What is Essential ERM and how does it differ from traditional risk tools?

Essential ERM is an enterprise risk management platform that transforms risk from a compliance burden into strategic intelligence. Unlike spreadsheet-based or legacy GRC tools that focus on documentation, Essential ERM provides interactive bow-tie analysis, real-time 5x5 risk heat maps, predictive analytics, and automated workflows. It connects risk data across your organization to deliver actionable insights, not just reports.

How long does implementation take?

Essential ERM is designed for rapid deployment. You can be up and running on day one with core risk tracking active and team access configured. Within 30 days, most organizations have imported historical data, configured workflows, and are fully operational. Compare this to legacy GRC tools that typically require 6-12 month implementations with expensive consulting engagements.

How does bow-tie risk analysis work in Essential ERM?

Bow-tie analysis in Essential ERM provides a visual methodology that maps the full lifecycle of a risk. On the left side, you identify root causes and preventive controls. The center represents the risk event itself. On the right, you map potential consequences and mitigating controls. This visual approach makes it easy to see gaps in your control environment and communicate risk scenarios to stakeholders at every level.

What risk scoring methodologies does Essential ERM support?

Essential ERM supports three-level risk assessment: inherent risk (before controls), residual risk (after existing controls), and target risk (desired future state). Scoring uses configurable likelihood and impact scales, with the most common being a 5x5 matrix. The platform automatically calculates risk scores and visualizes them on interactive heat maps, making it easy to prioritize your response efforts.

Does Essential ERM integrate with our existing systems?

Yes. Essential ERM integrates with major enterprise systems including SAP, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and ServiceNow, plus offers REST APIs for custom integrations. Within the Tracker Networks ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with Essential Compliance, Essential Strategy, Essential ESG, and Essential Incidents for unified GRC management across all risk domains.

Who typically uses Essential ERM within an organization?

Essential ERM serves multiple roles: Chief Risk Officers use executive dashboards and board reporting tools; Risk Analysts perform day-to-day assessments using bow-tie analysis, heat maps, and risk scoring; Department Owners submit and track risks through simple workflows; and Compliance & Audit teams leverage complete audit trails and regulatory framework mapping. Role-based access controls ensure each user sees exactly what they need.

How does KRI tracking and intelligent linking work?

Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) in Essential ERM are linked directly to risks, controls, and strategic objectives. When a KRI breaches a threshold, the platform automatically alerts relevant stakeholders and triggers predefined workflows. Intelligent linking means that changes in one area — such as a control failure — automatically update related KRIs, risk scores, and dashboards in real time.

How does integrated incident management work?

Essential ERM includes built-in incident management that captures, investigates, and resolves incidents within your risk framework. When an incident occurs, automated workflows route it to the right responders with structured investigation templates. Root cause analysis links incidents directly back to risks and controls, creating a continuous improvement loop. Near-miss tracking and lessons learned are automatically incorporated into your risk models.

How is our risk data secured?

Essential ERM uses enterprise-grade security including 256-bit encryption for data in transit and at rest, SOC 2 certified data centers, zero-trust access controls, and 24/7 security monitoring. The platform supports role-based access with granular permissions, complete audit trails for all activities, and flexible deployment options to meet your organization's data residency requirements. Tracker Networks is AICPA SOC certified.

How is Essential ERM priced?

Essential ERM pricing is based on your organization's size and requirements. We offer flexible plans that scale with your needs. No credit card is required to get started, and all plans include comprehensive onboarding, training, and enterprise support. Contact our sales team for a personalized quote tailored to your organization.

What is enterprise risk management (ERM) software?

Enterprise risk management (ERM) software is a platform that helps organizations systematically identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks across all business units. It replaces manual spreadsheets and disconnected tools with a centralized risk register, automated workflows, and real-time dashboards. Modern ERM platforms like Essential ERM also include bow-tie analysis, heat maps, KRI tracking, and incident management to provide a complete view of organizational risk.

What are the key features to look for in ERM software?

The most important features in ERM software include: a flexible and easy-to-use risk register, risk scoring with inherent, residual, and target risk levels, visual tools like bow-tie analysis and 5x5 heat maps, Key Risk Indicator (KRI) tracking, incident management, automated workflows and approval chains, role-based dashboards for different stakeholders, audit trail logging, and integration with existing enterprise systems like SAP, Microsoft 365, and ServiceNow.

How does Essential ERM compare to spreadsheet-based risk management?

Spreadsheets lack version control, real-time collaboration, automated workflows, and visual risk analysis. Essential ERM replaces spreadsheets with a centralized risk register that multiple users can access simultaneously, interactive bow-tie diagrams and heat maps for visual analysis, automated alerts when KRIs breach thresholds, complete audit trails for governance, and real-time dashboards that update as risk data changes. Most organizations are fully migrated from spreadsheets within 30 days.

ESSENTIALERM

Replace Spreadsheets and Siloed Risk Data
With a Single Source of Truth

Essential ERM gives risk teams real-time visibility across every risk, control, and incident — so you can move from reactive firefighting to proactive decision-making. Up and running in 30 days.

Get a Personalized Demo

No credit card required

30-day implementation

Enterprise support

5-star rated

•

0+ users · 55 countries

Everything You Need to Identify, Assess, and Mitigate Risk

See how each capability works together to give your team complete visibility and control — from risk identification through resolution.

Risk Intelligence and Analytics

Turn Risk Data Into Strategic Decisions

See your entire risk landscape in real time — and spot emerging threats before they hit.

Advanced risk analytics with interactive dashboards
Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) with intelligent linking
Predictive risk analytics for proactive management
Interactive 5x5 risk matrix and bow-tie analysis

Try the Interactive Risk Matrix

Risk Heatmap

Show Ref Numbers

Impact

Very High

High

Medium

Low

Very Low

511

914

4616

1317

712

Very Unlikely

Unlikely

Possible

Likely

Very Likely

Likelihood

Interactive demo — hover cells to see risk details

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Flexible Risk Register Platform

Scale Risk Management Without Complexity

An intuitive risk register that grows with your business — customize workflows, fields, and scoring without writing code.

Centralized risk register with easy-to-use interface
Flexible configuration - no coding required
Multi-user collaboration and risk voting
Automated workflows and approval chains

Explore Risk Register Features

Essential ERM Risk Details showing flexible risk register and configuration

30-day implementation

Interactive Bow-Tie Risk Analysis

Visualize Risk From Cause to Consequence

Map root causes, controls, and consequences in one interactive bow-tie diagram — then drag, drop, and edit in real time.

Interactive drag-and-drop bow-tie diagrams
Pre-event and post-event mitigation tracking
Control effectiveness ratings
Financial impact analysis per consequence

Try the Interactive Bow-Tie Tool

Root Causes

Insufficient cybersecurity training

Unpatched software vulnerabilities

Weak user credentials

Pre-Event

Quarterly security awareness training

Automated patch management (48hr SLA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Risk Event

Major cybersecurity breach results in unauthorized access to sensitive data

Post-Event

Cyber Incident Response Plan activation

Cybersecurity insurance policy

Crisis communication strategy

Consequences

Brand reputation damage & customer trust loss

Regulatory fines & legal costs

Operational disruption & system downtime

Bow-tie analysis maps causes → controls → risk → controls → consequences

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Risk Appetite Management

Align Risk Decisions With Business Strategy

Define your risk appetite and ensure every risk decision directly supports your strategic objectives.

Risk appetite framework and tolerance management
Compliance management with regulatory frameworks
Business continuity planning and incident management
Strategic objective linking and alignment

Learn About Risk Appetite

Strategic alignment

Integrated Incident Management

Detect, Respond, and Resolve Incidents Faster

Capture, investigate, and resolve incidents within your risk framework — with automated routing and root cause analysis built in.

Real-time incident detection and automated alerting
Structured investigation with root cause analysis
Automated escalation workflows and SLA tracking
Incident-to-risk linking for continuous improvement

See Incident Management in Action

Essential ERM Incident Details showing incident tracking, investigation, and resolution

75% faster resolution

Plus Everything Else You'd Expect From an Enterprise Platform

Built-in capabilities that keep your risk program audit-ready and fully connected.

Complete audit trail logging for corporate governance

Real-time risk monitoring and impact tracking

Comprehensive GRC platform integration

Risk appetite definition and management

Transparency and communication tools

Enterprise-grade security and compliance

Built for How Risk Teams Actually Work

Four core modules that cover your full risk lifecycle — from first identification to ongoing monitoring and reporting.

Essential ERM risk details and assessment interface

Advanced Risk Assessment & Identification

Core ERM Feature

Identify and score risks across business units with bow-tie analysis and a centralized register.

Centralized risk register and dashboard
Bow-tie analysis with root cause identification
Integrated risk assessment across business units
Multi-level risk scoring with automated calculations