On May 27th, Intire hosted another edition of its CSRD roundtable series, this time focused on a critical yet complex question: How do you tackle CSRD data and software in a smart and strategic way? In a compact and interactive afternoon program, participants from various sectors exchanged insights on data challenges, software choices, and the road to robust sustainability reporting.
What we discussed
The session opened with a practical and inspiring case by Batenburg Techniek, presented by Sustainability Manager Lise Hordijk. Batenburg, a company enhancing industrial and infrastructure operations through automation, electrification, and intelligent technology solutions, shared their CSRD journey and the real-life complexity of collecting sustainability data across several locations using different ERP systems. Moreover, Lise showed why sustainability software was an important step to reduce the workload for CSRD, and comply to the CSRD.
Next, Intire’s Romee van der Sande introduced CSRD custom metrics. While standard metrics are a good starting point, many CSRD topics require tailored indicators. The group explored the tension between software that offers preloaded datapoints, and the need for companies to define what really matters to them. Intire’s Wesley Schulte later closed the afternoon with a deep dive into software selection. He walked participants through common pitfalls, key requirements, and the importance of linking software decisions to broader sustainability strategy. Because in the end, CSRD compliance is not just about ticking boxes, it’s about making sustainability manageable and measurable.
Insights from the room
Throughout the afternoon, participants raised sharp questions and openly shared their experiences. Several attendees noted a lack of role clarity, especially among controllers who are unsure of what exactly is expected from them in the context of CSRD. Others expressed the need for a stronger bridge between finance and sustainability teams, two functions that must increasingly collaborate, but often still operate in silos.
When the discussion turned to metrics, many agreed that defining custom metrics requires more than just having data available; it calls for strategic thinking and close cooperation across departments.
Despite the challenges discussed, many participants indicated that their organizations are still in an exploratory phase when it comes to CSRD data and software. This roundtable underscored the value of exchanging ideas, learning from the experiences of peers, and progressing step by step toward more structured and effective sustainability reporting.
Final thoughts
The CSRD raises the bar on data quality, traceability, and content. But this roundtable showed there’s also room for pragmatic thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The right software isn’t the finish line, it is a tool that helps you stay in control and stay compliant as your sustainability ambitions grow.
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