CRF Reporter Software Deployment of version 2 UNFCCC

CRF Reporter Software Deployment of version 2 UNFCCC event: Update on the CRF Reporter Software and its deployment Montreal, Canada – 29 November 2005 James Grabert Inventories sub-programme – MIS UNFCCC Secretariat jgrabert@unfccc. int

Background

Why revised CRF software? l Spreadsheet format required significant resources to import, and verify data consistency, with numerous interactions with Parties l Spreadsheet format was not very user friendly for Parties in terms of input and data management l Taking into account: - Increasing amount of data to be reported and management - Need to incorporate CRF revisions (CRF 2002, LUCF 2003) - Strict timeline demands of the inventory review process - Complex nature of CRF and underlying data structure … was difficult to process / manage data in a timely, quality manner using previous procedures and spreadsheet-based software l CRF Reporter will facilitate the data reporting and processing, and improve the overall quality of data and assessments

CRF Reporter Features & Functionality l User friendly CRF category-based navigation tree and integrated instructions and hints l Automatic aggregation and calculations l Category and cell level documentation and comments l Notation key handling – standardization, easy propagation l Chart window – graphical visualization of input values l Recalculation explanation panels/dialogs – provision of explanation at data entry level or final compilation level

CRF Reporter Features & Functionality (II) l Handling of non-sectoral CRF table requirements, including associated documentation boxes l Completeness and consistency checks integrated l Contact and submission information and management of submission history l Work flow assistance – import and export features to assist in a decentralized inventory working environment l Generation of outputs/submissions – can produce Excel CRF sheets and official data exchange file (XML) for submission

CRF Reporter User interface 1. Menu bar 2. Toolbar 3. View bar 4. Navigation tree 5. Data grid 6. Recalculation panel 7. Documentation 8. Chart window 9. Status bar

CRF Reporter Work Flow Overview CRF Reporter Software National database Input Manual Input Forms Calculations, checking, data management Consistency Checks, Submission Preparation Data file (XML) Bulk import Output XML data file Internal storage Excel file with CRF tables

Development History 1. Prototype developed for COP 9 (Dec 2003) 2. Beta and Release Candidate versions testing with Parties on volunteer basis (March – Oct 2004) 3. Development and deployment of separate LULUCF spreadsheet module for use in 2005 ( July – Sept 2004) 4. Deployment of initial version with Party-specific datasets December 2004 5. Support to Parties – limited number of Parties reporting 2005 submissions in new software

Development History (II) l Technical meetings – two meetings in 1 st half of 2005 to consult with Parties/users on development of version 2 l Beta testing phase with Parties – (July 2005) l Deployment of version 2 – (1 September) l Hands-on user training workshops à Copenhagen – September 2005 à Bonn – September 2005 à Helsinki – October 2005 à Moscow – November 2005 à Ottawa – November 2005

Version 2 Development Main focus of version 2 development: Improving the bulk import process – simplification of XML schema (ease variable identification for import) l l Integration of the CRF LULUCF tables Improvements to certain functionality and correction of bugs as a result of first round user feedback l l Revision of technical documentation

Version 2 Development (II) Implementation of LULUCF structure completed ….

Version 2 Development (III) Improvement to XML import process….

Version 2 Deployment Timeline for version 2 deployment: l Alfa version - June 2005 l Beta version - July 2005 l Full cycle and technical testing June – July 2005 l Party/expert-based testing – July 2005 l Release candidate review/acceptance – August 2005 Full datasets preparations (include most recent data reported by Parties in April 2005) l l Version 2 Deployment - Early September 2005 l. Update for version 2 - December 2005/January 2006

Version 1 Use Statistics – Use by Parties Initial version of software deployed in December 2004 to 41 Annex I Parties l Presently have 11 active users (interacting via CRF helpdesk system (online or email) l Four Annex I Parties reported their 2005 inventory submissions using new CRF Reporter software • New Zealand • Canada • Romania • Hungary l l One non-Annex I Party requested software

Hands-on User Workshop Since the deployment of version 2 the secretariat has held five hands-on user workshops for Annex I Parties (with assistance from EU, Finland, Russian Federation & Canada) The workshop aims were to: l ensure early exposure to software by users l solve immediate software or data problems in advance of the more high-pressure reporting period in early 2006 l ensure the secretariat is better able to support users by identifying clearly needs and areas of difficulty l collect any input that is relevant to the submission process regarding use of the new software in 2006 l Establish an informal user group / contacts between Parties with similar experiences or concerns

User Support In addition to training provided post-deployment, The secretariat is: Prepared to provide technical support for version 2 post-deployment phase so as to ensure ease of use & full reporting in 2006 by all Annex I Parties: updates to software to patch any critical issues that arise trouble-shoot problems, including referral to development company Improving process organization - streamline submission process: For 2006 considering data repository in conjunction with dedicated email communication process …. avoid past difficulties with tracking of communications, file size limitations, confirmation process, etc.

User Support Dedicated Helpdesk System - requests management, online accessibility … CRFHelp. Desk. unfccc. Int l Dedicated CRF Reporter email account for issues and incidence reporting. . . CRFSupport@unfccc. int l Bug and Feature Tracking System - monitor developments, track possible future improvements/ features l l Development of software updates Detailed technical support to trouble-shoot issue (assess Party-specific datasets as necessary) l

Software Use in 2006 In line with the decisions of the COP and conclusions of the SBSTA: • All Annex I Parties should use the CRF Reporter (version 2) for reporting their inventories in 2006 This is crucial for a number of reasons: • The substantive requirements of the revised CRF will be available in the new software, allowing Parties to meet reporting commitments • Reporting in multiple software (formats) will lead to difficulties in comparability across Parties and in conducting consistent reviews • The resource and technical burden on the secretariat to support the management and processing of data from multiple software would be significant

Summary l l l New version reflects requirements, including LULUCF & XML import process significantly improved Version 2 has been deployed to all 41 Annex I Parties At least one expert from every Annex I Party has been trained in the use of the software Secretariat has implemented online user support system for Parties All Annex I Parties to report in 2006 using version 2 of the CRF Reporter

Follow-Up & More Information During COP 11 - COP/MOP 1, contact James Grabert UNFCCC Secretariat Room 520 b for : • Further demonstrations • Answers to detailed / technical questions • Information on reporting in 2006 For more information in general on the CRF Reporter contact: James Grabert (jgrabert@unfccc. int) Tleussen Temertekov (ttemertekov@unfccc. int) Thank you!