Walking into demos without a written checklist is how teams end up comparing vendors on charisma instead of capability. Use this list alongside our how-to-choose framework, tailor the must-have flags to your operating model, then take it into the comparison grid.
Clinical & medical records
The core record has to model occ health relationships, not just patients.
- Employer/employee/job-linked occupational health record
- Recurring medical surveillance with exposure-based cohorts
- Structured exam capture: audiograms, spirometry, vision, vitals
- Injury & case management through return-to-work
- Immunization and titer tracking with reminders
Compliance & reporting
Confirm each item is demonstrated live, with real sample data. If a line item is unfamiliar, see what each capability means.
- OSHA 300 / 300A / 301 logs and ITA electronic submission
- DOT / FMCSA physicals and National Registry workflow
- Drug & alcohol testing with random pools and MRO steps
- Respirator medical clearance linked to fit testing
- On-demand audit and client reporting
Operations & workflow
This is where day-to-day throughput is won or lost.
- Bulk/event scheduling (e.g., large surveillance days)
- Protocol & job-based exam rules
- Employer/client self-service portal
- Front-desk → provider → checkout charting flow
- Employer-direct billing and/or medical claims
Platform & integrations
Score these honestly — they cause the most long-term pain.
- HRIS / HCM roster sync
- Lab integration via HL7 / LIS
- Documented open API and webhooks
- Telehealth visit support
- Mobile access for staff and employees
Security & support
Non-negotiables when you're handling PHI.
- HIPAA compliance and SOC 2 (or equivalent) attestation
- Granular role-based access control
- Cloud delivery with vendor-managed updates
- Written implementation, migration, and training plan
- References at your size and operating model
Key takeaways
- Bring a written checklist to every demo and score consistently.
- Flag must-haves per category before you start.
- Insist on live demonstrations for compliance items.
- Treat security attestations and references as gating criteria.