When it comes to health and safety in manufacturing, Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are a non-negotiable part of staying compliant and keeping teams safe. But while the purpose of RAMS hasn’t changed, the way we manage them definitely has.
Most manufacturers are still using RAMS templates simple Word or Excel documents that get copied, edited, and saved over and over. They do the job (just about), but they’re not without problems.
RAMS software, on the other hand, offers a digital, dynamic way of managing safety documents that adapts to modern working conditions. So, which is better for your team? Let’s take a closer look.
Helpful summary
Overview: This article compares RAMS templates with RAMS software, helping UK manufacturers decide which approach supports safety, speed, and compliance best.
Why trust us: Evalu-8 EHS is trusted by UK manufacturers to simplify RAMS, incident reporting, audits, and more all from a single, easy-to-use platform.
Why it matters: Outdated RAMS processes can lead to delays, duplicate work, and even safety risks. Using the right solution ensures consistency and control at every step.
Action points: Review how your team currently handles RAMS. If templates cause admin headaches or version confusion, it might be time to consider going digital.
Further research: Book a no-pressure walkthrough of Evalu-8 EHS to see how RAMS software can replace templates, reduce paperwork, and strengthen your safety process.
The rise (and limits) of RAMS templates
Templates are usually the first step for teams that want to standardise RAMS. They’re often made in Word or Excel and shared across teams for reuse. At first glance, they seem helpful: you don’t have to build each document from scratch, and they give you a familiar structure to follow.
But here’s the rub, they’re static, error-prone, and hard to manage at scale.
If someone forgets to update a field or accidentally saves over a previous version, things fall through the cracks. You might end up with multiple copies of the same RAMS saved in different folders, each slightly different and no one quite sure which one is current.
And let’s not forget the admin. Chasing approvals. Manually updating hazard controls. Rebuilding documents for similar tasks. It all adds up.
What RAMS software does better
RAMS software takes the core principles of a good RAMS template and adds speed, structure, and real-time tracking. It’s like swapping out a spreadsheet for a smart system less admin, more accuracy.
Automated templates and reuse
No more copying and pasting. With RAMS software, you can store standardised templates, tweak them for each task, and be confident that the structure is always up to date.
Real-time collaboration and version control
Need input from your H&S manager or site lead? No problem. Everyone can access and edit the same document in real time, with automatic version history and tracked changes.
Faster reviews and approvals
With built-in workflows, approvals don’t get stuck in someone’s inbox. They’re triggered automatically, keeping your process moving and your documentation audit-ready.
Full visibility from anywhere
Most platforms (like Evalu-8 EHS) are cloud-based, meaning teams on the floor and in the office always have access to the latest version even offline when needed.
Why Evalu-8 EHS is built for both safety and speed
Let’s be real some RAMS software feels like it’s designed by someone who’s never set foot in a factory. But Evalu-8 EHS was built alongside real manufacturers, for real-world safety needs.
Integrated RAMS builder
Create risk assessments and method statements in a single flow, linked to tasks, locations, or teams. You can tag hazards, controls, PPE, and roles with ease, and reuse elements from previous jobs.
One platform for everything
With Evalu-8, RAMS aren’t in a silo. They connect to training records, audits, inspections, incidents, and COSHH data giving you a 360° view of risk across your sites.
Designed for all users
From seasoned safety professionals to first-time supervisors, Evalu-8 EHS is built to be intuitive, mobile-friendly, and genuinely easy to use. Less frustration, more action.
So, which is right for your team?
If your current RAMS process is working and your team isn’t bogged down in admin templates might still serve a purpose. But if you’re seeing delays, duplication, or risk from inconsistent documentation, software is the logical next step.
It’s not just about reducing paperwork. It’s about being faster, clearer, and more accountable across your safety process.
Questions teams often ask when switching to RAMS software
Yes platforms like Evalu-8 EHS let you import and adapt your current templates, so you’re not starting from scratch.
Most teams are live within a couple of weeks. Evalu-8 offers hands-on onboarding, training, and support, so your rollout goes smoothly.
Not with Evalu-8. It’s an all-in-one EHS platform, so everything links together one login, full visibility.
No problem. Evalu-8 EHS works offline, syncing back when the connection is restored—ideal for remote sites or signal-poor zones.
Definitely. Evalu-8 is scalable, affordable, and built for businesses of all sizes, whether you’ve got 20 people or 200.
