Please review our frequently asked questions below.
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"The tracking power of UNHCEMS is phenomenal. Can't recommend it enough. Plus, the team behind CEMS is the greatest. They've always been helpful and open to suggestions about their software."
Data Entry Features
Yes. UNHCEMS optimizes data entry by allowing users to identify products using product UPC code, product number, or chemical name.
Yes. The existing product catalog has over 44k products with populated SDS and hazardous chemical information.
For example research synthesized materials or household commercial products?
Yes. The UNHCEMS Add Inventory workflow automatically creates a new product record when an existing product record does not exist.
Yes. If the manufacturer does not exist, a new manufacturer record can be added to the built-in list when adding new inventory.
Yes. Adding new manufactures requires that the user has permission to add new inventory or is an admin in the system.
Yes. Multiple synonyms can be added to every product record. Synonyms are automatically searched when a user searches by chemical name.
Yes. Additionally UNHCEMS can generate product labels with GHS pictograms.
Yes. We recommend that you do not use a custom chemical name labeled "secondary container". Users can identify that a container is a secondary container by checking the "secondary" checkbox.
Yes. UNHCEMS shows the user entered quantity and unit values. Users can also choose to show the quantity in standard units such as lbs, liters, gallons, and kilograms. UNHCEMS will automatically convert quantities to standard units using density when necessary.
Yes. The default container quantity and unit are stored as part of the product record. This default is used on the container record, but the user may change it. This is necessary because some manufacturers use the same product number for different container types/sizes.
Yes. When a photo is captured, it can be previewed immediately.
Yes. Sites can choose which data type to use for storing container barcodes (numeric or alphanumeric).
Yes. When scanning an existing barcode into the new container form, CEMS will show that the container barcode already exists and optionally allow the user to view it.
Yes. While not a requirement, we recommend that sites barcode the area (such as a label posted to the wall) so that users can easily load the container record to view additional details such as the SDS and hazardous information.
Yes. The user suppliers the barcode numbers in the sequence.
For example, you can create 100 new containers by entering barcode 101-200
Yes. The "Date Acquired" defaults to today's date, but it can be changed.
Yes. CEMS has built-in workflows for dealing with expired inventory including an optional approval workflow.
Yes. The record create date is not editable.
Yes. The container history and application logs, which record all activity, allow chemical inventory managers to view when records opened or changed.
Yes. The primary key value of the container record is labeled as "SYS ID". This identifier is not editable by users.
Yes. Multi-line text "Notes" fields exist on most record types in CEMS. These notes fields can contain rich text allowing optional formatting (bold, italic, color, lists, links, and more). Notes fields also allow users to embed photos or files.
Yes. A custom cost field can be added to track cost using the built-in Custom Field creator tool.
Yes. A CEMS support person may need to assist with creating the SQL for the report. Once the report is created, it can be used by multiple users.
Storage & Database Features
Yes. UNHCEMS sublocations allow users to easily select or enter new sublocations using an editable combo box.
Yes. Chemical owners can share view/edit access to their inventory by granting view or edit permissions to their colleagues.
Yes. Buildings can also be grouped by site name.
Yes. There is no limit to the number of different owners that may own containers in a single room.
Yes. Data can be uploaded manually or using simple HTTPS web services. Simple "curl" examples can be shared to assist in populating this information using the API.
Yes. UNHCEMS single sign-on is compatible with Shibboleth and SAML2.
Yes. Chemical inventory information is never normally deleted. Database admins do have the ability to delete records added by mistake. This activity is still logged in the application logs.
Yes. Container records should never be deleted. Instead set the empty date or the date transferred off-site.
Data Capture & Mobile Application
Yes. We recommend this socket scanner. UNHCEMS likely works with barcode scanners that you already have.
Yes. The recommended socket scanner will work with all major platforms (iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and more.)
Yes. Both RFID and regular barcode scanners can be used to scan barcodes directly into the UNHCEMS Update Inventory module. Users can then set bulk update options (such as: change owner, location update evaluation date, mark empty, etc.). The user is then asked to review the scanned inventory before applying the update.
Yes. Inventory can be scanned and updated directly in UNHCEMS. When doing bulk updates, we recommend using the included HandyCEMS web application. HandyCEMS allows anyone to create & upload a scan log that can then be applied by a chemical inventory manager. HandyCEMS does not require a constant internet connection, which is especially helpful when scanning locations with spotty WIFI.
Can the software alert the administrators if the automatic process is interrupted?
Yes. Fixed RFID scanners can be used when configured to communicate with UNHCEMS over web APIs. We'll need more details on how to tell if the automatic process stops working, but this sounds like a custom alert report that sends an automated email/text if there is no communication with the scanning tool after a period of inactivity.
Safety & Compliance
Yes. Users can manually upload an SDS or use tools such as the UNHCEMS SDS Downloader to automatically find SDS for popular manufacturers.
Yes. The system comes populated with over 90 hazard pictograms in addition to NFPA diamonds and standard GHS pictograms.
Yes. Users can create a saved search alert to automatically send email when new records are either added or are present in a report.
For example does the reference database include: Chemical Abstract Service numbers, purity (concentration), all CAS #’s and concentrations when a product has multiple components, associated physical, health and environmental hazards, applicable regulations including Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) shipping hazards, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Emergency Planning and Community Right to know (EPCRA) chemical lists; EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) codes; Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 6 CFR Part 27 Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Appendix list of chemicals, National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) definitions of hazardous materials, GHS codes?
Yes. UNHCEMS supports:
- Multiple CAS with concentration percentage
- Assigning GHS, IFC, and custom hazard classifications on product records
- EPA Lists of Lists identification, with viewing total quantities against max reporting thresholds
- DHS CFATS reporting
- Custom aggregate reporting with rollup totals by site, building, floor using GHS, IFC, custom classifications, CAS, chemical names, and more.
If the user enters chemicals that are not associated with the reference database, can the user create a hazard and regulator profile and/or associate items to the reference database?
If the user enters chemicals that are not associated with the reference database (meaning not associated with hazards and therefore will not appear in any aggregate hazard or regulatory reports), can the user create a hazard and regulator profile and/or associate items to the reference database?
Yes. Users can enter this information when entering new containers. An optional workflow for verifying new product records can also be used to ensure newly entered products have this information populated.
If the user enters chemicals that are not associated with the reference database (meaning not associated with hazards and therefore will not appear in any aggregate hazard or regulatory reports), does your organization offer a service to associate user entered items to the reference database?
Yes. Chemical inventory managers can sync the latest product information from the community catalog using a built-in tool. CEMS also includes a tool to easily reconcile discrepancies between the local and community catalog. The community catalog can also optionally be updated during the synchronization.
Reporting & Regulatory Compliance
Yes. UNHCEMS includes a comprehensive reporting tool allowing users the ability to add additional columns (such as chemical owner, location, hazards, and more) to reports, add custom filters, or override the sort. Users can also save a report so that it can be loaded using a quick link on the dashboard or a web browser bookmark. Loading the report link will load the report with the latest data.
Can the software generate regional regulatory reports by converting chemicals to hazard classes (flammable, toxic, etc.) and summating on hazards? For example, the Nevada State Fire Marshal Federal Tier II and Community Right to know requires summation of hazards based on the 2018 International Fire Code (see links) amongst reporting requirements. Desired output can be provided upon request.
Yes, if IFC product information is available.
Can the software create a custom, regional regulatory report as described? Regional report functions: Northern Nevada Health District Air Quality Division requires an annual cumulative total of specific chemicals delivered to the university over a calendar year. Chemicals that are pure and mixtures of chemicals which contain a percentage of a reportable chemical must be included with only the reportable component(s) totaled. The report must calculate totals in pounds and tons using appropriate volume to mass conversions. The software must allow users to identify items to report, but also should be “smart” and build on user data and report history to automatically classify items. A functioning in-house example (custom software) will be provided.
Yes. The reporting criteria for matching specific chemicals can be entered using a list of CAS numbers, chemical names, hazard classifications, or NFPA. Mass volume conversions are built in. A custom field could be used to selectively exempt certain products from the report. CAS concentration can be used to factor in the actual reportable portion.
Yes. UNHCEMS has a report tailored for emergency responders. This report shows important stats like gallons of flammable liquids, pounds of oxidizers, gallons of water reactants, and gallons of corrosives. The report also includes the door sign, list of chemicals by location, and SDS. The Emergency Response report can be downloaded and viewed offline.
Does the software compare space inventories against fire code International Fire Code maximum allowable quantities (MAQ)?
Yes. UNHCEMS will show quantities by building, floor, and room. Chemical max quantity limits can be entered using the included UNHCEMS location limits module.
Does the software generate a report showing aggregate quantities compared to Department CyberSecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency CFATS thresholds, and alert or highlight when quantities exceeds regulator thresholds? (formerly part of Department of Homeland Security, DHS).
Yes. In addition to showing totals, users can click inventory count links to reveal the owner and location of matching inventory.
Yes. There are multiple ways to view this data including by department. It's also a simple process to add new custom reports that will calculate data for different intervals.
Integration & Future Planning
Yes. The UNHCEMS forms system allows administrators to create custom forms with custom questions. Answers to questions can automatically create new "Action Items". These action items can be assigned to users in the system and can be tracked to ensure follow up actions are completed in a timely manner.
Yes. Direct links to view chemical information and associated chemical hazards can be displayed directly on the inspection form.
Not currently, but the UINHCEMS support team can assist with data migrations.
Yes. Building and room records can be created OR a custom form can be created to capture virtual space information which can then drive custom reports.
Yes. Up to 40 annual hours of support is included with most UNHCEMS licenses. Additional support is available at $149/hour.
Yes. The UNHCEMS hazardous waste module has a lot of customization options allowing sites to choose which fields appear on the optional waste labeling, pickup-request forms, and drum management forms.
Yes. When marking containers empty, UNHCEMS will allow the user to generate waste records based on the chemical information defined in the inventory.
Yes. Sites may optionally require an extended waste description field allowing the user to document a description and percentage of each line item. UNHCEMS can also be configured to ensure that the total percentage equals 100% when entered.
Yes. Custom style rules can be used to match color, fonts, and logos.
Yes. There are multiple administrator types as well as an overall database administrator privilege that can be assigned that allows full data access.
Yes. Waste Managers can use the built-in UNHCEMS reporting tools to produce these reports. The report criteria can be saved and run by any user with the appropriate privileges.
Yes. UNHCEMS reporting allows reports to be run for sites, buildings, floors, rooms, sublocations.
Yes. The UNHCEMS report tool allows users to create reports with fields specified in the order they wish to see them. These reports can then be exported in HTML, CSV, XML, and JSON formats. Reports can also be printed as PDF documents.
Yes. When a user is responsible for completing a task, an alert is shown at the top of the dashboard. Otherwise, key indicators are shown in their appropriate dashboard section.
Yes. UNHCEMS already has reports that detail annual stats. These stats break down numbers by department. It wouldn't be too much trouble to break the numbers down by a 2-year window.
Yes. Automatically identifying P-listed chemicals using CAS numbers in our next release.
Yes. A custom waste field can be used to track recycling status.
