CDM ToolKit CS™ Features

The CDM ToolKit CS™ product includes a number of features specific to CDM and some of these are described below. An additional list of standard features are also included and supports other applications besides CDM.

The CDM application allows any number of users to initiate project detail, editable template based documents and a multiplicity of attachments for the management of the CDM process including the provision of the Form 10, Pre-tender Plan, Construction Phase Plan, Health & Safety File. All documents and reports can be formatted as required to meet corporate style requirements.

'Do the Regulations Apply?' tool

We have devised a tool for occasional users who may not know the CDM regulations well, but who still need to work out the regulatory requirements early on. A basic online version of the tool is available here as well as in the ToolKit™.

CDM Knowledge Base

The inbuilt knowledge base allows users to create their library based information and to provide pre-prepared templates for new projects based on the extensive data provided. Exceeding 80,000 words, the knowledgebase is a carefully researched and updated source of information about the entire CDM process including about 100 hazard related topics 'in plain English'.

CDM Management Console

The management routines include consoles that analyze the entire database to provide early warning of non-compliance with the HSE’s regulations and issues that need addressing relating to competence. The CDM Console provides quick access to all current projects plus statistics on those sites without notification, health & safety plans and files when they are overdue for completion. Tasking, Organisational and competency statistics are provided plus details of risk assessments created or carried out over time.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is central to the CDM process. The software includes a substantial risk assessment module backed by the knowledge base to help users through the hazard and risk identification and assessment process. Single flat forms can be set up as templates - any form can be copied in, as well as documents. The Risk Assessment Wizard guides users through a structured process to provide risk factors where required by the user.

Project Wizard

ToolKit CS™ is well served with wizards; they make the user’s experience easy and straightforward whilst presenting the full package of choices available at any point in the process. New users will find the Project wizard very simple to use irrespective of the size of the installation or of the project. A full choice of 'New', 'Replica' and 'Other Projects' is presented as a starting point so that the project creation process is as concise as possible.

Drawings & Documents Register

Any number and any type of documents and drawings can be logged into or attached to the Drawings and Documents Register. External files can be linked into the registers as well.

Tasking, Letters and Messaging

The ToolKit™ includes extensive communications modules for tasking for instance where the Microsoft Project model is used. The letters module includes the ability to mail merge. Messaging includes links to e-mail packages. Users have ample tools to allow them to manage their communications effectively from anywhere within the ToolKit™.

Document templates, editor, version control and history

The document management package included in ToolKit CS™ is very much like Microsoft Word. It is enhanced with features that allow links to the database to be automated and to allow users to create, maintain and enhance their own template documents and regular reports. They have, subject to permissions set up by the administrator, a fully functional formatting editor so that they can create their own or their Corporate style. Version control for historical records and an audit trail are all included.

Competency Recording

Competence is another issue central to the CDM regulations. The HSE have been un-prescriptive in what they require apart from the basic need for competence in skills knowledge, ability, resources and systems. ToolKit CS™ gives users the opportunity to not only use this approach but to enhance it with their own assessments. These can be in any format and attached as documents if required. Competence can be monitored with review dates and reminders which are part of the management console. This is to ensure that competence issues are kept up to date and that the organisations liability in this regard is minimised.

CHAS

ToolKit CS™ includes an automated link to the Contractor Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

Standard Features (Asbestos & CDM)

The heart of ToolKit CS™ is a database with its own document management system. The single database always knows where to find the latest audited version of documents and management information. In addition, The product is delivered with the standard modules listed below.

Document Management

Documents can be created from new or existing templates by any user without limit. Styles can be set up with headers and logos to suit the user’s environment. Database fields can be inserted into documents making the creation of complex documents with mail merge type links to the database very straightforward. Documents can be output in a variety of file formats, e-mailed, or simply printed. Versions can be saved and recalled at any time.

Organisation Database

ToolKit CS™ has an integrated organisational database for use in project and property details and documentation. Competence recording and review dates can be entered, monitored and viewed in the organisation statistics console.

Data Exchange Tool

The data exchange tool allows ToolKit CS™ users to import data into their database from third party applications including hand held devices for asbestos surveys and organisational data. In addition, complete projects and properties can be transferred between different installations of ToolKit CS™.

Attachments & Tasking Tools

Photographs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and other files can all be attached to the ToolKit CS™ database through a standard Windows interface. Attachments can be set with a live link to other databases. Task management is provided through a Microsoft Project style interface. Tasks can be viewed on a user’s home page, on standard reports and elsewhere depending on the applications installed.

Search Engine

A powerful search engine is provided to search the database and documents.

Enterprise Web Interface

Users of the Enterprise product can access the ToolKit CS™ database via their web browsers on a permission basis. Users can access asbestos data and download site documents in a variety of formats.

Permissions Module

Administrators can set up groups of users with permissions to access, read and edit data. Set up correctly, the system can be run so that a small group of internal personnel maintain the database and a large group of external personnel access the data on a read only or need to know basis.

Audit Trail

A major requirement of a management system is the provision of an audit trail so that past activities are traceable. ToolKit CS™ has been designed around this principle. The system administrator can access the system audit whenever required.