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What is Essential ERM?

Essential ERM is a flexible, user-friendly risk management platform built for fast setup, deep insights, and enterprise-wide adoption.

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Written by Nigel Groen
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Why Choose Essential ERM?

Essential ERM is a secure, web-based software application purpose-built for enterprise risk management (ERM). With over 1,000 users across 15+ sectors, it helps organizations make better decisions, save time and money, and reduce risk — all while achieving strategic goals.

Here’s how Essential ERM stands out from traditional GRC tools:

  1. Purpose-Built for ERM
    Unlike bloated GRC suites, Essential ERM is designed from the ground up to support the specific tasks ERM professionals face — with no unnecessary complexity.

  2. User-Friendly and Intuitive
    Business users and executives can easily use the platform with minimal to no training. This empowers broader participation across the organization and lets risk managers focus on strategy, not data collection.

  3. Fast Setup and Flexibility
    Get started in hours — not weeks. Essential ERM is configurable, scalable, and provides as much or as little support as your team needs. Advanced features can be toggled on/off based on your program’s maturity.

Key Features of Essential ERM

1. Enterprise Risk Console

  • Interactive, spreadsheet-like risk register

  • Drag-and-drop reprioritization

  • Advanced filters for customized data views

2. Detailed Risk Records

  • Assign categories and score:

    • Inherent Risk

    • Control Effectiveness

    • Residual Risk

  • Contextual pop-up help tailored to the risk category

  • Integrated Bow Tie diagrams for visual scenario analysis

3. Risk Relationships

  • Link parent risks with sub-risks (child risks)

  • Auto-calculate simple or weighted averages for scoring

  • Enables structured roll-up reporting and hierarchy modeling

4. Action Plans & Reminders

  • Users can create action plans tied to specific risks

  • Automated reminders help track progress and prompt updates

5. Objective Integration

  • Link risks directly to strategic objectives

  • Use Strategy Dashboard to:

    • Visualize risks by business goal

    • Identify when risk posture threatens execution

    • Compare strategic alternatives

6. Risk Appetite Dashboard

  • Define upper/lower thresholds for various risk categories

  • Monitor which risks exceed acceptable ranges

  • Supports board-level and executive oversight

7. Risk Voting

  • Quick and easy to set up

  • Reduces groupthink, encourages engagement

  • Mobile and desktop voting options

  • Supports bulk assessments with full vote history

8. Dynamic Reporting

  • Download on-demand reports with trend history

  • Board-friendly summary reports

  • Export full datasets for Power BI, Tableau, or other BI tools

9. Key Risk & Performance Indicators (KRIs/KPIs)

  • Configure automated alerts and email notifications

  • Get early warnings when thresholds are exceeded

  • Drive performance by tracking real-time risk posture shifts


Fast Start, Long-Term Growth

Essential ERM is ideal for both:

  • New programs seeking fast, easy deployment

  • Mature ERM programs needing scalable workflows and powerful reporting

We offer flexible packages tailored to your organization’s size, industry, and risk maturity level.

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