Purpose of this article
This article explains the overall data onboarding process in Scaler, including the typical order in which data is added, what types of data are involved, and how to approach onboarding without trying to do everything at once.
How data onboarding works in Scaler
Data onboarding in Scaler is designed to be phased and iterative.
Rather than completing all data at once, most teams onboard data in stages:
- Establish a baseline
- Validate calculations and analytics
- Expand coverage and detail over time
This approach reduces complexity and allows teams to start using analytics and reports early.
The typical data onboarding sequence
While onboarding can vary by organisation, most teams follow a similar sequence.
1. Asset-level baseline setup
Before onboarding data, assets must be configured correctly.
This includes:
- Required asset details
- Asset unit systems
- Floor areas
Without this information, calculations and analytics cannot run.
Related article:
- Asset setup basics
2. Core consumption data
The next priority is onboarding core consumption data, typically:
- Energy
- Water
- Waste
This data is entered against meters and forms the basis for:
- Performance analytics
- Emissions calculations
- Reporting outputs
During onboarding, teams often start with:
- Annual or partial-year data
- Estimates where exact data is not yet available
3. Emission factor configuration
Once consumption data exists, Scaler applies emission factors to calculate emissions.
Emission factors are configured at portfolio level and determine:
- How energy and waste data is converted into emissions
- How Scope 1, 2, and 3 values are calculated
Default emission factors may already be available, but they should be reviewed early to ensure baseline accuracy.
Related articles:
- Emissions accounting in Scaler
- Configuring emission factors
4. Data validation and coverage checks
As data is onboarded, Scaler automatically evaluates:
- Data completeness
- Coverage by period
- Internal consistency
Teams should review:
- Alerts and warnings
- Data completion percentages
- Unexpected gaps or anomalies
This step ensures analytics and reports behave as expected.
5. Analytics review
With baseline data in place, teams should review analytics to:
- Confirm totals and trends
- Validate intensity metrics
- Identify missing or unusual values
This review is about reasonableness, not perfection.
Related article:
- Analytics overview
6. Reporting readiness
Once baseline data and analytics are validated, teams can:
- Generate test reports
- Identify report-specific required fields
- Complete additional reporting details as needed
Reporting readiness often reveals framework-specific data gaps, which can then be addressed incrementally.
What types of data are onboarded
Data onboarding in Scaler includes multiple data types.
These may include:
- Asset characteristics and floor areas
- Consumption data (energy, water, waste)
- Emission factors
- Financial data
- Certifications and qualitative indicators
- Targets, benchmarks, and measures
Not all data types are required during initial onboarding.
Ways to add data to Scaler
Scaler supports multiple data entry methods, which can be mixed and matched.
Common methods include:
- Manual entry in the platform
- Spreadsheet bulk upload
- Data requests to internal or external stakeholders
- Automations and integrations
Different methods may be used at different stages of onboarding.
Related article:
- How data enters Scaler (four supported methods)
What to prioritise during onboarding
During initial onboarding, prioritise:
- Asset setup and floor areas
- Core consumption data
- Emission factor review
- Data completeness and validation
Avoid trying to complete:
- Full historical backfills
- Advanced analytics configuration
- Detailed roadmaps
- Final reporting sign-off
These can be completed once the baseline is stable.
Common onboarding pitfalls
- Trying to complete all data types at once
- Delaying analytics review until all data is entered
- Over-configuring emission factors too early
- Waiting until reporting season to validate data
A phased approach helps avoid these issues.
Additional resources
To continue onboarding, read:
- How data enters Scaler (four supported methods)
If you are ready to start entering data:
- Meters & consumption in Scaler
- How to use the Scaler spreadsheet