Quick Start: Build Your First System

Time to complete: 5 minutes

A System Template maps carbon emissions through your processes. Create one in 2 steps.

Method 1: Create Manually (3 minutes)

Step 1: Start Creating

Go to the System page
Click Create
Fill Basic Info: complete these 2 required fields:

Field	What to Enter	Example
System Name	Clear, descriptive name	"Widget Production Line A"
Description	Brief purpose	"Manufacturing process for Model X widgets"

Optional fields: Declaration, Allocation rules, Calculation Methodology, Cut-Off Rules, System run duration (add these later)

Step 2: Start Building

Click Create → You're now in Builder Mode with a blank canvas

✅ What you see: Two tabs (Builder, Analyze) and an empty workspace

Method 2: Build with AI (2 minutes) ⚡

Faster alternative using AI:

Step 1: Click "Build with AI"

From the System page → Build with AI button

Step 2: Accept Terms

Read the AI notice → Check acknowledgment box

Step 3: Describe Your System

System Name: "Aluminum Window Frame Production"

Description: Be specific:

Industry sector and location
Main inputs (electricity, aluminum, glass)
Key outputs and byproducts
Energy sources

Optional: Upload documents (PDF, images, EPDs, specifications)

Step 4: Generate

Click Build → AI creates your system template automatically

✅ What you see: Complete system with processes, inputs, and outputs ready to customize

Read full article here: Build with AI: AI-Powered System Builder

What's Next?

Your system is created. Now you need to:

Add processes, connections and enter emission data (if manual) → See Build Your System with System Builder
Analyze results

Quick Reference: What is a System?

A system shows how carbon flows through your operations:

Inputs = Where emissions come from (Scope 2 & 3)
- Electricity, materials, transportation, purchased goods
Direct Emissions = Your activities that generate emissions (Scope 1)
- Manufacturing, fuel combustion, industrial processes
Outputs = Final carbon footprint of your product/activity
Processes = Scope 1, 2 and 3

Troubleshooting

Can't find the Create button?

Check you're on the System page (not CAPs or Library)
Verify you have creation permissions (Admin or Editor role)

AI option not available?

Refresh browser and clear cache
Submit Feedback: Use the in-app feedback tool to report issues or suggest improvements
Contact Support: Email support@carbonsig.com for technical assistance

Last updated: December 2025