Backpack Annual Review Process: Updating your Backpack Data

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The Value of the Backpack Annual Review

check (1) 1   1:1 TIME WITH A BACKPACK EXPERT

Dedicated time with a Backpack Team member and software expert to review the data and communicate changes.  We action the changes and do all the work to keep your Backpack up-to-date.

check (1) 1  ACCURATE DATA

 The value of the Backpack is driven by trust that the underlying data is up to date and accurate. The Annual Review is key to ensuring you can trust the data.

check (1) 1   REPORT- READY

Never doubt the data! The annual review process ensures that your data is always report ready.

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01 Information Gathering

A Backpack Onboarding Coordinator will reach out to the property team to schedule a quick call to review what's happened at the property over the last year and talk about what information needs to be updated. On this call we will determine if a site visit is needed.

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02 Updates & Site Visit

The Backpack Onboarding Coordinator works with the property team to update all data - from Energy Star Portfolio Manager data  to stacking plans and utility connections - we cover it all.  If a site visit is needed to collect information on new equipment, meters, etc. it happens during this phase.

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03 See You Next Year

The Backpack is updated by the Onboarding Coordinator & you can trust your data is accurate for another year!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen during this annual update process?

The property team will be contacted by their own dedicated Onboarding Coordinator (OC) who will schedule an initial Q&A session to walk them through the data updates & schedule a site visit if needed.
 
We even provide an online questionnaire to help make this easy!
 
The OC will make most of the updates in Backpack leaving the property team time to focus on their regular duties.

How much time will it take?

This process typically starts with a quick online meeting (30 minutes) that will cover any documents updates needed (updated stacking plans & capex plans for example). During this meeting we will determine if there is a need for a site visit. The Onboarding Coordinator may also provide an online survey that helps determine what data needs to be updated.
 
Document collection/submission for an annual update is quick - likely 10-15 minutes.
 
A site visit, if needed, ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the changes onsite or annual certifications Backpack handles for the property.
 
 

Who should be involved?

The Property Manager and a Building Engineer are needed for the Annual Review process.

How is this different than the monthly meetings (for Backpack+Simulation customers)?

The annual review is looking at the whole building and data we collect throughout the year.  Unlike monthly meetings, we take a step back from energy consumption, savings & projects to view the building as a whole during this annual review. 

What information will you gather during this annual activity?

Quite a bit of information!  We will ask questions about, and gather information on, anything that can change from year to year.  Some examples are:

  • Stacking plans & tenant information, capital project planning
  • Energy Star information like people in the building and workstations, hours of operation and how each space is being used
  • Compliance requirements might have changed during the year, we will review any new requirements (remember we submit benchmark requirements for free with your subscription)
  • We are always improving backpack and collecting new data - we will work with you to fill in the gaps
  • Finally, we will talk about any changes in equipment so that your asset list is always up to date

How can I prepare?

First, don't stress, this is a quick and easy process!

For your scheduled Q & A session, pick a time that works for the Property Manager, a Building Engineer, and anyone else that is familiar with the property’s operations. 

For almost all properties we will need an updated stacking plan and capital plan, having those handy will help the process!

Can I opt out of this year's update?

Maintaining these updates is part of our annual subscription service!  You are welcome to request a date/time that works for you for the initial meeting and site visit.

This annual update is key to maintaining accurate data that can be shared across your organization & utilized in reporting knowing it is up to date.

The Backpack looks different than I remember, can someone show me how to use it?

Sure!  There are monthly training sessions available - check out the upcoming dates here.

Will I need a site visit?

Your Onboarding Coordinator will work with you to determine if a site visit is needed.  Some reasons you might need a site visit are:

  • We do your Energy Star certification & need to take new measurements/update data.
  • You have made major changes to the property and/or equipment that we need to document.
  • You ask us to! If you want us to come do an audit of the data at your annual review, just ask!

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