Preparing for EcoVadis efficiently: How industrial companies reduce effort and improve their rating

In recent years, EcoVadis has become a key element of modern supply chains. For many industrial companies, participating in the assessment is not just a requirement from OEMs or business partners – it often marks the starting point for a more structured approach to ESG metrics and sustainability communication. However, for organizations with complex structures, the process can involve significant effort.

Why the effort involved in the EcoVadis process is often underestimated

Many companies begin working on the EcoVadis questionnaire without a clear plan and quickly encounter a range of operational challenges. Data collection is often carried out manually, which, without appropriate tools, can take up to 60 to 70 hours, solely for coordinating and consolidating the information during the initial reporting cycles. The actual provision of data by the relevant departments is not even included in this estimate.

Collaboration also tends to be difficult: Role-based task assignments, audit-proof data collection, and the reuse of existing ESG data are only possible to a limited extent in the standard process, leading to additional workload, media disruptions, and increased risk in terms of traceability. On top of that, document management often presents further complications: Submissions are only considered valid if all requirements regarding the number, size, and formatting of uploaded files are fully met.

These structural challenges frequently result in redundant data collection, coordination issues, and, ultimately, team frustration - causing significantly more effort than necessary. With a structured, system-supported approach, the entire process could be carried out much more efficiently.

How to prepare for EcoVadis more efficiently

1. Start early

The completion process can stretch over several weeks, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved. A clear timeline and defined internal responsibilities are essential.

2. Prepare official documentation

EcoVadis only accepts documents with clear company attribution—ideally including a logo, date, and reference to the respective topic. Internal policies, codes of conduct, or published ESG reports are especially suitable.

3. Identify and leverage overlaps

Many elements of the EcoVadis questionnaire overlap with other ESG requirements, such as CSRD, PCF calculations, or sustainability reports. Companies that centralize their ESG data can reuse key information—saving valuable time and avoiding duplication.

4. Enable effective collaboration

Instead of relying on email coordination, the process should be managed through a tool that provides transparency around user roles, task assignments, and progress tracking. This reduces back-and-forth communication and improves overall efficiency.

Reduce effort in the EcoVadis process with Tanso

As an ESG platform built specifically for industrial companies, Tanso offers a structured and scalable way to streamline the EcoVadis process:

• Enter once – reuse multiple times: Data points can be applied across various ESG reporting contexts
• Role-based task assignment directly within the platform – without media disruption
• Central document library for structured storage and reuse of supporting documentation
• Automatically generated summaries for direct and efficient submission to the EcoVadis portal