Why the Future EHS Software Favors Small, Agile Providers

A Deep Dive into What Really Separates Large Platforms from Specialist Providers

In recent years, we’ve seen the rise (and sometimes fall) of countless ESG & EHS software providers. As society became more self-aware of our environmental footprint, sustainability as well as health and safety rose in importance. With rising pressure on companies to act transparently and responsibly, many spotted a gap in the market, and the era of “GreenTech” and “SafetyTech” was born.

What’s striking is that two very different worlds have emerged: Small Tech and Big Tech. Each one serves a different need, and therefore often delivers a completely different experience. What can these ESG & EHS software providers bring to the table?

Keeping the Focus on What Actually Matters

Some GreenTech providers scaled fast and became global giants. Others stayed lean, keeping their focus where it counts: solving real frontline pain points and making workers’ and users’ lives safer and easier.

It is refreshing to see how many smaller providers prioritise innovation through adaptation, not just building the most features, but refining what works based on customer realities. Their proximity to the problem fosters genuine relationships. And while it’s not a universal rule, it often leads to a stronger emphasis on customer experience and continuous learning.

Feedback Straight from the Field

A recurring theme in client feedback is this: they prefer working with small or mid-sized providers that offer field-tested, configurable ESG/EHS solutions.

Why? Because user experience (UX) is everything.

The future success of any product is tied directly to how it feels to use it. Many large-scale ESG/EHS systems simply miss the mark. They can be rigid, overly complex, and lacking flexibility. Even worse, some overlook basic human-centred design principles.

Ironically, even safety products can fall into the trap of ignoring the user. The result? Systems that are clunky, non-intuitive, and riddled with confusing workflows that invite user error.

A Word of Advice for Anyone on the Lookout

If you are currently searching for the most suitable systems, our advice is to pay very close attention to user experience during pre-purchase piloting. For example:

• How intuitive is the system?
• Does it adopt good design principles?
• Can real users (not just designers or tech specialists) understand the layout and workflow on first impression?

User experience can tell you more than any analyst rating ever will. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about UX during demos. If the answers feel vague? That’s a red flag.

The reality is that many large providers don’t score well on customer focus. You’re one of hundreds. And when annual license fees climb into the six or seven figures, the gap between the sales pitch and day-to-day support can feel deeper than the Mariana Trench.

Sticking to Small

As the ESG/EHS software market matures, some of the bigger names seem more focused on growth targets and analyst rankings than customer outcomes. What’s missing? Independent evaluation of service quality, client relationships, and actual user satisfaction.

If you’re swayed by market reports, make sure you also look at how real customers experience the platform. The best way is to check reviews on G2 or Capterra, where many software companies maintain profiles with detailed user feedback.

Because if you don’t, you might soon experience the all-too-common gap between:

“Technology as Designed” vs. “Technology as Experienced.”

Why denxpert Takes a Different Approach

At denxpert, our Customer Success team is dedicated to making client journeys as smooth and seamless as possible. With curated tutorial videos and personal platform managers guiding sustainability teams step-by-step, we aim to be more than a service provider — we aim to be your partner in sustainability.

Want to experience the difference with denxpert? We’re built for teams who care about usability, adaptability, and results.

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