Buyer's Guide6 min read

How to Choose LOLER Inspection Software — 7 Things to Check

Not all inspection software is built for LOLER. Here are the 7 criteria that matter — with the exact questions to ask every vendor before you commit.

The inspection software market has expanded rapidly. Most platforms will claim LOLER support — but there is a significant difference between "configurable for LOLER" and "built for LOLER." These 7 criteria cut through the marketing and focus on what actually matters for UK LOLER inspection companies.

1
Works offline — genuinely

Ask the vendor to demonstrate offline mode with no signal. Many platforms claim offline capability but require connectivity for certain features — report submission, photo upload, syncing. Full offline means the entire inspection can be completed and the report generated without a single network request.

Ask this
“Can your demo show me a complete inspection — from start to submitted report — with no internet connection?”
2
Generates Schedule 1-compliant reports automatically

The examination report must contain all 12 Schedule 1 fields. Ask the vendor to show you an example report and map each field to Schedule 1. If they cannot do this immediately, the platform probably does not produce compliant reports without manual effort.

Ask this
“Can you show me an example report and confirm which Schedule 1 fields are populated automatically?”
3
Handles 6-month and 12-month intervals per asset type

The platform must track inspection intervals correctly by equipment type — 6 months for lifting accessories and person-lifting equipment, 12 months for everything else. If you have to manually set the interval for every asset, configuration errors will eventually cause missed examinations.

Ask this
“Does the software automatically set the correct LOLER interval based on equipment type, or do I have to configure it manually?”
4
Supports defect categorisation (A, B, C)

LOLER defect categories are a core part of the examination report. The platform should prompt the examiner to categorise every defect found, store the category in the report, and ideally alert the dutyholder when a Cat A defect is recorded.

Ask this
“How does the platform handle Category A defects — does it trigger any notification or alert?”
5
Has a client-facing portal or certificate delivery

If you inspect for clients, they need access to their certificates. Manual certificate delivery (emailing PDFs) does not scale. A client portal where clients can log in and self-serve certificates is a significant time-saver and a competitive differentiator.

Ask this
“Do clients get their own login to view their assets and download certificates?”
6
Pricing that works at your team size

Per-user pricing becomes expensive quickly. A team of 10 inspectors on a £40/user/month platform costs £400/month before any add-ons. Calculate your total cost at your actual team size and compare to flat-fee alternatives.

Ask this
“What does your platform cost for our actual team size? Are there any limits on assets, reports, or clients?”
7
UK company, UK compliance focus

LOLER is UK legislation. Some inspection platforms are built for other regulatory frameworks (e.g. US OSHA, European EN standards) and adapted for UK use. Look for a platform built specifically for LOLER 1998 and maintained by a team that follows HSE guidance updates.

Ask this
“Is your platform built for UK LOLER 1998, and how do you maintain compliance as regulations change?”

Lolerflow answers yes to all 7

Built for LOLER 1998. Full offline. Schedule 1 auto-reports. Flat £250/month. 30-day free trial — no card required.

Start free trial →
What is the most important feature to look for in LOLER inspection software?+
Offline capability. Most LOLER inspections happen in locations with poor or no mobile signal — industrial sites, inside cranes, underground. Software that requires a live internet connection for on-site use is not fit for purpose regardless of its other features. Verify offline mode works completely before evaluating anything else.
How much should LOLER inspection software cost?+
Expect to pay between £150 and £500/month for a purpose-built LOLER platform, depending on features and team size. Be cautious of per-user pricing if you have a team of more than 3–4 inspectors — it adds up quickly. Lolerflow charges £250/month flat, unlimited users.
Should I choose LOLER-specific software or a generic inspection platform?+
For companies whose primary work is LOLER inspections, LOLER-specific software is almost always the right choice. Generic platforms require significant configuration to meet LOLER requirements, and that configuration must be maintained as regulations change. LOLER-specific software ships compliant and keeps itself compliant.
→ Lolerflow vs SafetyCulture — Full Comparison→ The True Cost of LOLER Non-Compliance vs Software→ LOLER Inspection Software Pillar Guide