Why is Mapping Important?
As you add more products in Pickler, it's likely that some product data will be listed as "Not mapped" in your product overview. This is because you haven't connected it to IDEMAT, our Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database.
Pickler uses the IDEMAT database for material impacts, Google Maps for transport distances, and its own database for production methods. Mapping ensures your data aligns with these sources for consistent and reliable results. Unmapped data defaults to worst-case scenarios, inflating your footprint.
To learn more about data mapping, click here.
By not having connected the dots between your product data (also known as Reference Data) and IDEMAT, you're not able to get as accurate calculations as possible. Let's change that!
Steps to do Data Mapping
Accessing Data Mapping
In the main navigation, click on 'Data Mapping'. When you click on it, you'll be greeted by this screen.Understanding the Mapping Interface
The Data Mapping page is divided into three tabs.
Materials: Map your internal material names to IDEMAT materials.
Production Processes: Map your production methods and locations.
Transport Locations: Map your transport locations to Google Maps.
End of Life regions: Map the region in which your product is disposed of
Category: Map the product category that your product most accurately fits under
Mapping Materials
View Unmapped Materials: The 'Materials' tab displays any unmapped materials from your products.
Search for IDEMAT Matches: For each unmapped material, Pickler suggests potential matches from the IDEMAT database. Review these carefully.
Confirm or Search Manually: If a suggestion is correct, click 'Map'. If not, use the search bar to find a more appropriate IDEMAT material. Be as specific as possible in your search terms.
Consider 'New Material': If no suitable IDEMAT material exists, you can create a 'New Material' entry. This requires extensive LCA data and is generally not recommended unless you have strong justification.
Mapping Production Processes
View Production Processes: The 'Production Processes' tab shows unmapped processes.
Add Production Location: Specify the country (required) and optionally a more precise location for each process.
Select or Add Process: Choose a pre-filled production method or create a custom one. Custom methods require you to input the energy usage (kWh/kg).
Mapping Transport Locations
View Transport Locations: The 'Transport Locations' tab displays unmapped locations.
Search and Select: Use the search bar to find the correct location in Google Maps. Ensure the selected location is accurate.
Mapping End of Life regions:
Pick and Select: Use the dropdown menu to select the region where your product is being disposed of.
Mapping End of Life regions:
Pick and Select: Use the dropdown menu to select the product category that most accurately represents your product. This allows it to be shown and used in the filtering section on the Impact Reports overview page.
Tips for Accurate Mapping:
Be Specific: Use precise search terms and select the most accurate options from the suggested matches.
Review Suggestions Carefully: Don't blindly accept suggested mappings. Take the time to ensure they are correct.
Use Primary Data When Possible: If you have reliable supplier-specific data for materials or energy, use it instead of relying solely on market averages.
Address Unmapped Items Promptly: Regularly check the Data Mapping page and map any new unmapped items to maintain data accuracy.
By diligently mapping your data, you ensure that Pickler accurately calculates the environmental impact of your packaging, leading to more informed decisions and credible sustainability claims.