A BUYER'S GUIDE TO A RISK MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM 5
DECISION MAKING:
SELECTING THE SYSTEM THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION
Some risk professionals identify the need for a technology solution
to meet the challenges in their area of responsibility and miss the
opportunity to empower others in their organization through the
thoughtful and distributed use of a RMIS. For this reason, a cross-
functional team of potential users from across the enterprise is a best
practice in the development of a RMIS needs assessment.
Some suggested partners include:
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Operations
• Purchasing/Procurement
• Project Management
• Finance
• Financial Planning & Analysis
• Fixed Assets
• Treasury
• Accounting
• Facilities/Properties/Real Estate
• Legal/General Counsel
• Safety
• Claims
• Internal Audit
From these partner-functions within your company, select forward-
thinking contributors who are actively conversant with the details of the
business and its strategic direction. Work to have these contributors focus
beyond today's needs as they assess the functionalities that will help to
move the company forward. Bear in mind that your investment in a RMIS
is a strategic investment.
It is often best for the project leader, often the risk executive, to meet with
each proposed member of the Assessment Team to explain the proposed
project, and to describe how the organization as a whole, would derive
value from the adoption of an RMIS. Engaging each potential member
prior to the first formal meeting sets the stage for productive discussions
at the outset. It also gauges the interest and understanding level of
each group member and aids the leader in managing the process to a
successful outcome.
