Effective IMDS reporting starts with knowledgeable people. As team members transition or new staff join, a structured onboarding process ensures continuity, data accuracy, and compliance with evolving regulations.
IMDS remains the automotive industry’s central platform for materials and substance reporting, but recent updates have expanded its role. With new features such as Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data, dynamic SVHC classification, and enhanced permissions, today’s IMDS environment requires closer coordination between compliance, engineering, and sustainability teams.
At Tetra Tech, we’ve helped thousands of IMDS users build confidence and consistency in their reporting. The following IMDS onboarding guide outlines how to design an onboarding program that keeps your organization aligned, efficient, and ready for the latest IMDS requirements.
Build a Strong Foundation
Every new IMDS user should first understand why the system matters and how it connects to your company’s broader compliance goals. A clear foundation gives context before introducing specific tasks or data-entry steps.
To help new team members gain that perspective:
- Explain the purpose of IMDS and how accurate data supports customer requirements and global supply chain transparency.
- Provide a concise overview of key regulations, including REACH, GADSL, and carbon-reporting mandates that influence IMDS requirements.
- Explain that IMDS can be thought of as a data clearing house, and acceptable data is determined by the regulatory compliance needs of the customer.
- Share a brief history of IMDS, noting how recent releases added PCF and dynamic SVHC functionality.
- Clarify individual roles and responsibilities, connecting each position to the larger compliance workflow.
- Reinforce how accurate IMDS submissions contribute to the company’s reputation, customer satisfaction, and continued market access.
When employees understand both the “why” and the “how” of their IMDS responsibilities, the following training steps become more meaningful and easier to retain.
Provide Hands-On Practice and Upskilling Opportunities
Practical experience is one of the most effective ways to develop IMDS proficiency. The latest system updates, including PCF data integration and advanced validation checks, make it even more important for new users to practice in a safe environment before working in the live system.
To make hands-on learning effective:
- Provide a guided system login and orientation within your organization’s IMDS structure.
- Offer a test or training environment so new users can practice key tasks safely, such as creating and editing Material Data Sheets (MDSs), applying PCF data where required, and validating entries with the latest IMDS checks.
- Pair new users with experienced IMDS colleagues or mentors who can review their work and answer practical questions.
- Develop an internal coaching network that helps build long-term resilience against turnover or role changes.
- Include short interactive elements such as quizzes or quick challenges to reinforce learning and boost confidence.
This combination of structured guidance and experiential learning helps new users develop both competence and comfort with IMDS tasks.
Create a Central Resource Database
A well-organized resource library ensures that your team always has access to the latest references, templates, and system information. As IMDS becomes more complex, having a single repository of trusted materials saves time and reduces the risk of outdated practices.
Consider including:
- IMDS login instructions and internal access protocols
- A contact list identifying compliance roles and responsibilities
- Your company’s IMDS user guide and policy documentation
- OEM-specific or customer quality requirements
- Links to official IMDS Release Notes (14.3–15.1) and related support materials
- Internal how-to guides, FAQs, or recorded walkthroughs
By centralizing these materials, you create continuity across transitions and ensure consistent quality in every submission.
Streamline IMDS Onboarding with Expert Support
Building and maintaining an IMDS onboarding program takes time, especially with evolving system functionality. Partnering with experienced compliance professionals can accelerate the process and give your team confidence from the start.
Tetra Tech’s IMDS training solutions make onboarding easier by providing:
- Step-by-step instruction aligned with current IMDS 15.0 and later functionality
- Access to a secure IMDS training environment for hands-on learning
- One-year access to on-demand video content for refreshers
- Expert-led exercises with personalized feedback
- Quizzes and a final certification assessment
- Options for customized company training modules that include PCF, dynamic SVHCs, and regulatory alignment
To learn more, contact our IMDS experts at [email protected] for a free demonstration and see how we can help your team strengthen its compliance capabilities.
