Data Input Guide
Learn how to effectively enter ESG data into the EXO.G platform.
Overview
Data input is the foundation of your ESG reporting. This guide will help you:
- Understand data categories
- Use input forms effectively
- Maintain data quality
- Track changes and history
Data Categories
Environmental Data
GHG Emissions:
- Scope 1 (Direct emissions)
- Scope 2 (Electricity, heating/cooling)
- Scope 3 (Value chain emissions)
Energy:
- Electricity consumption
- Natural gas usage
- Renewable energy
- Energy intensity
Water & Waste:
- Water withdrawal
- Water discharge
- Waste generated
- Recycling rates
Social Data
Workforce:
- Employee count
- Diversity metrics
- Turnover rates
- Training hours
Health & Safety:
- Incident rates
- Lost time injuries
- Safety training
- Near misses
Community:
- Community investments
- Volunteer hours
- Local employment
- Charitable contributions
Governance Data
Board Composition:
- Board size
- Independent directors
- Diversity
- Committee structure
Ethics & Compliance:
- Code of conduct breaches
- Whistleblower reports
- Training completion
- Audit findings
How to Enter Data
Manual Entry
- Navigate to Data in your project
- Select category (Environmental, Social, Governance)
- Click "Add Data"
- Select indicator from dropdown
- Enter values and units
- Select reporting period
- Add notes or evidence (optional)
- Click "Save"
Coming soon Bulk import options (for example, from Excel templates) and
automated data feeds are planned for future versions of the platform. :::
Data Quality Best Practices
Be Consistent
- Use same units across periods
- Follow same methodologies
- Document any changes
- Apply definitions consistently
Document Sources
- Record where data comes from
- Note collection methodology
- Keep supporting evidence
- Enable audit trail
Review Before Saving
- Check for typos
- Verify units
- Compare with previous periods
- Flag anomalies
Use Data Validation
- Required fields
- Range checks
- Format validation
- Consistency rules
Common Data Points
GHG Emissions
Scope 1 Sources:
- Company vehicles
- On-site combustion
- Industrial processes
- Fugitive emissions
Scope 2 Sources:
- Purchased electricity
- District heating/cooling
- Steam
Scope 3 Categories:
- Purchased goods
- Business travel
- Employee commuting
- Waste
- Use of sold products
Energy Consumption
Direct Energy:
- Natural gas
- Fuel oil
- Diesel
- Gasoline
Indirect Energy:
- Electricity (grid)
- Renewable electricity (on-site)
- Renewable electricity (purchased)
Data Validation Rules
Required Fields
- Indicator name
- Value
- Unit
- Reporting period
- Data source
Optional but Recommended
- Notes/comments
- Evidence attachments
- Responsible person
- Verification status
Automatic Validations
- Positive values only (for most metrics)
- Reasonable ranges
- Date consistency
- Unit compatibility
Data History & Versioning
View History
See all changes to a data point:
- Open a data entry
- Click "History"
- View timeline of changes
- See who made each change
- Compare versions
Revert Changes
If you need to undo an edit:
- Open data history
- Select previous version
- Click "Restore"
- Confirm restoration
Track Revisions
- All edits are logged
- Timestamps recorded
- User attribution
- Reason for change (if provided)
Tips for Efficient Data Entry
Set Up Regular Schedule
- Monthly data entry recommended
- Assign owners per category
- Set reminders/deadlines
- Review before finalizing
Use Comments
- Note data quality issues
- Flag estimates vs. actuals
- Document assumptions
- Communicate with team
Leverage Shortcuts
- Duplicate previous period
- Bulk edit multiple entries
- Copy from templates
- Use import for repetitive data
Organize by Project
- Create projects per reporting period
- Use consistent naming
- Archive completed projects
- Maintain project library
Troubleshooting
Data Not Saving
Check:
- All required fields completed
- Values in valid range
- Correct units selected
- Network connection stable
Import Failing
Common Issues:
- Column headers don't match template
- Date format incorrect
- Invalid characters in numbers
- Missing required fields
Wrong Units
Fix:
- Edit the data entry
- Change unit dropdown
- Value will auto-convert (for compatible units)
- Or re-enter value manually
Can't Find Indicator
Solutions:
- Use search function
- Check category filter
- Request custom indicator from admin
- Use "Other" category temporarily
Next Steps
- Report Creation - Generate reports from your data
- Performance Dashboard - Visualize your data
- Integration Guide - Understand data flow
Need Help?
- In-app help: Click the ? icon
- Video tutorials: Watch demos
- Support: support@exo.com