Data Processes
- I have the ability to help your company stream-line and error-proof your data collection and reporting processes.
- I have managed data collection and reporting for 17 years, from 2007 to 2023. I designed the initial data collection system in 2007, this was a series of linked spreadsheets to collect operations sustainability data. Collected data from 75 manufacturing plants and over 50 non-manufacturing data.
Purchased enterprise software on two occasions. Developed the software specification, solicited proposals, selected the vendors, decided how to design the software to meet company needs, managed deployment, loaded historical data and trained users. Repeated the entire process five years later when the selected software failed to grow with Kohler Co. needs.
Hired and trained several data analysts. Developed processes to ensure we receive accurate and complete data.
We ask for explanations for the biggest changes in operational footprint. Often we find the change is normal – the production level or product mixture changed, a machine failed and needed to be fixed, product sales went up or down with associated changes in manufacturing efficiency, etc. But sometimes we find that the data change was a short term error that could be easily remedied. Our policy is to be able to explain the reasons for 80% of the change in environmental footprint.
We look for similar operations so we can compare performance internally. How can one plant use 1 liter of water to make a ‘widget’ when another plant needs 6 liters of water per ‘widget’? Once we are assured the data is correct, we know where to look for future reduction opportunities.
We look for missing data. Most organizations will have a list of all business properties for insurance purposes. We make sure that we either have (a) utility bills for all locations or (b) that we confirm there are no company paid invoices and (c) estimate any missing utility bills.
- Regular reporting is key to obtaining actionable information. I recommend a cadence of monthly, quarterly and annual reporting, allowing different levels of leadership to monitor (and change) their performance.
- Data verification is becoming expected. I have established verification processes, using third-party verifiers. Note that the verifier is not allowed to advise on the data reporting process. It is helpful to have both a data administrator and a third-party verifier.