MSDSpro - Frequently Asked Questions

MSDSpro Frequently Asked Questions

Categories

Competing Products
Compliance
Data Entry
Database
- What database is MSDSpro built in?
- What is the difference between MSDSpro Enterprise and PlusWeb?
Intranet / Network
Pricing
- How do I justify to my company purchasing MSDSpro?
- How much does MSDSpro cost?
Services
- What services does MSDSpro offer?
Support
- Does MSDSpro provide on-going customer support?
User Interface

Competing Products

Q:I'm using a commercial competing product but might switch to MSDSpro. Can you give me a good deal?

A: MSDSpro offers Competitive Upgrade discounts of up to 25% for organizations that are currently using other qualifying MSDS products or services.

Qualifying MSDS software should compare to MSDSpro Classic, MSDSpro PlusWeb, or MSDSpro Enterprise. Qualifying MSDS services will include MSDS fax-back services and live operator services. To qualify, proof of purchase (original invoice or purchase order) is required.

The MSDSpro Competitive Upgrade includes an ongoing Software Maintenance Agreement that ensures your organization receives the very best MSDS product available.

Your MSDSpro Consultant can give you more information on Competitive Upgrades, simply call 1-888-673-7776.

Q:We're thinking of building our own MSDS solution in house. Why should we buy MSDSpro instead?

A: This can be a touchy subject, depending on your specific situation. We could write an entire report about why MSDSpro will save your company and IT department more time, money and headaches than building an in-house solution, but here are the most important reasons:

MSDSpro has over 15 years of development, 150,000 lines of code, is used by thousands of customers and is already proven to drastically reduce MSDS management time and costs. It is also very affordable.

So what can go wrong in building your own system? Here are known issues:

Time, money and resources aren't dedicated to properly research the MSDS problem, and remains poorly defined. The benefits become difficult to measure
Little or no time is spent in preliminary planning, and no standards are set for estimating preliminary costs or the timeline on the project
The project team is not properly staffed, and user groups are not represented on the team
Information systems promises results that are never delivered
Users refuse to spend time helping the project team gather the requisite information
Users have no responsibility for the design, and the final MSDS program reflects the vision of the technical staff. It does not go well with the structure, activities, and culture of the end users and is ultimately rejected
The MSDS system is built only to meet current needs and no flexibility has been built to anticipate the future needs of the company
The amount of time and money allocated to the project is underestimated
Programmers are supplied with incomplete specifications
Programmers write the software so that it is difficult to modify and maintain
The amount of time and money allocated for proper testing is underestimated
Users are not adequately involved in the testing process, or refuse to devote much time to help the test effort
Insufficient time and money are budgeted for converting from other systems
The MSDS system and user documentation is inadequate
Provisions for system maintenance are inadequate, and costs increase over time

There are many more reasons, but the point should be clear. Trying to build a replica of MSDSpro is like building a new car from scratch. What happens all too often is that a communications gap between safety & health professionals and programmers ends up delivering a new internal MSDS system that fails to meet the true business requirements of the end-users. Building that new car can end up being a go-cart with a flat wheel.

IT departments exist to support the business they work for. We work closely with information technologists every day and need to work with them in order to help make MSDSpro a true success for a company. Once the IT department realizes how effective and easy to maintain MSDSpro is, we are able to work together effectively and everyone wins. The only time we receive negative attitudes from IT departments is when they have not seen MSDSpro in action and they make quick decisions based on prior technology knowledge and assumptions.

MSDSpro and our competition have worked very hard to specialize in MSDS software, saving your company from having to reinvent the wheel. Building an internal system may seem like a good way to get what you want and save money, but realistically we have seen many, many internal MSDS projects fail. Many of our current customers once tried to build their own internal system and now are finally happy with their choice.

We hope your IT department will speak with a MSDSpro IT Consultant before deciding to pursue an internal development effort. Our consultants are available at 1-888-673-7776.

Q:What are MSDSpro's Competitive Advantages?

A: This is the secret our competition has been trying to find out for years!

MSDSpro has several competitive advantages that make us the number one market leader in MSDS management. Some of our strengths:

TECHNOLOGY
We choose to build our software in a database that is easier to use, install and maintain than any other software solution on the market. We offer a robust program that allows us the flexibility to stay ahead in today's fast-paced MSDS market.

INNOVATION
MSDSpro is always on the cutting edge of technology advancements and EH&S trends. We see market opportunities and act on them to take the lead in all areas of MSDS management. We were the first solution provider to offer automatic Internet MSDS updates, and took the lead in advanced Intranets, automatic network setups, fully integrated webserver/database/Intranet environments, integration of PDFs, and more.

PRICING
Many of our competitors just can't offer the functionality we do for the prices we ask. MSDSpro out-values the competition every day in advanced technology and functionality. MSDSpro has always been able to outgun the other MSDS products when compared as apples to apples.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We pride ourselves on unmatched customer support and services. MSDSpro receives accolades from customers about the level of our support in both personal technical assistance to timely software upgrades.

Q:What is the difference between MSDSpro and companies that convert our MSDSs to text?

A: MSDSpro is a storage, retrieval and creation system for MSDSs. We allow you to keep the original MSDS direct from the manufacturer in many formats: ANSI 16 section, PDF, HTML, scanned images, and text. Here are the main differences:

MSDSpro

Original manufacturer MSDSs are entered into MSDSpro for free by customer
Optional MSDSpro data entry services can enter original manufacturer MSDS into MSDSpro for you

MSDS Conversion Services

Converts MSDSs to a single standard format
Pay-per-MSDS fee
Pay-per-MSDS revision
Prices range between $10 - $44 per MSDS (general industry pricing)
Not the original manufacturer MSDS
Less control over data entry
MSDS liability still falls on your company, not the conversion service

In order to get an estimate of how much conversion services can cost you, take the number of MSDSs you have, multiply the amount by a minumum of $10 and you'll have a general idea. Then take into account that you must purchase the software or services to host and deliver those converted MSDSs.

MSDS conversion services, as you can see, quickly add up to be very expensive. MSDSpro, on the other hand, is a one time purchase and all MSDSs can be entered for free.

Q:What is the difference between price and cost?

A: MSDSpro strives to show true value for your software purchase, and we feel it is important to distinguish between PRICE and COST.

Price is what you pay for the MSDS software and the services that are offered with it. This includes any specific items you purchase, and will vary depending on your specific needs and which MSDS vendor you choose to do business with.

Cost, on the other hand, is not set in stone. As a matter of fact, your cost can outweigh price if you don't choose carefully. Here is the real difference:

	Vendor #1	Vendor #2
Hypothetical price	$5,000	$5,000
Year 1 cost (maintenance, fees)	$2,000	$3,500
Year 1 cost (maintenance, fees)	$1,500	$3,000
Year 3 cost (maintenance, fees)	$1,600	$3,200
Total true cost	$10,100	$14,700

So, even though initially the price may look the same, what is going to be your company's true cost? That depends on which vendor, technology and services you choose.

MSDSpro has proven time and time again to be the lowest true cost for our customers, guaranteed. Call an MSDSpro Consultant today for more information on how we can help you do the same: 1-888-673-7776.

Q:What kind of standard features does MSDSpro include?

A: Many of the standard features in MSDSpro are options you will need to pay our competition for. Many of our competitors charge extra for secondary container labeling, report writers, SARA Title III reporting and other "Modules". As always, MSDSpro offers these as standard features and at a better price.

MSDSpro Classic

One-touch automated MSDS binder creation
Automatic downloads of MSDS from the Internet
Handles all types of MSDS: Text, Images, PDF and HTML
MSDS Authoring in multiple formats (with phrase library)
Track manufacturers, customers and various MSDS requests
Automated manufacturer update requests sent by mail or electronically
Full chemical inventory management (SARA Title III, Tier 2)
Automated MSDS Archiving for 30-year compliance
User definable fields to customize your needs
Search by product, synonym, manufacturer, storage and unit location, facility, stock numbers, ingredients, CAS and more
Includes phonetic spelling and spell checking
Secondary container labeling
Import data from other MSDS systems
Full reporting, Including SARA Title III (Tier 2), Form R
Powerful custom and ad-hoc reports
Assign unique product codes to MSDS
Automatically flag products for upcoming revisions
Image compression to keep file sizes small
Create MSDSpro Data Packages for transferring MSDSs
Multiple security levels
Product summaries with NFPA/HMIS ratings & definitions
Hyper-jumps to specific MSDS sections and information
Step-by-step training guide
Multiple languages

MSDSpro PlusWeb - All of the above features, including:

Unlimited Intranet/Network distribution of MSDS and Chemical Information to Web Browsers using an integrated, built-in Web Server
MSDS requests through the Intranet
MSDS Summaries displayed through the Intranet
Instant network setup

MSDSpro Enterprise - All of the above features, including:

Concurrent administrator access across multiple facilities
High-performance ODBC Client/Server database environment
Replication abilities
Integrated back-ups

Q:Why is MSDSpro better than a fax back service?

A: MSDSpro has been helping companies streamline MSDS management for over five years. Often, we compete with companies providing MSDS fax back services. While Fax-back services at first seem simple and effective, there are several reasons to be cautious before relying on this alone. Some of these are:

Non-OSHA Compliance
Overall Cost
Leasing versus owning your MSDSs
MSDS quality issues
MSDS response time
Inadequate MSDS back ups

Non-OSHA Compliance
Fax back services are questionable for compliance because of the nature of the service. A fax machine creates a barrier between an employee and the MSDS. If the fax machine fails and there is no back up for that MSDS, you are not in compliance, and the employee could be in danger. Here is a statement directly from OSHA:

"... the downstream user of the chemical must have access to a fax machine or a barrier has been created. Employers must also ensure that employees know how to access an MSDS from such a system and that a back-up exists in case the primary system fails."

John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

Overall Cost
Fax back services can end up costing your company more than a software program because it is a subscription based fee. In the long run, it becomes much more expensive to use fax back services than it does to manage MSDSs with an effective tool such as MSDSpro in-house.

Leasing Versus Owning Your MSDSs
With many fax back services, if you stop paying for the service, you are left to go gather your MSDSs on your own and completely re-vamp your MSDS program. Think of it like insurance. If you stop paying, there is absolutely no equity in your investment. Imagine your organization uses Fax-back services instead of maintaining hard copies in binders or a database. When the contract is over, what have you paid for? If you still have no MSDS on site, isn't that the same as "renting" OSHA compliance until you are ready to "own" the MSDS at your facility? Once the contract is over, you must begin collecting, updating, distributing and tracking the MSDS you are missing in order to be compliant. With MSDSpro, you own everything, and never need to worry about being left out in the cold.

MSDS Quality Issues
It is no secret that MSDS are not always in very good shape upon arrival. Often, these documents have been photocopied and faxed many times, leading to degrading of the original document's quality. Some MSDS fonts are so small that fax machines make them totally illegible. MSDSpro delivers original MSDSs higher in quality than fax back services provide.

MSDS Response Time
In the event of an emergency, MSDSs need to be accessible for employees, emergency workers, doctors, etc. Fax-back services can only guarantee to a certain degree immediate response times for delivering an MSDS.

Inadequate MSDS back ups
As OSHA states, in the event that the Fax-back system may not be operational, a proper back up needs to be in place. The safest way is in the form of the original manufacturer MSDS. Some Fax-back services offer Internet based back up systems as well. If the power goes out for fax machines, will the Internet connection still be available? If not, even this method of backing up creates a barrier to the MSDS.

Q:Why is MSDSpro better than subscription based Internet services?

A: MSDSpro offers automated Internet downloads direct from the manufacturers for free. Subscription based MSDS services that deliver MSDSs over the Internet are different. While we are free, they charge you money.

With a subscription based type of MSDS service, customers submit a chemical inventory list (index) to the MSDS vendor. The MSDS vendor then manually contacts the manufacturers on the list. Those MSDS are then scanned or electronically imported into the MSDS Vendor's servers, and their customers are allowed password protected access to those MSDS (User name and ID). While it seems to be an easy and cheap way to get the job done, serious uncertainties arise as to the end-user access. Since the MSDS are available with a live Internet connection, if the MSDS Vendor (or their customer) experiences Internet server troubles, a barrier has been created between the MSDS and the employee.

Before agreeing to purchase Internet-only based MSDS services, one should consider these questions:

Does Internet password protection create a barrier to MSDS access?
Does the subscription limit you to a certain format? (PDF, Image, etc)
Is your Internet connection guaranteed and backed up to always have access to MSDSs?
Do all the employees have access to computers with an Internet connection in their immediate work area?
If you stop subscribing to their service, do you get to keep your MSDSs?
Is a yearly fee more cost effective than a one-time purchase of another solution?

Some of the MSDS Internet Subscription companies have tried to address these questions by providing a small application that can store MSDS or web links to MSDS on a local computer, and perhaps deliver the documents on an Intranet. As long as the MSDS is available to be printed out as a hard copy without any barriers, this is a working solution. Some key technology considerations:

The MSDS should be saved to the local hard drive and be able to print hard copies
Vendor software that only maintains links to MSDS saved elsewhere still creates a barrier
Internet subscriptions offer limited/no management capabilities (reporting, locations, back-ups, etc)
Not all organizations allow Internet access to employees

Q:Why should we use MSDSpro to serve up MSDSs instead of our file server?

A: MSDSpro makes publishing MSDSs on your network or Intranet easier than ever before. Instead of having to program MSDSpro to work with an existing file server, we publish the MSDS right to your Intranet without any extra work.

MSDSpro is delivered with a built-in webserver that delivers all MSDSs over your Intranet, no matter which format: Images, PDF, Text, HTML, and more. All the MSDSs are stored in a single data file so that there is no chance of someone accidentally deleting a file. Since MSDSpro always has the MSDSs available, there is no chance of clicking a link to view the MSDS and getting an error message.

This means that all the IT department needs to do is install MSDSpro, and the Intranet is ready to go, no extra configuring is necessary.

Compliance

Q:Can I share MSDSs that I enter with other locations using MSDSpro?

A: Yes!

MSDSpro helps eliminate MSDS redundancy by allowing users to share MSDSs, even if there is no network connection. The easiest way is with MSDSpro Enterprise. With Enterprise, any number of facilities can take advantage of one another's data-entry work.

For instance, if Facility #1 in California needs "Acetone", and Facility #2 in Ohio already imported that MSDS, Facility #1 would not need to re-enter it, rather just open the MSDS already on the server.

For other versions of MSDSpro, users can exchange all their MSDSs by creating MSDSpro Package Files and e-mailing them to one another (or put on disk/CD). This helps remote work locations save more time and money than re-importing and re-indexing duplicate MSDSs.

Q:How do I properly plan for a new MSDS system?

A: Choosing to migrate from paper binders to MSDS software is not a split-second decision. Much planning is needed in order to ensure a successful transition, and ultimately, accomplish your goals for compliance, safety, lower costs, more time, and better employee education.

MSDSpro Consultants are professionals in assisting with the planning process for any MSDS project, from a small installation to a global network. Here are some basic guidelines to help make your MSDSpro implementation a success:

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Have you outlined all of your MSDS needs? Do you know what to search for?

BUDGET
What are short term costs? Long term? What is the 5 year outlook? Have you built a convincing case for spending the money? What is the return on your investment?

PROJECT TIMELINE
Have you set dates for software reviews? Making the purchase? Training?

DEPARTMENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Are Safety, Environmental and Information Systems ready to cooperate together on the project? What does each require? Has each department communicated this to one another?

VENDOR SELECTION
Have you reviewed the different programs available? Do you understand the difference between each program? What is the average conversion and set up time? Do they meet your defined needs?

PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION
What is the delivery date? Is everyone involved who needs to be?

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Does the software meet your expectations? What are your before and after results?

ONGOING MAINTENANCE
Who will keep up the system? What happens with employee turnover?

In most business cases, MSDSs present a big paper problem. MSDS administrators want a way to fix the problem, so they look for available MSDS software. When the right software is selected as the program of choice, then it is time to convince others in the company that MSDSpro is worth spending the money. Without identifying at least the basic procedures above, the odds of approval grow slimmer.

Let MSDSpro help you plan accordingly for a successful implementation. Call your MSDSpro consultant today at 1-888-673-7776.

Q:Is MSDSpro compliant with OSHA regulations?

A: MSDSpro is a tool for helping make sure your company is always in compliance. While OSHA accepts electronic MSDS distribution as a fully compliant method, keep this in mind:

MSDSpro can help you be in compliance at all times, but someone needs to take ownership and be responsible for using it properly.

Even though electronic MSDSs are wonderful for cutting down on time and money, OSHA mandates that there be a back-up system in place for access to MSDSs at all times.

Whether you use software or fax-back services, we recommend having a back-up of the original MSDS in a hard-copy format. Don't worry, MSDSpro does all this for you, down to the specific storage location.

OSHA is determined to make sure employers keep the MSDS current and easily accessible to employees in their work area. Assistant Secretary Charles N. Jeffress describes OSHA's outlook with six guidelines:

The employer must ensure that MSDSs are readily accessible and that there are no barriers to employee access. This includes ensuring that reliable devices are readily accessible in the workplace at all times
The employer must ensure that workers are trained in the use of these devices, including specific software
The employer must ensure that there is an adequate back-up system for rapid access to hazard information in the event of an emergency including power-outages, equipment failure, on-line access delays, etc
The employer must ensure that (a) system of electronic access is part of the overall hazard communication program of the workplace
The employer must ensure that employees are able to obtain hard copies of the MSDSs, if needed or desired
In case of emergency, the employer must ensure that mechanisms must be immediately available to provide emergency response personnel with hard copies of MSDSs

To summarize, OSHA accepts many methods for managing MSDS, as long as these six simple guidelines and the Hazard Communication Standards are followed.

Data Entry

Q:Does MSDSpro Archive Outdated MSDSs?

A: MSDSpro allows archiving for any outdated MSDSs. This is important for thirty-year legislation and medical record exposure purposes. You might ask your local OSHA agent about your responsibility to archive MSDSs.

Simply choose the MSDSs to archive and select "Archive Product Record" from the "Selection" menu.

If using MSDSpro's "Update from Internet" tool to get the latest MSDS from the manufacturer, MSDSpro can automatically archive the previous version of the MSDS for you.

If at any time the MSDS needs to be reactivated, simply choose the MSDS you need from the archives and choose to activate it, and all the indexed information you keyed in before will still be available.

Q:Establishment of in-house libraries

A: MSDSpro makes setting up your MSDS library quicker and easier than any other program on the market. Organizations that choose to import their own MSDSs instead of outsourcing the work can still do it efficiently and economically.

MSDSpro handles every kind of MSDS you might be provided with: Hard copies, text, PDF, HTML, etc. Simply import the MSDS using our MSDS Import Wizard and watch your MSDS library grow.

With over 1.2 million MSDSs available, at no charge on www.MSDSprovider.com, MSDSpro automatically indexes the product name and manufacturer information. If importing any other type of MSDS, administrators can either index a few key fields or any field necessary to track the MSDSs.

We offer training to help both database administrators and employees learn to benefit from all MSDSpro has to offer.

Q:How do I establish my organization's MSDS library?

A: Try www.MSDSprovider.com, at no charge, and have access to over 1.2 million MSDSs.

Complete, seamless use of MSDSpro information is provided, such as inventory locations, company stock numbers, synonyms, product start dates, personal protective equipment, hazard information, inventory quantities and locations, and much more.

MSDSpro will also accept Images, ASCII Text, HTML and PDF MSDS document types from various sources, providing a flexible and efficient MSDS distribution system.

We offer training to help both database administrators and employees learn to benefit from the many diverse uses of MSDSpro.

Q:How do I track MSDSs and Chemical Inventories?

A: MSDSpro primarily focuses on MSDS document management and Chemical Inventory with the distribution of this information to those individuals or workgroups that need it.

Your organization can track Chemical Inventory and MSDS information on three levels (Facility, Department/Unit, and Storage Location). An unlimited number of Facilities, Department/Units and Storage Locations can be added, providing a completely flexible inventory solution. Here is an example:

Acetone - Main Plant: Boiler Room: Shelf 11

Chemical ingredient classifications such as CAS numbers, TPQ values, Reportable Quantities, etc. are simple to add and maintain, and all are reportable.

MSDSpro also includes automated SARA Title III (Tier 2 and Form R) reports to make Federal EPA and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) compliance a simple task. (See Regulatory Reporting).

Database administrators can share access to the same pool of database information across multiple geographic locations and facilities, making joint database maintenance simple - and preventing duplicate data entry.

Q: How does Archiving work in MSDSpro?

A: MSDSpro automatically archives any updated MSDS for thirty-year employee protection legislation.

Archival of existing MSDS documents and related Product information can occur when the database administrator updates a product from www.MSDSprovider.com, our Internet option or selects groups of MSDS records to be archived using the Archive option.

When any replacement MSDS document is brought into MSDSpro, the database administrator always has the option to archive the previous version, providing compliance for years to come.

Q:Tell me how MSDSpro gets populated with MSDS documents

A: MSDSpro makes entering MSDSs extremely easy. Our services division averages 100 MSDSs entered (Scanned and indexed) per day per person. Your MSDS entry rates may vary, depending on how you get the MSDS. Let's look at this example:

MSDS Source & Data Entry Time:

Internet web site & download - 2 - 7 minutes
Scanning and indexing - 3 - 8 minutes
Importing text & Indexing - 1 - 5 minutes
Importing from an existing database - Depends on the file structure

Authoring your own MSDSs - Depends on the content of the MSDS

Most MSDS software only allows limited ways to enter MSDSs. For instance, one program may only allow you to scan as an image, while another only allows PDF files. This severely limits you to a single format of MSDSs and creates more work for you in the long run.

MSDSpro allows you to convert all those binders into electronic format faster, easier, and without limits on the type of MSDS you need.

If it still seems like you have too many MSDSs to enter on your own, call our toll-free number and ask for MSDSpro Scanning Services. Our MSDS consultants can answer any questions you have at: 1-888-673-7776.

Q: Tell me more about MSDSpro automatically updating my MSDSs for free

A: MSDSpro is the first to offer free MSDS updating, all driven by technology and without a subscription or fee.

The secret is to download as many MSDSs as you can from the Internet (we make this easy for you with MSDSprovider.com). Many manufacturers make their MSDSs available for download from their websites, and MSDSpro can import any of them. Once you download the MSDS, MSDSpro will automatically detect if the manufacturer has updated the MSDS, and download the new one for you. No more scanning, no fax machine needed, and no fee!

This means you could possibly update all of your MSDSs in less than two seconds and by clicking a single button. Realistically, not all MSDSs are available on the Internet at this time. We are, however, working on this and helping to bring more and more manufacturers Online that you purchase chemicals from.

There is a free MSDS portal that gathers all the manufacturers making their MSDSs available on the Internet. Visit www.MSDSprovider.com to see how it works, and enjoy the power of instant MSDS updates in no time.

Q: What is the average MSDSpro implementation time?

A: MSDSpro is a complete turnkey MSDS solution and is designed to minimize the time required to provide real, accurate MSDS documents for your organizations' use. Many systems of this nature take hours - even days to install and set up. MSDSpro has absolutely the most advanced technology available, making implementation faster than any other system. Here is a breakdown:

MSDSpro Enterprise Server (Both server and 2 clients) - 10 minutes
All other versions of MSDSpro - 4 minutes or less

This may not mean too much now, but if you are purchasing any network system, technology should be a major concern. Not only are initial implementation times for competing systems longer and more cumbersome, but ongoing maintenance costs your company much more money in the long run than if you choose MSDSpro.

An example of MSDSpro in action:

MSDSpro was competing for the business of a large company. Our competition went on-site for their presentation, spent two days installing their software and still never got it to work properly. MSDSpro was able to guide the computer personnel over the phone with our own installation, and it took less than 10 minutes for everything, including the database, GUI, web server, browsers, and multiple administrative clients. As you might guess, we won the business.

Please consider that implementation time does not just mean installing the software, however. Depending on the size of the project, there may be training, multiple facilities, special cases, and proper planning.

MSDSpro consultants are experts at planning any MSDSpro implementation, and will assist with your Software Implementation Plan (SIP) for FREE.

Your organization will receive the latest MSDSpro CD and the necessary installation information to get MSDSpro installed and running immediately. MSDSpro will assist with the initial implementation of MSDSpro via phone, fax, and e-mail support. We achieve this because installation is seamless and virtually automated, even for network setup, directly from the MSDSpro CD-ROM.

Database

Q:What database is MSDSpro built in?

A: The secret to our success is called 4th Dimension (4D). It outperforms most other databases on the market, including Oracle, Sybase, Access, etc.

Most people consider this a brave statement, and we agree. We also prove it every day in better performance, faster installations, integrated web-servers, advanced data management, automated back-ups, full data-recovery tools, and a perfect track record for our customers.

Advantages of MSDSpro built in 4th dimension:

FULLY INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT
The database, GUI, and Web Server are all integrated, making installation and maintenance easier than ever before. Compare this to Oracle, which needs to be set up and maintained separately.

SINGLE DATA FILE
All MSDSs and indexed information are contained in a single data file, allowing complete data integrity and easy back-ups.

PRE-CONFIGURED NETWORKING
All TCP/IP connectivity is ready-to-go, out of the box, little or no extra configuring required.

ROBUST CLIENT/SERVER ARCHITECTURE
MSDSpro allows unlimited concurrent users on the Intranet and can have over 500 administrative "Clients" access the server simultaneously.

Even though some packages may be similar in database functionality, the final cost to your company can be substantially different depending on the choice in technology. MSDSpro sets up in a few minutes, others need several hours dedicated from Information Technologists to even get the system ready to run. Once running, traditional technology limitations create overhead and costs that skyrocket over time.

MSDSpro is proven to be the lowest cost program on the market while providing a management tool with more power than other MSDS software. Call your MSDSpro consultant for more information at 1-888-673-7776

Q: What is the difference between MSDSpro Enterprise and PlusWeb?

A: Both MSDSpro Enterprise and PlusWeb offer unlimited Intranet distribution and viewing of MSDSs. So why use one or the other?

MSDSpro PlusWeb is made specifically for one MSDS administrator who needs a better way to update and maintain MSDSs over a company network, and includes a built-in web server. This means data entry from just one computer, and unlimited network access to read-only MSDSs.

MSDSpro Enterprise is made for organizations that need a more robust Client/Server package that can allow for multiple data entry points. If three facilities in a company want to share MSDSpro Enterprise and all need data-entry access for each MSDS administrator, Enterprise is better than PlusWeb.

Take this little test and see which is right for you:

Do you need just one place to enter MSDSs into MSDSpro, yet you want employees to get the MSDSs on your network and eliminate most of those binders?

If you answered "yes", MSDSpro PlusWeb can help you. If you answered "No", then you might need to look at MSDSpro Enterprise instead.

Intranet / Network

Q: Does MSDSpro really have a built-in Web Server?

A: Yes!

MSDSpro PlusWeb and MSDSpro Enterprise have built-in Web Servers, making Web/Intranet distribution of MSDS and Chemical Information a snap. It's exceptionally fast, and maintenance-free.

No additional software, plug-ins, or files are necessary. The integrated "zero-admin" MSDSpro Web Server completely eliminates the need for any Web Server software or operating system maintenance.

All MSDSpro Web Server documents are dynamically created, with no special files to work with. Traditional web sites contain hundreds or thousands of files that must be updated and maintained. MSDSpro's Web Server produces high quality, fast Web access without the need for any files, since it's completely database-driven.

Your computer support team will be amazed, and they will genuinely appreciate how simple and trouble-free the MSDSpro Intranet is to deploy and maintain.

Q: How can employees access MSDSpro over my LAN or WAN?

A: It's now very simple to meet the compliance level that OSHA requires within minutes, by allowing easy "point and click" MSDS access over your LAN or WAN with MSDSpro. Training usually takes less than five minutes for the average employee.

The employee who just needs access to MSDSs for right-to-know receives read-only versions of MSDSs through a web browser (This is on your network, not the Internet). Browsers such as Internet Explorer and Netscape allow the employee to view or print the MSDS he or she needs without having to search through cumbersome binders. This also means no more photocopying or updating binders by hand. for those updating the MSDSs.

No additional software or plug-ins are necessary*. MSDSpro has an integrated, built-in web server, which completely eliminates the need for any Web Server software or operating system maintenance. Your computer staff will be amazed, and genuinely appreciate how simple and trouble-free the MSDSpro Intranet is.

For Database Administrators, MSDSpro Enterprise is a true client/server relational database system (RDBMS), designed for organizations that have multiple MSDS administrators or workgroups that require instant access from their various computer workstations.

* Acrobat Reader if using PDFs.

Q: Tell me about MSDSpro hardware requirements

A: Windows Workstation:
Windows XP/2000/Vista
Pentium II Minimum
256 MB RAM
Hard Drive with 200 MB free
Network adapter - (network versions only)
TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, or ADSP correctly configured - (network versions only)

MSDSpro Enterprise Server:
Windows XP/2000/Vista
Pentium II Minimum
256 MB RAM
Hard Drive with 200 MB free
Network Adapter - (network versions only)
TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, or ADSP correctly configured - (network versions only)

Pricing

Q: How do I justify to my company purchasing MSDSpro?

A: Finally, just when you have spent several months evaluating many different MSDS packages, the final MSDS vendor has been selected, and all of the paperwork is in order. Then one or several people "upstream" strike down the request for MSDS improvement monies.

This happens all too often in companies where the MSDS committee does not present the MSDS problem effectively enough to convince upper management that monies should be allocated to alleviate the paper MSDS burdens. It's not that they did not effectively present the problem, but didn't present it in financial terms to justify sometimes costly improvements. Often, this is due to the inability of the evaluator or committee to quantify the overall cost of managing MSDS.

A simple formula is to add up how many hours are spent on MSDS management in any given week. This could be the sum of photocopying, updating by hand, calling manufacturers, training employees, searching the Internet, receiving faxes, etc.

Then take that number and multiply it by the number of weeks worked per year. That number is then multiplied by the hourly rate associated with the person(s) managing the MSDS (If more than one person is responsible, use the average).

If more than one facility is involved in the process, multiply the total by the amount of locations to get a closer estimate of an overall cost. Here is an example of the formula:

Average hours spent on MSDSs per week: 5
Weeks per year: 52

Multiply these and it comes to 260 hours per year. How much per hour is that? Let's say it comes to $15.00 per hour.

260 X $15 = $3,900 per year.

Now let's say there are 3 facilities. $3,900 X 3 = $11,700 spent on MSDSs per year without MSDSpro.

The ROI (Return on Investment) calculator is available for each product on this website. Simply run the calculator on the version that best fits your needs. You can also call your MSDSpro Consultant today to learn more about how we can help show the total return on better MSDS management. Call 1-888-673-7776 today.

Q: How much does MSDSpro cost?

A: MSDSpro pricing is the most competitive in the MSDS industry, and is available upon request.

Please contact a sales representative toll-free at 1-888-MSDSpro (673-7776) or Contact Sales.

Services

Q: What services does MSDSpro offer?

A: MSDSpro is here to help with your MSDS challenges, no matter what it calls for. Our services division prides itself on delivering turnkey MSDS solutions for our customers.

MSDS IMPORTING & INDEXING
MSDSpro can help get you started right away. Just provide us with your MSDSs or a list of your products & manufacturers, and we ensure you get the latest MSDS along with indexing any fields in the database. Standard packages usually include importing the MSDSs and indexing common fields such as Product name, manufacturer information, ingredients, CAS, revision date and label ratings.

When we deliver your MSDSs, it is extremely easy to load into MSDSpro and instantly have your entire MSDS library up-to-date and ready for employees to view.

MSDS DATA CONVERSION
Still have some MSDS information in an older system? No problem. We can import most any MSDS information from existing systems, as well as connect MSDSpro to other systems such as purchasing and inventory programs.

MSDSpro TRAINING
MSDSpro offers on-site training, telephone training, even training packages at our headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska. call your services consultant today at 1-888-673-7776 for more information.

Support

Q: Does MSDSpro provide on-going customer support?

A: MSDSpro offers 24-hour online (Extranet) support for our customers, giving them unlimited access to Administrator Guides, Technical Documentation, and Software Updates as registered users, as well as access to our on-line Support Database.

MSDSpro also offers phone, fax and e-mail technical support after initial startup is completed. Our annual Service Maintenance Agreement (SMA) entitles our clients to unlimited telephone support, free software upgrades, and substantial discounts on our other products. The SMA is very affordable and is available in increments of one year to support our clients with the best possible software and expertise.

User Interface

Q: How consistent are the MSDS document formats for end users?

A: If using the original manufacturer MSDS (Either scanned, PDF, HTML, etc), the MSDSs will vary in format, just like the originals in your binders (Only now you'll have better quality documents!)

Also included is the MSDS authoring tool that allows manual creation of MSDS records in the industry standard ANSI Z.400 (16 section) document format.

Q: How do I access MSDSpro through a web browser?

A: Once a network version of MSDSpro is installed, simply type into the web browser URL bar the IP address (Internet Protocol) of the computer MSDSpro is installed on. Your computer support personnel can also make this a shortcut on the desktop, or a link on your Intranet.

MSDSpro sets up the server automatically, so each computer on the network automatically has access to MSDSs. MSDSpro allows unlimited access to MSDSs, so you could possibly have thousands of simultaneous viewers around the world running at the same time and at no extra charge.

Q: What are the Admin and End User interface differences?

A: There are two basic environments available within the network versions of MSDSpro:

Database administrative users (data browsing, editing, reporting)
End-users (simple MSDS browsing and printing).

The average employee (end-user) doesn't need to be in the administrative environment making changes. They only need the viewing and printing portion to access the MSDSs.

MSDSpro PlusWeb, and MSDSpro Enterprise allow unlimited employee network access through a Web Browser. Web Browsers can view and print all MSDS documents and Chemical Information from your organization's endorsed MSDS document library.

MSDSpro Enterprise allows database administrative user and end-user network access utilizing advanced Client/Server architecture. Licensing is based on simultaneous concurrent users, although the MSDSpro Client software can be distributed freely.

Web Browser access to MSDSpro is similar to performing searches on the Internet, but since it is on your organization's network, it is much more reliable, faster, and safer than relying on the Internet.

MSDSpro is not only easy to use, but is also much faster than standard file sharing database systems which are used by other MSDS software systems.

Q: What database fields can be used to search and sort on?

A: MSDSpro allows custom searches and sorts in each of the following fields:

Product/Trade Name
MSDS ID / number
Synonyms
Manufacturer Name
Common, Generic Name
Chemical Ingredients
CAS Numbers
Facility & Inventory Locations
Departments
MSDS Revision date
Date MSDS added, archived, or use ended
Stock codes
NFPA Hazard Ratings
HMIS Hazard Ratings
SARA Reporting Codes
4 User Definable Numbers
4 User Definable Alphanumeric
2 User Definable Boolean (True/False)

...and all other fields in the database (too many to list here).

MSDSpro offers full control over searching and sorting using graphical search and sort editors. The search and sort editors are simple and easy to master, with powerful point-and-click features that don't require a difficult query language. In addition, the search and sort templates can be saved to disk, so that at any time they can be reused.

Q: What security levels are available for Users and Workgroups?

A: MSDSpro keeps important compliance information safe and secure with four security levels. These security levels are assigned to specific Users or Workgroups with ease.

End-users (employees that simply need to view or print MSDS documents) are not required to enter a password. Other User levels exist to allow browse access to information, with optional edit and deletion reserved for specific user levels. The Database Administrator (DBA) access level can assign passwords to any new or existing Users at any time.

MSDSpro also allows for customized security permissions, depending on which features certain administrators need access to.