Data Validation Rules
Data validation is a crucial part of ensuring that your CO₂ emissions data is accurate, complete, and compliant with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. BeWo's platform implements several validation rules to help you input data correctly and avoid common mistakes. This article explains why validation is important and provides an easy-to-understand table of the validation rules you should be aware of.
Why We Validate Inputs
- Compliance with GHG Protocol: Ensuring that your data aligns with the GHG Protocol standards is essential for accurate and credible emissions reporting.
- Completeness of Data: Validation helps prevent incomplete or incorrect data entries, which could lead to inaccurate emissions calculations.
Data Validation Rules
Below is a table outlining the key data validation rules implemented in the platform:
| Validation Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Organization Required | An organization must always be specified for each data entry. |
| Facility Required for Category | Certain categories require a facility to be set. Ensure you assign a facility where necessary. |
| Time Period within One Reporting Year | The time period for data entries cannot span multiple reporting years. Each entry should be within a single reporting year. |
| Supplier Value Required for Supplier Estimation | When using the supplier-based estimation approach, the supplier value must be provided. |
| Facility Belongs to Organization | The selected facility must be part of the chosen organization. |
| Start Time Before End Time | The start date of the period should be before the end date. |
| Unsupported Value Parameter Type | The chosen value parameter type is not supported in this context. Please select a valid parameter type. |
| Unsupported Unit for Type | The selected type does not support the given unit. Ensure the unit is appropriate for the type. |
| Currency Unit Required for Spend Estimation | When using the spend-based estimation approach, a currency unit must be used. |
| Type Not Inputable by User | The chosen type cannot be input manually by the user. Please select an appropriate type. |
| Category Required | A category must always be specified for each data entry. |
| Value Parameter Type Required | The value parameter type must be set. |
| Unit Required Unless Supplier Estimation | A unit must be specified unless the estimation approach is supplier-based. |
| Type Required for Category | A type must be selected that corresponds to the chosen category. |
| Value Required Unless Supplier Estimation | A value must be provided unless the estimation approach is supplier-based. |
| Period Must Be Within Valid Reporting Year | The period should fall within a valid reporting year. |
| Period Must Match Selected Reporting Year | The period should be part of the chosen reporting year. |
| Type Not Supported by Category | The selected type is not supported by the chosen category. Please choose a compatible type. |
Understanding the Validation Rules
Here are explanations for some of the validation rules:
-
Organization and Category Requirements: These ensure that every data entry is properly categorized and associated with the correct organizational unit.
-
Facility Assignment: For certain categories, specifying a facility is necessary to accurately attribute emissions.
-
Time Period Constraints: Emissions data should be reported within a single reporting year to maintain consistency and accuracy.
-
Estimation Approaches and Required Fields:
- Supplier Estimation: When using supplier data, you must provide the supplier value, but units may not be required.
- Activity and Spend Estimations: These require specific units and values to calculate emissions accurately.
-
Units and Types Compatibility: Not all units are compatible with all types. For example, you cannot use a currency unit for a type that requires a physical quantity like kilograms or liters.
Tips for Avoiding Validation Errors
- Double-Check Required Fields: Ensure all mandatory fields are filled out before saving or posting your data.
- Use Appropriate Units: Make sure the units you select are compatible with the type of data you're entering.
- Validate Time Periods: Confirm that your data's time periods align with the reporting year you've selected.
- Select Compatible Types and Categories: Ensure that the type you select is valid for the chosen category.
Next Steps
By understanding and adhering to these validation rules, you can minimize errors and ensure your data is accurate and compliant.
- 👉 Return to: Adding and Editing Vouchers
- 👉 Proceed to: Fixing Errors
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance with data validation, our support team is here to help.
👉 Contact Support: Support Page
By following the data validation guidelines, you help maintain the integrity of your CO₂ emissions reporting, ensuring it meets the necessary standards and provides reliable information for sustainability initiatives.