Del Monte effectively meets sustainability goals with Locus

Challenge

Del Monte Foods, one of the country’s largest manufacturer’s and marketers of processed foods, primarily canned vegetables, fruit and tomato products for the U.S. retail market, was looking for a better way to effectively meet its sustainability goals. At the time, the company was experiencing problems with data validation, and was still manually creating reports by exporting data to spreadsheets.

Solution

To simplify reporting and ensure the quality of its data, Del Monte implemented Locus’ sustainability software. Del Monte discovered that Locus’ cloud-based system was configurable, thus making it more relevant to the company’s business and providing closer access to its environmental data.

Locus helped Del Monte discover where errors existed in its historical data, which were then corrected and migrated to Locus’ Resource Management Module (RMM), part of Locus’ sustainability software solutions. Existing RMM data validation steps and notifications were configured to fit Del Monte’s timelines and processes to ensure the quality of the data. Within RMM, each user was given a dashboard that they could customize to their site’s sustainability needs, allowing them to see important data and metrics immediately upon login, and easily create standard reports. Del Monte users were also able to create graphs and tables across all sites within their business unit, and compare these to corporate trends- therefore achieving their goal of making data more transparent within the company.

Results

Through the use of Locus’ sustainability software RMM module, Del Monte was able to create uniform sustainability reports across all of its North American sites. Thanks to the software’s reporting and graphing capabilities, Del Monte is now able to see trends in its data more quickly and reliably, which allows the company to easily compare its data from month to month. Del Monte can also monitor its resource usage, and the cost of these resources, making Locus sustainability software a great cost management tool as well. The customizable reporting capabilities combined with improved data validation ensure that Del Monte’s sustainability reports will consist of quality data, and will be completed by the required deadlines.

Not only does Locus’ cloud-based system enable us to see our progress more quickly and easily because of the reporting customization and graphics, but Locus truly understands the science behind the metrics, and acts as another set of eyes and a trusted partner to Del Monte in validating our data.

By working with Locus, we will improve our ability to analyze and forecast our reliance on critical environmental resources, which will help Del Monte meet its sustainability goals. Management of our complex set of activities requires robust software architectures that are best delivered via the Cloud. We found all of these in Locus’ platform.

Del Monte logo

LANL: Environmental Data Flow Improvement & Savings Overview

Scope

The Environmental Data Flow Six Sigma improvement project covers LANL’s environmental data processing following receipt from the analytical laboratories.

Improvements

The Six Sigma project identified thirty-three process improvements, broken into seven subgroups:

  1. Implementing cloud computing
  2. Restructuring the data stewards’ jobs
  3. Eliminating redundant data reviews
  4. Implementing change control on the system
  5. Incorporating google maps
  6. Implementing automatic electronic validation (auto- validation) of the analytical data
  7. Mapping the data process

Savings Summary

Overall, for the six year period from the beginning of FY10 through the end of FY15, the validated actual and interpolated savings from the seven process improvement groups of the Environmental Data Flow Process Improvement was calculated at $14.6 million.

GIS+ Mapping

See how LANL utilizes Locus GIS+ to visualize and map their environmental data on the publicly-accessible database Intellus New Mexico.

High-quality environmental data is one of the key drivers that will help us meet our cleanup goals. Moving forward, our data will help us be more sustainable and better stewards of the environment. Organizing these massive volumes of data, and making them available to the public, will help demonstrate our commitment to openness and environmental compliance.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) logo

GPC streamlines Clean Air Act Title V record keeping using Locus Platform

Challenge

Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), a leading U.S. manufacturer of corn-based products, needed a smarter, more efficient tool to capture, track, notify, and report daily Clean Air Act Title V compliance parameters for numerous emission sources and points at their various production facilities.

GPC was using SharePoint to enter over 20 daily logs at two facilities and had to address several questions per log and per shift, throughout a two-shift day. Their system had no reporting or notifications, and there was no consistency between the forms in the system. The EHS manager would spend weeks searching through information to obtain the data needed for GPC’s annual Title V certification report and other reporting needs.

Solution

In order to simplify and standardize data collection and reporting, GPC selected Locus’ configurable Platform software solution. Locus Platform was selected based on its ability to be quickly configured to match existing business processes across operating facilities and easily implement the changes in permit recordkeeping requirements over time.

A dedicated project team at Locus and GPC identified improvements that could be made in Locus Platform from GPC’s existing internal “home-built” system that was not designed to meet the needs of demanding, ever-changing environmental compliance reporting. The collaborative team developed a comprehensive set of requirements that helped fast-track the project to a timely deployment that met or exceeded the GPC user community’s expectations.

Within six months, the new system was in daily use, and adoption by the remaining facility locations followed soon after.

Results

GPC was able to create a uniform business process across its Midwest facilities by using Locus Platform’s configurable data entry screens and flexible reporting dashboards. The focused reporting capabilities of the software made it easy for GPC to generate consistent, easy-to-read reports, so their EHS manager could now more quickly and reliably report compliance data.

The Locus Platform allowed iterative, streamlined configuration of data entry forms with built-in validation to match GPC’s specific business needs and nomenclature. By tailoring the forms and reports to the business, the GPC user community (comprised of users with very different needs and job responsibilities) found it easy to adopt the software and were able to provide actionable feedback during the configuration process.

The flexibility and ease of configuration, including standardized rules and validations, allowed GPC to streamline a previously cumbersome and error-prone process and gain user acceptance in record time.

Locus and GPC presented the following at the NAEM 2017 EHS&S and Sustainability Software Conference:

 Demonstrating Reliable Compliance Data Management and Reporting for Title V Permit Using Locus Technologies’ Flexible Platform

One of the smartest decisions I made during my time at I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding support Kent Corp/GPC has received from the Locus team assigned to our environmental compliance log project. The Locus Project team has been extremely patient and tolerant throughout the entire project. This team navigated their way through a multitude of decisions, changes to decisions, and even more requested changes from GPC with patience that must have been challenging at times.

Grain Processing Corporation | GPC

San Jose Water Company optimizes drinking water quality with Locus

Challenge

San Jose Water Company (SJWC), serving water to over 1 million people in the greater San Jose area, was looking for a more robust and full-featured software solution for managing drinking water and general environmental compliance data.

SJWC collects routine drinking water and regulatory samples on a weekly basis. They also receive ad hoc samples on a non-scheduled basis from typical water utility activities, such as new main installations or water main repairs. Additionally, they collect an assortment of samples from company assets.

They were looking for a solution to automate the entire process from sample planning to preparation of regulatory reports, including the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and Monthly Coliform Report. They also wanted robust data analysis tools to optimize their system operations and organizational performance. Finally, they wanted integrated GIS to quickly view field and analytical data in real time.

Solution

Through close collaboration with SJWC and examination of the marketplace, Locus Technologies implemented Locus EIM Water to support the rigorous sampling activities and complex regulatory framework that defines a large water utility.

SJWC’s analytical laboratories load analytical data into the cloud software and notify them when data are available. Locus also integrated Locus Mobile to streamline field data collection, so the entire SJWC field team can collect data in the field and sync results—eliminating the need for laborious spreadsheets and shared drives. Locus EIM Water includes a powerful analytical module with visual SQL query capabilities, making it easy for users to conduct powerful ad hoc queries.

Locus EIM Water also supports a complex sample planning process, ranging from daily samples to once-every-nine-years events, with workflow tracking at every step of the process. With integrated Google-based GIS mapping, SJWC can get easy and instant visual access to their data for operational planning and daily performance status. Integrated data summaries and statistics support the wide range of calculations needed for the annual CCR and the monthly coliform sampling summaries.

Results

San Jose Water Company can now instantly access field data and share results, such as chlorine levels, with water operations staff in near real time. Data are instantly available on shareable maps, so users can visually see areas where action may be needed. Automated notifications alert users when levels are approaching specified limits, and with both mobile and lab uploads performed by the data generators, data handling is greatly reduced. Built-in statistical calculations based on drinking water regulations streamline the normally tedious task of preparing annual Consumer Confidence Reports.

With Locus EIM Water, SJWC achieved:

  • More efficient data management
  • Faster access to data
  • Complete digital handling of data from field to reporting
  • Elimination of complex spreadsheets and shared drives
  • Easy, advanced planning for multi-member sampling crews to ensure that all compliance samples are collected

Having easily accessible information on the status of sampling and reporting programs means SJWC’s water quality engineers can spend more time on system reviews and optimization.

Locus configured the established, off-the-shelf Locus EIM product to the needs of San Jose Water Company, offering a focused solution to the company’s data management needs. By honing in on the unique operational opportunities San Jose Water Company was looking to unlock, Locus could offer streamlined data management solutions that specifically addressed the needs of a modern large-scale water utility.

The integration of the Locus Mobile App offered an additional unique dimension enabling a fully digitized process. The built-in generation of complex calculations for regulatory reports and advanced sample planning and tracking are unique in the marketplace.

In selecting our data management system, we had a few criteria that we wanted to improve upon. We needed to be able to generate alerts based on data. We needed something that was mobile-enabled so that our field staff could use it. Our IT staff strongly preferred software hosted in the cloud so they wouldn’t have to support or interact with it.

We were also interested in the option to expand beyond just environmental data management, to get away from this “one app for one task” approach. We looked at a lot of products—most of them satisfied some of these criteria, but not others. We had a good experience with Locus EIM for our drinking water data, so we discussed our needs with Locus and they recommended their new Locus Platform. It satisfied all our requirements.

San Jose Water Company logo

Locus Highlights of 2023

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APTIM Partners with Locus Technologies for Environmental Enterprise Software

APTIM will leverage Locus Platform ’s configurable, user-friendly software applications to provide innovative environmental solutions to their clients. 

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept 5, 2023 — Locus Technologies, (Locus)—the leader in cloud-based environmental, sustainability, energy, and compliance management software—announces a new partnership with APTIM, a leading environmental solutions firm. APTIM provides integrated environmental, resilience, and nuclear decommissioning services for government, commercial and industrial, and energy clients.

Locus and APTIM are establishing a collaborative partnership using Locus software to deliver applications that will provide more efficiency and visibility for APTIM’s clients. APTIM’s clients will benefit from Locus’ off-the-shelf applications for compliance, waste management, auditing, ESG, and others. In combination with APTIM’s experience and knowledge in these areas, Locus and APTIM will also develop new applications to better serve the needs of specific projects. APTIM will use Locus-configurable software to quickly build and deploy applications that uniquely address complex environmental challenges.

“At APTIM, we use the latest, most innovative technologies to deliver exceptional performance and service for our clients,” said APTIM Vice President of Information Technology Jason Bourg. “Locus brings a well-established, highly configurable software that can adapt to our complex projects and leverage our expertise in environmental solutions. We look forward to expanding our relationship with Locus and utilizing the full extent of their software to maximize results for our clients across the U.S., Canada, and Peru.”

Locus Platform is the first fully integrated platform created from the ground up to allow organizations to manage their environmental, energy, water, waste, carbon, air, health and safety, remediation, and compliance information in one place. The platform allows companies to configure their management, tracking, visualization, and reporting through a graphically driven user interface. This feature enables organizations to configure the software to their needs without worrying about the expensive programming efforts usually associated with customization.

“We are very excited about partnering with APTIM as we share the same vision,” said Neno Duplan, CEO of Locus. “We are eagerly looking forward to supporting many successful projects through our partnership with APTIM. Throughout our discussions, APTIM has demonstrated its vision and dedication to excellence. APTIM’s commitment to fostering solid partnerships aligns perfectly with our core values, and we are genuinely excited about this collaboration’s potential.”

About APTIM

APTIM is a leading professional solutions firm with headquarters in Baton Rouge, La. We specialize in environmental services, resilience, sustainability, and energy solutions, as well as technical and data solutions, program management, and critical infrastructure. Our dedicated teammates apply their experience and expertise to provide integrated services and solutions for government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. APTIM commits to accelerating the transition toward a clean and efficient energy economy, building a sustainable future for our communities and natural world, and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment that celebrates the diversity of our people. Learn more at APTIM.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About Locus Technologies

Locus Technologies, the global environmental, social, governance (ESG), Sustainability, and EHS Compliance software leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to be credible with ESG reporting. From 1997 Locus Technologies pioneered enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) for EHS Compliance, water management, and ESG credible reporting. Locus apps and software solutions improve business performance by strengthening risk management and EHS for organizations across industries and government agencies. Organizations ranging from medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises, such as Chevron, Sempra, Corteva, DuPont, Chemours, Port of Seattle, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, have selected Locus.

Locus Technologies’ headquarters is in Mountain View, California.

The Port of Seattle selects Locus Technologies for Permit Compliance Tracking Software

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., 29 November 2022 — Locus Technologies (Locus) is pleased to announce that The Port of Seattle (Port) has selected Locus’ multitenant Software as a Service (SaaS) for its Environmental Permit Compliance Tracking software. The Port of Seattle is a government agency overseeing the seaport and airport of Seattle. Their portfolio ranges from parks and waterfront real estate to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast. With Locus’ software, the Port of Seattle’s Maritime Environment & Sustainability department will track and manage compliance with their many permits associated with ongoing Maritime operations. This win represents additional work under Locus’ existing 10-year contract with the Port.

Locus’ SaaS will replace existing systems, which no longer meet the Port’s requirements. The Port will use Locus’ configurable compliance features to track, notify, and manage thousands of regulatory commitments for the Port and its facilities. Locus software provides a unified system for environmental data management and compliance and allows the flexibility to adapt to regulatory changes over the course of the contract.

“We are very pleased that Port of Seattle after selecting Locus earlier this year, recognized the power and flexibility of Locus and extended the use of Locus to include Permit Compliance. The Port selected Locus software because it meets a wide set of robust permit tracking and notification requirements for their active Maritime operations. The Port will streamline tracking of environmental compliance obligations using Locus’ SaaS with a configuration suited to their business processes,” said Neno Duplan, CEO of Locus.

The Port of Seattle selects Locus Technologies for its Environmental Software

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., 24 June 2022 — Locus Technologies (Locus) is pleased to announce that The Port of Seattle (Port) has selected Locus’s multitenant Software as a Service (SaaS) for its environmental data management and compliance software. The Port of Seattle is a government agency overseeing the seaport and airport of Seattle. Their portfolio ranges from parks and waterfront real estate to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast. With Locus’s software, The Port will streamline its environmental management across its properties. The term of this contract is ten (10) years with a contract value of over one million dollars. 

The Port of Seattle competitively procured environmental software that will serve as the Port’s centralized system for managing environmental data and information, site investigations and permit compliance for Aviation and Maritime Port operations.  

Locus’s cloud software will replace several existing systems, which no longer meet the Port’s requirements. Locus’s software combines the power of EIM’s environmental data analytical and reporting capabilities with Locus Platform’s configurable compliance features to track, notify, and manage regulatory commitments for the Port and its contractors. Locus software provides a unified system for environmental data management and compliance and allows the flexibility to adapt to regulatory changes over the course of the contract.  

“We are very pleased that Port of Seattle recognized the power of our cloud software. The Port selected Locus software due to its robust environmental data management and compliance capabilities tested for nearly a quarter-century in the cloud. With Locus, the Port will have all data in a central data repository available on the web 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Port will reap the benefits of using Locus’ SaaS to manage and automate their environmental data, compliance, and reporting,” said Neno Duplan, CEO of Locus.