How to use this guide
This page explains the topic, a proportionate scope, useful outputs and questions to ask. It is not a fixed consulting package; the actual work should follow your reporting basis, business boundary, maturity and decision needs.
When data and dashboard support is useful
Support is useful when data arrives through inconsistent spreadsheets, definitions vary between business units, evidence is difficult to retain or management receives figures too late to act.
Design the information architecture first
Before selecting software, agree what information is needed, why it is needed, how it will be used, who owns it and what evidence supports it.
| Element | What to define | Typical output |
|---|---|---|
| Data dictionary | KPI definition, unit, boundary, frequency and calculation. | Controlled KPI catalogue. |
| Ownership | Preparer, reviewer, approver and escalation route. | Data RACI and contact register. |
| Workflow | Collection window, validation, correction and sign-off. | Reporting calendar and status workflow. |
| Evidence | Acceptable source records, retention and version control. | Evidence checklist and repository structure. |
| Controls | Reasonableness checks, reconciliations and change approval. | Control matrix and exception log. |
| Dashboard | Audience, decision, thresholds, trend and commentary. | Management and board dashboard views. |
Useful deliverables
- ESG KPI and data dictionary.
- Data-owner and reviewer matrix.
- Standard collection templates or configured workflow.
- Validation rules, reconciliation checks and exception log.
- Evidence repository structure and retention guide.
- Management dashboard with trend and variance commentary.
- Platform requirements specification and implementation roadmap.
Design dashboards around decisions
A board dashboard and an operational dashboard should not be identical. Board reporting should focus on material performance, target outlook, incidents, major risks and decisions required. Operational views can provide facility, business-unit or supplier detail for corrective action.
Select technology after the process is clear
Software can improve workflow, audit trails, calculations and visualisation. It cannot fix ambiguous definitions, inconsistent boundaries or weak accountability. A requirements specification should distinguish essential controls from attractive but unnecessary features.
Use AI with controlled inputs and review
AI can help classify source documents, draft commentary, identify anomalies or summarise trends. Sensitive data, unsupported claims, calculation logic and final disclosures require clear human review and governance.
What your team should prepare
- Current KPI list, templates, calculation files and reporting timetable.
- Business-unit and facility data owners.
- Evidence samples and known reconciliation issues.
- Existing IT systems and integration constraints.
- Board, management and operational reporting needs.
- Assurance ambitions and access-control requirements.
Questions to ask an adviser or software vendor
- How will definitions and boundaries be governed?
- What validation and approval controls are built in?
- Can the organisation export its data and calculation history?
- How are changes, emission factors and restatements recorded?
- Which dashboard decisions have been defined before visualisation?