1
|
The year 2005 marked the first time the Linde Group recorded international data centrally on its human resources and health, safety and environment (HSE) activities. The information applies to the period under review, i.e. from January 1 through December 31, 2004. The data covers a total of 126 consolidated companies in 54 countries. In addition to production plants, administrative and distribution sites have also been included. As a result, the data covers approximately 96 percent of the Group’s entire workforce. We have reflected the differences between our Gas and Engineering and Material Handling business segments by providing figures for the Linde Group as a whole, and for each of the two segments individually. Companies which joined or left Linde AG within the reporting period have not been included in this analysis. |
Sales Revenues by Regions  Sales in the Linde Group totaled 9.421 billion EUR during 2004. At approximately 77 percent, the highest share was posted in Europe. |
REPORTAL data acquisition system
To obtain personnel and HSE data, we have updated our web-based information and data recording system REPORTAL and implemented it for this purpose for the first time in the spring of 2005. REPORTAL has already been successfully used in our financial reporting for several years.
Detailed user manuals ensure that all the data gathered and the processes implemented are in compliance with the auditors’ requirements from the very outset. The manuals describe and define the methods used to gather data, and also include documentation guidelines.
Flexibility
REPORTAL takes account of the specific requirements of each of Linde’s business segments. The comparability of the data from the various segments is guaranteed by defining the queried data consistently throughout the Group. Data is entered online at local sites. The data can be entered immediately wherever it is generated, i.e. within the operational units. Comprehensive automated plausibility controls ensure high data quality while minimizing errors. Open import and export interfaces facilitate interdepartmental use, i.e. allowing direct links to economic performance data from balance sheets and the Finance and Controlling departments, and to the Balanced Scorecard (Glossary).
Forecast
Personnel and HSE data was produced for the consolidated Group for the first time in 2005. However, consistently comparable figures are crucial to defining concrete targets and the strategies for achieving them. We have therefore decided to delay publishing details of targets and the relevant actions until future reports.
Our data acquisition system REPORTAL is being continuously improved and upgraded. In this context, the following steps have been slated for 2006:
- Extending data reporting worldwide to all consolidated companies and sites.
- Optimizing data quality by refining our key data definitions and plausibility controls.
We will also be further aligning our performance indicators and reporting with internationally recognized standards and guidelines, and tailoring the above to the needs of our stakeholders.