Choosing an EMS Consultant:
Practical Tips

Gabriele Crognale

4. What is the company timeline for the EMS project, process, or activity?

5. How does management plan to integrate EMS expertise with current activities?

6. Are there any specific areas in the company where an EMS consultant can assist with improving current EMS related activities?

7. How can a company plan to integrate both the current EMS expertise and also plan to continue obtaining expertise from the consultant on an as-needed basis?

8. Is the consultant at liberty to provide recommendations for improvement, provided it doesn't sound like a sales pitch?

• Details, Details, Details - Once a consultant can answer some or all of these questions, your own company and compliance requirements may be identified to an extent that the process of selecting the right EMS consultant for your firm can become much easier. Viewed from a company perspective, it is important to define the expected results you seek during the identification of EMS needs to ensure satisfaction with the consultant you ultimately choose and with anticipated organizational results.

In the long run, from our own experience, an EMS consultant should not only be available to provide you the client whatever it takes (borrowing a phrase from the now-defunct Digital Equipment Corporation) to get the job done, but also be there for you for other issues that may pop up - even if it means responding to the challenge off the clock, and providing some probono services. Now that's value you can take to the bank!