GeSi³ or GeSi₄—GefStoff-Profi?
Compare the proven expert solution GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi with the new browser-based expert software GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi and find out which solution is a better fit for your specific situation.
- Compare Features and Technical Specifications
- Classify Differences Between New and Existing Customers
- Find the Right Solution Based on the Initial Situation
Quick Overview
The Differences at a Glance
GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi is particularly useful if you’re new to digital hazardous materials management, want to work in a browser-based environment, or wish to actively participate in the Early Access program.
If you are already using GeSi³, need a very comprehensive set of features right away, or would like to use other GeSi³ product lines such as SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi, GeSi³ may currently be the better option for you.
A proven expert solution
For companies that want to start working right away with a mature system, a wide range of features, and established hazardous materials processes.
- ✓ Comprehensive set of features
- ✓ Established
- ✓ Proven in practice
- ✓ For complex requirements
- ✓ Can be integrated with FaSi-Profi and SDB-Profi
You’ll be working with a proven, expert-driven solution that already effectively supports a wide range of hazardous materials processes in production. GeSi³ is particularly useful if you’re maintaining existing structures, implementing complex requirements, or need additional support from SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi.
New Generation of Software
For companies that are new to digital hazardous materials management, operate using browser-based systems, and want to adopt the new generation of software early on.
- ✓ Browser-based
- ✓ SaaS and on-premises
- ✓ Ideal for beginners
- ✓ Early Access with Priority Support
- ✓ Opportunity to contribute
You’ll start with a newly developed, browser-based expert software solution and can build out your hazardous materials management system step by step. Through Early Access, you’ll be among the first to use GeSi4, provide practical feedback, and continue working with an expanding range of features.
Both solutions support professional hazardous materials management—but differ in terms of their technical foundation, range of functions, starting point, and typical areas of application.
The following detailed comparison shows which solution is currently better suited to which need.
Detailed Comparison
A Direct Comparison of GeSi³ and GeSi⁴
To help you better understand the differences, the following table provides a direct comparison of key criteria. You can see how GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi and GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi differ in terms of feature set, technical foundation, deployment, and typical areas of application.
- For the best viewing experience, we recommend viewing this on a desktop or tablet. On smaller screens, you can scroll horizontally through the comparison table.
| Comparison point | GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi | GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi | Guidance |
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| Basic orientation | Proven expert solution for comprehensive and professional hazardous substance management. | New browser-based expert software for professional hazardous substance management. | GeSi³ stands for an established range of functions. GeSi4 stands for the entry into the new software generation. |
| Typical use | For companies that start with extensive requirements and need a broad range of functions for hazardous substance management. | For companies that want to build their hazardous substance management from scratch, work browser-based or get started with GeSi4 at an early stage. | The suitable solution depends primarily on your starting situation and your functional requirements. |
| New start / replacing Excel | Yes. Especially if a very comprehensive range of functions is needed from the beginning. | Yes. Especially if you want to build your hazardous substance management in a new, digital and browser-based way. | For Excel lists and isolated solutions, GeSi4 is often the natural starting point. |
| GeSi³ already in use | GeSi³ will continue to run in parallel over the next few years and will continue to receive updates. | A later transition to GeSi4 is planned and should be prepared together with the data migration. | GeSi³ users do not have to switch at short notice. The right time depends on data migration, functional scope and the product lines used. |
| Range of functions | Very comprehensive hazardous substance management software with many query options, filter options and optional add-ons. | Already well usable for most use cases in hazardous substance management. Additional functions are gradually being added during Early Access. | For extensive requirements and a broad functional scope, GeSi³ is usually more suitable. For step-by-step development in the new browser-based software generation, GeSi4 is an interesting option. |
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| SDBcheck® and SDS import | Safety data sheets can be read with SDBcheck® and further processed in GeSi³. | SDBcheck® is centrally integrated into the GeSi4 workflow. | Both solutions use SDBcheck® as an important data basis. |
| Is an SDBcheck® account required? | Yes, an SDBcheck® account is required. There are no additional costs for GeSi³ users. | Yes, an SDBcheck® account is required. There are no additional costs for GeSi4 users. | SDBcheck® is the entry point for extracted SDS data in both solutions. |
| Hazardous substance register | Established for hazardous substances, locations, quantities, substance information, queries and evaluations. | Hazardous substances, locations, quantities and substance information can be managed in a structured way. Queries and filters are being further expanded. | Both solutions support a structured hazardous substance register. GeSi³ is currently still more advanced for extensive queries and filters. |
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| Risk assessments | Established creation and documentation of hazardous substance risk assessments. | Part of the new workflow with substance data, activity, exposure and protective measures. | GeSi³ is proven. GeSi4 brings the work steps together more strongly in a new workflow. |
| EMKG and protective measures | EMKG and protective measures are integrated into the hazardous substance process. | EMKG, STOP principle and protective guidance sheets are integrated directly into the software. | GeSi4 makes working with protective guidance sheets particularly tangible within the workflow. |
| Operating instructions | Operating instructions can be created and edited on the basis of existing hazardous substance and SDS data. | Operating instructions are more closely linked to activity, exposure and protective measures. | Both solutions create operating instructions automatically from hazardous substance data. GeSi4 is designed to link the workflow more closely to activity, exposure and protective measures. |
| Activity-related operating instructions | Operating instructions are primarily based on hazardous substance and SDS data. | Operating instructions can be linked more strongly to the activity, risk assessment, exposure and protective measures. | If activity-related operating instructions are a particular focus, GeSi4 is especially interesting. |
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| Portals / read access | You can create an intranet portal that your employees can access. | Browser- and cloud-based hazardous substance portals for targeted read access. | Both provide information. GeSi4 is more strongly focused on browser and cloud use. |
| Roles and rights | Rights can be configured by module and assigned according to use. | Read and write rights can be assigned specifically for different functions. In addition, custom roles can be created. | Both solutions support controlled access. GeSi4 offers its own role management with flexibly definable permissions. |
| Evaluations and filters | Very comprehensive queries, filter options and evaluations. | Evaluations and filters are being further expanded in the new GeSi4 structure. | If many special queries are needed immediately, GeSi³ is currently usually more suitable. |
| Optional add-ons | Many optional add-ons available for special requirements. | Additional functions are being added step by step. | For special requirements, the required range of functions should be checked specifically. |
| Joint storage / storage | Established functions for storage and joint storage topics. | Joint storage is part of the ongoing GeSi4 development. | If storage functions are important immediately, GeSi³ should be examined more closely. |
| Hazardous substance labels | Usable as an extension in GeSi³. | Planned for GeSi4 as a further expansion step. | If labels are needed immediately, GeSi³ is currently the more obvious option. |
| SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi additionally | Currently the more suitable path if additional GeSi³ product lines are required. | SDB-Profi and FaSi-Profi are planned for GeSi4, but are currently not yet available there. | If you need SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi today, there are many reasons to choose GeSi³. |
| GeSi GefStoff-Profi as a service provider | Customer-specific structures can be mapped and information can be provided for reading via the intranet portal. | Customer-specific structures can also be mapped. Information can be provided flexibly via browser-based hazardous substance portals. | Both solutions are suitable for service providers. The difference lies primarily in how information is provided. |
| Early Access | On the market for more than 10 years and mature for productive use. | Early access, priority support and the possibility to contribute to development. | GeSi³ is the mature product generation with a proven range of functions. GeSi4 enables early entry into the new browser-based software generation. |
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| Migration from GeSi³ to GeSi4 | GeSi³ users can migrate to the on-premise version of GeSi4 free of charge. Switching to SaaS is also possible for an additional charge. | Data migration from GeSi³ to GeSi4 is planned. Migration from GeSi4 back to GeSi³ is not possible. | Existing customers should coordinate migration, operating model and timing individually with GeSi Software. |
| Cloud / SaaS | No. GeSi³ is an on-premise solution. | Yes. GeSi4 is available as a SaaS/cloud solution. | If a cloud solution is desired, GeSi4 is the suitable path. |
| On-premise / own IT | Yes. GeSi³ is operated in your own IT environment. | Yes. GeSi4 can also be operated as an on-premise web app. | On-premise is possible with both. With GeSi4, users still work browser-based. |
| Technical basis | Proven on-premise software generation. | Developed from the ground up as a browser-based solution. | GeSi³ is established. GeSi4 is technically newly positioned. |
| Installation at the workplace | Classic GeSi³ use in the existing IT environment. | No local installation on individual workstations required. Access is via the browser. | GeSi4 reduces the effort required on individual workstations. |
Use Cases
Which solution is right for your situation?
While the comparison table shows the key differences in detail, the following use cases help you understand how to apply them in practice. This will help you quickly identify which solution is typically best suited for which scenario.
You are currently using Excel and would like to set up a digital system for managing hazardous substances.
If you’ve been working with Excel spreadsheets, PDF files, or individual documents, GeSi4 is often the most natural place to start. You’ll start right away with the new generation of browser-based software and can systematically build up your database of hazardous substances, MSDS data, locations, quantities, risk assessments, and operating instructions step by step.
You are already using GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi.
Are you already using GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi? If so, you should not rush to switch your existing processes. If you also use SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi, it makes sense to wait to switch until these product lines are also available in GeSi4. We’ll contact you as soon as the data migration is ready. The goal is to make your GeSi³ data available in GeSi4 as well. More information on the migration will follow.
You need a very extensive range of features right away.
GeSi³ is currently the better solution if you want to start using a very comprehensive hazardous materials management software right away. This is especially true if you need a large number of queries, filtering options, additional features, or specialized functions right away.
You want to work in a browser-based environment and keep IT costs low.
GeSi4 was developed from the ground up as a browser-based solution and is available as a SaaS/cloud solution. This is particularly appealing if you want to work without a traditional desktop installation and reduce technical operational overhead.
You will also need SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi.
If you also need SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi today, GeSi³ is currently the better option. Both product lines are scheduled to be phased into GeSi4, but are not yet available there.
You would like to provide hazardous materials management services to your clients.
As a service provider, you can generally manage hazardous substances using either solution. GeSi³ offers a comprehensive, proven set of features for this purpose. GeSi4 is particularly appealing if you work in a browser-based environment, want to integrate customers more flexibly, and wish to provide hazardous substance information via a SaaS solution.
Not sure which scenario applies to you?
Whether GeSi³ or GeSi4 is a better fit depends on your existing processes, your functional requirements, and your technical environment. During a one-on-one consultation, we’ll work together to determine which solution makes the most sense for your situation.
GeSi consists of specialists in the fields of chemistry, software development, legal compliance and occupational medicine.
Our chemists, developers and occupational physicians will not leave you on your own, even with complex specialist and technical issues.
Over 30 years of experience in the field of hazardous substances, SDS and occupational safety make GeSi a legally compliant tool.
GeSi Software operates an information security management system certified by TÜV SÜD. We protect your data.
Over 30 years of experience in the field of hazardous substances, SDS and occupational safety make GeSi a legally compliant tool.
Get to Know GeSi³ and GeSi⁴ Firsthand
Get to know GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi and GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi firsthand. Our webinars offer practical insights into key workflows in digital hazardous substance management.
GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi Webinar
Discover the proven expert solution for comprehensive hazardous substance management. In this webinar, we’ll show you how GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi supports you every step of the way—from safety data sheets and hazardous substance inventories to risk assessments and operating instructions.
GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi Webinar
Experience the new browser-based expert software in action. In this webinar, we’ll show you how GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi supports key workflows in digital hazardous substance management—from MSDS processing to operating instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comparing GeSi³ and GeSi⁴
Many questions only arise once you compare the feature sets, technical foundations, and starting points. That’s why the FAQs provide answers to the most important questions about GeSi³, GeSi4, SDBcheck®, Early Access, Cloud, On-Premise, and data migration.
What is the difference between GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi and GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi?
GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi is the proven expert solution for professional hazardous substance management, offering a wide range of features and established processes. GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi is the new browser-based expert software from GeSi Software, available as a SaaS/cloud solution and as an on-premises version.
The most important difference, therefore, lies not in the fundamental goal, but in the entry point, technical foundation, and current feature set: GeSi³ is particularly well-suited for companies that want to get started with a very comprehensive solution right away. GeSi4 is especially appealing if you’re just starting out, prefer a browser-based approach, or want to adopt the new generation of software early on.
GeSi4 is currently available in Early Access and is being expanded in stages. This allows companies to start using the new generation of software early on and contribute their experiences to its further development.
Which hazardous materials management software is a better fit: GeSi³ or GeSi4?
Which hazardous substances management software is the best fit depends on your specific situation. If you need a very extensive range of features right away, are already using GeSi³, or would like to use SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi in addition, GeSi³ is currently usually the better choice.
If, on the other hand, you’re new to digital hazardous materials management, want to replace Excel spreadsheets, work in a browser-based environment, or use a SaaS solution, GeSi4 is often the obvious choice. During a consultation, we’ll work with you to determine which solution best fits your processes, requirements, and technical constraints.
When is GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi the better choice?
GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi is particularly well-suited if you want to start working right away with a very comprehensive and proven hazardous substances management software solution. This is especially true for complex requirements, frequent queries, established hazardous substances processes, or additional needs for SDB-Profi and FaSi-Profi.
Even for existing customers who are already using GeSi³, it often makes sense to continue using the existing solution for the time being. You should only consider switching to GeSi4 once the required feature set and data migration align with your specific situation.
When is GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi the better choice?
GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi is particularly useful if you’re setting up your hazardous materials management system from scratch and want to work directly in a browser-based environment. The solution is well-suited for companies that want to replace Excel spreadsheets, PDF archives, or individual documents with a centralized digital structure.
GeSi4 is also a good choice if you prefer a SaaS/cloud solution, want to reduce the effort required at individual workstations, or would like to get early access to the new generation of software and help shape its development.
Which solution is better suited if we're currently working with Excel?
If you’re currently working with Excel spreadsheets and want to set up a digital hazardous materials management system, GeSi4 is often the natural place to start. You’ll begin right away with the new generation of browser-based software and can organize hazardous materials, safety data sheets, locations, quantities, risk assessments, and operating instructions step by step.
GeSi³ can also be a suitable solution if you need a very broad range of features right from the start. For many newcomers, however, GeSi4 is particularly attractive because it is browser-based and well-suited for a structured fresh start.
Can I switch from GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi to GeSi4?
Yes, a transition from GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi to GeSi4 is planned. This applies both to existing GeSi³ users and to new customers who are currently opting for GeSi³ for the time being.
Switching to GeSi4 at a later date makes particular sense if the features you need are available in GeSi4 and you have not integrated any other GeSi³ product lines, such as SDB-Profi or FaSi-Profi. These product lines are planned for GeSi4 but are not yet available there.
As soon as the data migration is ready, we will contact you. The goal is to make your GeSi³ data available in GeSi4 as well. More information about the migration will be published in the future.
What is SDBcheck®, and do I need an account to use it?
SDBcheck® is GeSi Software’s online tool for extracting and verifying safety data sheets. The extracted and verified SDS data can then be used as the basis for your hazardous substance management in GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi or GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi.
An SDBcheck® account is required for both software versions. The account is free of charge. As a GeSi Software customer, you will automatically be granted access to the SDBcheck® Premium account after purchase.
Can service providers manage hazardous materials for their clients using GeSi³ or GeSi4?
Yes, service providers can generally manage hazardous substances using either solution. GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi offers a comprehensive and proven set of features for this purpose. GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi is particularly appealing if, as a service provider, you work in a browser-based environment, want to integrate customers more flexibly, or wish to provide hazardous substance information via a SaaS solution.
Which solution is best depends on how you serve your customers, what information needs to be provided, and how flexible access needs to be.
What does "Early Access" mean in GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi?
Early Access means you can start using GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi ahead of schedule and get hands-on experience with the new generation of browser-based software. You’ll work with an expanding range of features and can build up your hazardous substance management system step by step in GeSi4.
The Early Access Program is not a traditional trial version, but rather a guided introduction to GeSi4. You’ll receive priority support from GeSi Software. There is no obligation to actively participate in the software’s further development. However, you have the opportunity to share your experiences, ask questions, and suggest user requests, and to help shape future functions and features.
What are the technical differences between GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi and GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi?
GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi is the proven generation of on-premises software and is operated within the user’s own IT environment. GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi, on the other hand, was developed as a browser-based web app and can be used as a SaaS/cloud solution or as an on-premises version.
For users, this means that in GeSi4, access is available via the browser in both versions. A local installation on individual workstations is not required. From a technical standpoint, the most important factors are your IT requirements, your preferred operating model, the internal administrative effort involved, and whether GeSi4 should be hosted by GeSi Software or operated within your own IT infrastructure.
Next Step
Let's work together to assess your needs
Whether GeSi³ GefStoff-Profi or GeSi4 GefStoff-Profi is the better fit depends on your existing processes, your functional requirements, and your technical environment. In a one-on-one consultation, we’ll work with you to determine which solution best supports your hazardous materials management.