Organizations that rely on paper-based systems or clunky legacy software often find themselves buried in administrative overhead, missing critical follow-ups, and struggling with siloed data. Modern MOC software should do more than simply store documents—it must serve as an active, intuitive system that drives clarity and compliance.
Here are the key features and functions that define best-in-class MOC software for process safety management:
1. Best-in-Class Action Item Assignment and Tracking
Change isn’t safe until it’s fully understood, evaluated, and implemented correctly. That means:
- Assigning clear responsibilities for every phase of the MOC.
- Setting due dates and reminders to ensure no task falls through the cracks.
- Supporting escalations for overdue items.
- Enabling conditional workflows, where some steps depend on others being completed or approved.
Strong action tracking capabilities are essential to drive accountability across engineering, operations, maintenance, and safety teams.
2. Robust Reporting and Dashboards
Without visibility, management can’t manage.
Your MOC software should offer:
- Real-time dashboards showing the status of all open and closed MOCs.
- Drill-down reports on overdue tasks, pending approvals, and follow-up items.
- Complete audit trails for every change—who did what, and when.
- The ability to export and share reports for management reviews or regulatory audits.
Reporting shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be integrated into daily operations.
3. User-Friendly Interface
An MOC system only works if people actually use it. That means:
- A clean, intuitive user interface with simple forms and guided steps.
- Visual indicators to show where you are in the process and what comes next.
- Embedded help, tooltips, or short tutorials to support less frequent users.
- Mobile accessibility for field users.
The goal is to make it obvious and frictionless for users to complete their part in the MOC workflow.
4. Integration and Data Portability
Most MOCs require coordination across systems—modifying equipment hierarchies, updating maintenance strategies, or revising spare parts inventories. Your MOC software must:
- Integrate with ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to exchange data on equipment, assets, or financial approvals.
- Share status and documentation with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) like Maximo or Infor.
- Use APIs or file-based methods (CSV, XML) for easy data import/export.
Just as important as real-time integration is the ability to import and export data cleanly. It’s best to commit to a single platform for managing MOC, so once you’ve selected a tool, it should be straightforward to import your existing MOC records, documents, and action items into the system. Similarly, if and when you need to exit the platform—whether to switch vendors or consolidate systems—it should be just as simple to export your data in a usable format. Be cautious of solutions that lock your data in or make it difficult to extract historical records. Ownership and portability of your MOC data is essential for long-term flexibility and compliance.
5. Structured Workflows and Change Templates
Different types of changes require different workflows—replacing a valve is not the same as re-routing a process line.
Look for MOC software that supports:
- Customizable templates for different change types.
- Configurable approval paths based on risk level or asset category.
- Built-in risk assessment tools and checklists.
- Automatic linking to PHAs, SOP updates, and training requirements.
This ensures a consistent, risk-based approach that scales with your operations.
6. Lifecycle and Compliance Management
A great MOC system supports the entire lifecycle of a change, including:
- Pre-change planning and risk evaluations.
- Execution, testing, and commissioning.
- Post-change reviews and documentation updates.
- Closure verification with sign-off from all required stakeholders.
It should also enable compliance with OSHA 1910.119, API RP 75, CCPS guidelines, and other regulatory frameworks through built-in documentation and validation tools.
Final Thoughts
Management of Change is a cornerstone of safe, reliable operations, especially in high-hazard industries. But without the right tools, it becomes a paperwork nightmare. Great MOC software turns this complexity into clarity—with intelligent workflows, strong action tracking, deep integrations, and a user experience that supports both power users and occasional participants.If you’re evaluating MOC software, keep this in mind:
It’s not just a form—it’s the backbone of safe change.
