Why use comQuest?
comQuest is an exciting new solution designed specifically to meet the needs of Corporate Social and Sustainability Reporting and other reporting requirements. But without any of the drawbacks associated with traditional, bespoke and many other specialist systems on the market today, due to the fact that any format of data can be collected and reported.
comQuest provides a flexible framework that automates the key activities involved in sustainability reporting so that management time isn’t wasted in the checking and chasing up of returns, and the associated integrity issues that arise.
The following key features set comQuest apart from other solutions:
Ease of setup
Unlike many specialist systems, comQuest is very simple to use. The CSR department can develop and distribute a questionnaire in just a couple of hours by answering simple questions themselves. No IT or expensive consulting assistance is required. Questionnaires can include on-line help, comparatives with previous submissions and tips and hints to help contributors fill in their submissions. At no time will contributors or administrators of the application be asked to produce or edit ‘code’. comQuest also comes with embedded templates from the Global Reporting Initiative that not only provides a comprehensive range of information, but also enables you to get started even quicker. Templates include:
- Economic
- Environment
- Human Rights
- Product Responsibility
- Society
Comprehensive layout
comQuest was built on many years of experience in developing reporting solutions for Corporate Social Responsibility and has been designed specifically for Sustainability Reporting. It supports a large range of data layouts and data formats and each question is easily tailored to specific users and/or departments. To change a layout, add a new user or tailor a specific question to a department, takes seconds.
Web based for easy deployment
Once a new questionnaire is complete, it can be released to users for access via the web. This means they are always using the latest version. There are no special hardware requirements, they can access the system from any location, and because it’s web based, it provides a familiar environment that’s easy to pick up – even for the occasional user.
Secure, single-version of the truth
comQuest utilises a secure, central database for holding information. That means as soon as data is typed in it is immediately available for reporting and analysis. It also means that the system can inform management as to what has been entered and what needs to be completed. The security system ensures that people only have access to data that is relevant to them. The system also includes an approval process that, when invoked, ensures that approved returns cannot be changed unless authorised. In this way management can be certain that the only ‘truth’ is the one that both they and the users can see.
Deadline Alerting
Each question is given a timetable of when it is due to be submitted by each user/department. Users will then be sent email alerts at set times before the submission date so that they are aware of what needs to be completed and by when. As well as saving valuable management time in chasing up people, it acts as a reminder to users who could easily forget to ensure an ‘on-time’ delivery of information.
Standard reporting templates
comQuest comes with a set of standard reporting templates that are instantly available as soon as data has been entered. These are fully formatted and can be used to report/publish results. This saves time and setup effort, as well as providing simple access to data that would otherwise be locked away.
Advanced ad-hoc analysis
In addition to the reporting templates, the system comes complete with a powerful ad-hoc reporting and query tool. This can be used to provide high-level dashboards and scorecards as well as provide drill-down capabilities to investigate issues or concerns. Analyses can be made available via the web or directly through personal productivity tools such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. These access data directly from the database, providing the user has the right security clearance. This makes the formatting and publishing of final reports simple, and with integrity.
Cost Effective Delivery
comQuest can be purchased outright or can be made available on a subscription or managed service basis. The latter not only eliminates the upfront capital cost, but also provides a service whereby the system is maintained by our staff, thereby freeing up your resources.
In summary, comQuest is a single, complete system that allows organisations to collect, approve and report on all aspects of Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Governance Reporting, Triple Bottom Line Reporting, and other social reporting standards. It differs from other systems in its simplicity/speed to set up and maintain, its comprehensive data collection capabilities, the superior range of reporting and analysis facilities and its overall total cost of ownership.
