The Foundation Method in practice
A clearly scoped application of the Foundation Method that assesses and strengthens material data and creates a documented basis for corrections, shared rules and ongoing governance.
Principle
Your PLM system remains the system of record. We work from an export and never make changes in your system.
Example rule check in Foundation Scan
A clearly scoped check of fibre names and fibre composition against the EU Textile Labelling Regulation.
Scope
The review is based on the material data already held in the company’s material library and assesses whether the information is clearly defined, consistent, traceable and sufficiently substantiated for further use.
Checks of fibre names, material names, compositions, blends and permitted values against relevant definitions and standards.
Checks of suppliers, manufacturers and production sites, as well as item references, identifiers, sources and other information needed to trace the data back to the correct material.
Checks of certifications, sustainability claims, chemical declarations, test results and REACH documentation—including whether the evidence is current and linked to the correct material or supplier.
Definition and logic
We assess whether the information follows defined concepts, formats, permitted values and quality rules, and whether there are logical relationships between, for example, naming, composition, classification and documentation.
Traceability and supporting evidence
We assess whether claims and other critical information can be traced to an identified source, and whether certificates and supporting evidence are valid, relevant and linked to the correct material, supplier or production site.
Assessment outcome
The result shows whether the material data can be considered reliable, needs correction or lacks sufficient supporting evidence.
Application of the Foundation Method
Material Data Assurance follows the three parts of the Foundation Method. First, the current state and deviations are mapped. Shared rules and definitions are then established, followed by clear accountability and a structure for ongoing governance.
Learn more about the Foundation Method
Maps the current state, data sources and deviations.
Establishes definitions, permitted values, sources and quality rules.
Clarifies accountability, decision-making and ongoing governance.
Quality-assured rule source
Every data check is based on a standards register. Each rule is derived from a defined source, checked against the source text and approved before it is applied to client data. The report always shows which source version was used.
Content and rule sources are adapted to each data domain. Unreviewed rules are never applied to client data, and every deviation must be traceable to its source.
Deliverable
The result is more than a list of errors. It is a documented basis for correcting, governing and maintaining material data over time—so that the same structure can be reused across product development, sourcing, compliance, traceability and emerging data requirements.
A structured view of the current state.
Shows what needs to be corrected first.
Definitions, permitted values, sources and quality rules.
Clarity on ownership, decisions and ongoing work.