A scalable approach to local content compliance

Previously, local content data was scattered across countless Excel sheets, with aggregation and analysis handled manually: a time-consuming and error-prone process.

We introduced a centralized reporting workflow that starts with structured supplier input. For users with limited connectivity, suppliers can also download a template, fill it out in Excel, and re-upload it to the platform. Built-in data validation ensures submissions are complete and accurate, eliminating the need for manual cleanup and laying the foundation for reliable, scalable reporting.

After conducting usability testing, we discovered that the existing layout, displaying multiple tables on a single page, worked fine for short or fixed-length tables. However, for dynamic tables where users can add an unlimited number of rows (such as the procurement table), this structure quickly became impractical. Some users needed to scroll through hundreds or even thousands of entries just to reach the next table, leading to poor navigation and reduced efficiency.

To address this, we restructured the reporting experience to display one table per page. The used-to-be “page” now represents a logical section or group of related tables, accessible via a left navigation bar. This allows users to switch between tables effortlessly without excessive scrolling. We also made the left nav collapsible and optimized the top navigation bar into a compact form to maximize available screen space for the data table itself, improving overall readability and focus.

In large-scale project ecosystems, understanding the full local content landscape of the supply chain is critical. We designed an interface that clearly visualizes any buyer’s complete downstream supply chain, across all tiers and reporting periods. The local content compliance experts at buyer organizations can easily manage their supplier tree structure to fit the reporting reality and view submissions over time.

We creatively visualize the submission status of each supplier report in a given period during the buyer’s selection of the supplier reports for aggregation. Buyer users now just need to choose the reporting periods and supplier reports they want to aggregate to see a full local content report analysis.

The result is that what used to be a completely manual and unstructured data aggregation process can be completed in a few clicks with our tool.

In many projects, buyers are accountable to the national or local government of the region in which they operate and must demonstrate that they’re meeting commitments to hire locally and purchase from local suppliers. The Target feature in SMP was designed to bring clarity and structure to this process. Buyers can now easily create specific local content targets by category, such as spend, workforce, or goods weight, tailored to different supply chain sectors.

To support accountability, these targets are seamlessly integrated into the Reporting Analysis view. Buyers can instantly see how they and suppliers are performing against predefined targets across reporting periods.

Aggregated data powers clear scorecards, reducing complexity and enabling buyers to focus on strategic decisions rather than manual tracking. The result is a system that not only makes target setting easy, but turns it into an actionable part of daily operations.

Behind the scenes, the calculations are powered by a model developed by DAI’s team of international development economists. Because no two regions are the same, we built flexibility into the admin settings, allowing teams to adjust coefficients and tailor the model to local realities.

The dashboard helps buyers monitor supplier reporting and track spending across local, national, and foreign sources. With live status updates and visual breakdowns, it's easy to measure progress, identify gaps, and demonstrate compliance.

When reporting needs evolve, users can update configurations or spin up new ones, without disrupting data continuity. There are extensive aliasing capabilities to allow for multi-project data aggregation while preserving regional terminology and needs. Built from real use cases, Report Builder now powers 98% of new client reporting setups.