Understanding the Facility Data Manager (FDM): Purpose, Process, and Practical Use

Worldly Facility Data Manager (FDM) Verification

Worldly Facility Data Manager (FDM) Verification is a process designed to validate the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of a manufacturing facility’s environmental performance data, including energy, water, waste, and emissions. This verification ensures that high-frequency (typically monthly) data collected via the Worldly platform aligns with Higg FEM 4.0 standards, supporting robust ESG reporting.

Key Aspects of FDM Verification:

• Purpose: Provides verified, near real-time, quantitative environmental data to brands and stakeholders, enabling proactive sustainability management rather than solely annual reporting.

• Scope: Covers up to 100% of Level 1 quantitative data in Higg FEM 4.0, including energy, water, waste, and emissions.

• Process: Conducted by approved third-party bodies, the process involves data review through quarterly remote audits, often bundled with the annual on-site Higg FEM verification.

• Training and Capacity Building:

  • Facilities receive comprehensive training on data collection, monitoring, and reporting processes.

  • Staff are trained to use the Worldly platform effectively, ensuring data consistency and reducing errors.

  • Training covers understanding Higg FEM 4.0 metrics and requirements, enabling teams to identify and correct data discrepancies proactively.

  • Ongoing coaching and refresher sessions ensure that new personnel can maintain data quality over time.

• Benefits: Supports tracking of decarbonization efforts, ensures data integrity for compliance, enables immediate identification of discrepancies or errors, and strengthens the facility’s internal capacity for sustainable operations.

While standard Higg FEM verification includes qualitative, annual policy assessments, FDM verification emphasizes frequent, ongoing tracking of quantitative environmental data, reinforced through dedicated training programs for facility employee.