Setting up an internal data collection project

This guide explains how to start and configure a project so you can collect data from the right people and places.

Introduction

Data collection projects in Emitwise help you gather the information needed for measuring your company’s carbon emissions. You might create quarterly or annual projects—or even unique projects for specific business units. This guide explains how to start and configure a project so you can collect data from the right people and places.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Go to “My Company Data”

    • In the top navigation, click Collect and select My Company Data.
    • You’ll see a list of existing data collection projects (if any).

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  2. Create a New Project

    • Click the Create Project button.
    • Enter a project name (e.g., “2023 Q3 Data Collection”).
    • Set the data period (start and end dates of the time frame you’re measuring).
    • Specify the due date (when you expect all data to be collected).
    • (Optional) Provide the Emitwise point of contact for quick internal reference.

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  3. Confirm & Open Your Project

    • Click Create to finalize.
    • Your new project appears in the list. Selecting it takes you to the Overview tab by default.
  4. Understand Project Tabs

    • Overview: Shows progress dashboards (e.g., tasks completed vs. not started).

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    • Tasks: A matrix where rows are facilities and columns are activity types. Each cell is a “task” that needs data.

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    • Files: A consolidated view of all uploads made in this project.

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  5. Begin Configuring Your Tasks

    • Go to the Tasks tab.
    • Decide which activity types are relevant for which facilities, and set statuses accordingly (e.g., Not Started, Integration, Use Spend, Not Applicable).

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Choosing the Right Task Status

Deciding on the appropriate status for each task helps your team understand how data will be collected—or if it’s needed at all. Here’s a quick overview of the main options and when to use them:

  1. Not Started
    • Use this when you need someone to manually upload a data file (e.g., a spreadsheet or PDF).
    • Meaning: A data owner must take action. Once they provide the file and mark the task as complete, you’ll see the status update in the project.
  2. Integration
    • Use this when data automatically flows in from an existing system (e.g., utility accounts, ERP software).
    • Meaning: No manual uploads are required because the information syncs directly from the source.
  3. Use Spend
    • Use this when you plan to leverage spend or procurement data uploaded under Purchasing of Goods and Services.
    • Meaning: You won’t need a separate manual file for this activity; the spend data provided in the Purchasing of Goods and Services task will cover it.
  4. Not Applicable
    • Use this when the activity type doesn’t occur at a particular facility (e.g., no on-site fuel use, no water treatment).
    • Meaning: This task is effectively skipped and won’t appear in your main task grid once hidden.

By selecting the right status upfront, everyone on your team knows exactly how data will be provided—whether it’s manual upload, automated integration, or simply unnecessary. This clarity keeps the project organized and ensures all valid tasks get the attention they need.

Conclusion

You’ve created and accessed your internal collection project. Next, learn how to invite and assign data owners so they can upload data or confirm activities within your project.