SBTi software — from the output backwards

Start with the record

What should SBTi software do?

A system may organise the inventory, boundary choices, target inputs, progress and supporting records.

The applicable criteria and SBTi’s own target-setting tools remain the authority; a vendor product does not validate a target.

Before the contract

What should a company ask in a demo?

Ask which criteria version and official tool the workflow follows, how base-year data and recalculations are retained, and whether the company can export the calculations and evidence.

Also check permissions, data retention, access controls, export format, contract exit and whether estimates are distinguishable from measured data.

What a system may cover

Which software layer handles each job?

Separate measurement, data collection, disclosure assembly and tagging in the demo; a single product label does not show which layer is actually supported.

Key points

Software claims, checked

• Start with the framework, regulation or target process that applies.
• Trace one figure from its source through method, review and final output.
• Ask vendors to substantiate their own claims; do not treat software as certification.
• Keep an exportable evidence trail and confirm the contract exit path.