine the process, and then move on to the next.
Provide comprehensive training at each site, and take time between phases to assess what worked, what didn’t, and what should be improved. This deliberate, step-by-step rollout maximizes success and adoption.
Address cybersecurity upfront
Since frontline workers often access Control-of-Work software via mobile devices, cybersecurity considerations must be built into the implementation from the start. Engage your IT and Legal teams early to understand key requirements, such as which devices are authorized, whether a BYOD (bring your own device) policy applies, and how shared devices are handled.
Proactively align with cybersecurity standards to avoid costly disruptions later. Without this early planning, you risk having to rework access protocols or roll back deployments after rollout, undermining user confidence and momentum.
Implementing a digital CoW solution is more than a technology upgrade—it’s a change management initiative that impacts people, processes, and culture. By following these best practices, organizations can increase adoption, reduce implementation risk, and ultimately create safer, more efficient operations.
Download the ‘Product Benchmark: Control of Work Capabilities of PSM Software’ report from independent research firm Verdantix to compare the Control of Work capabilities of 15 Process Safety Management software vendors.
