MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE SOFTWARE

A key element of OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) is the requirement for, and adherence to, a Management of Change (MOC) procedure.

Before change Implementation:

• document the technical basis for change
• assess the impact of the change
• acquire proper approvals

After change Implementation:

• mechanical integrity inspections
• pre-startup safety review
• conduct training
• update process safety information

The OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) regulation requires a Management of Change (MOC) procedure to be initiated for asset changes (process chemicals, technology of the process, equipment and facilities) as well as procedures. Furthermore, there is an evolving consensus that organizational changes are also changes that should be managed by MOC. The exception is when the change is a Replacement in Kind (RIK).

“Replacement in Kind” (RIK) in the context of OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) regulation, allows certain replacements that meet original design specifications to bypass the formal Management of Change (MOC) process.

There are three primary assumptions that guide Replacement in Kind (RIK) decisions.

• “Grandfathering” allows identical part replacements
• “Generic” permits parts from alternative manufacturers with the same operational criteria
• “Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices” (RAGAGEP)

• A Management of Change (MOC) procedure must accommodate a wide range of potential changes from low to high complexity, cost or risk
• Management of Change (MOC) requires rigorous document management controls for each Management of Change (MOC) project
• A Management of Change (MOC) project typically involves different participants, skills, authority, etc. to accomplish

Management of Change (MOC) software is a digital system used to manage, document, and track changes to processes, equipment, technology, personnel, and operational procedures. It ensures that every change is properly reviewed, approved, risk-assessed, and implemented in a controlled manner.

In high-risk industries such as manufacturing, energy, chemical processing, and industrial operations, unmanaged change is one of the leading causes of safety incidents, compliance violations, and operational failures. MOC software provides a structured framework that helps organizations reduce risk, improve accountability, and maintain regulatory compliance while enabling continuous improvement.
Unlike manual systems or spreadsheets, modern MOC software automates workflows, enforces approval requirements, and creates permanent audit trails — making it easier to manage complex operational changes at scale.

Operational changes happen constantly — whether it’s equipment upgrades, process modifications, staffing changes, or technology updates. Without a formal system in place, these changes can introduce new hazards, create communication gaps, and expose organizations to regulatory risk.

Management of Change software helps organizations:

• Prevent safety incidents caused by unreviewed changes
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM)
• Maintain clear documentation and audit readiness
• Improve cross-department collaboration
• Reduce downtime and costly implementation errors

By creating standardized workflows and approval processes, MOC software ensures that no change moves forward without proper evaluation, risk mitigation, and authorization.

Management of Change software is essential for organizations that operate in regulated or safety-critical environments, including:

• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Energy and utilities companies
• Chemical processing plants
• Engineering and construction firms
• Pharmaceutical operations
• Food and beverage production

Any organization that manages complex operational changes can benefit from structured digital MOC workflows.

When evaluating MOC solutions, organizations should consider:

• Ease of use and user adoption
• Workflow customization capabilities
• Integration with existing safety and compliance systems
• Reporting and analytics features
• Scalability across teams and locations
• Vendor support and implementation services

Choosing the right platform ensures long-term success and maximizes return on investment.