Documentation: How to Use Eco IN Data AI Platform
User Interface
The user interface is straightforward, simple, and minimalistic. It is fully responsive and mobile-compatible, allowing seamless use on iOS and Android devices, as well as tablets, just like on a desktop. Therefore, there is no need for a separate mobile application.
The interface consists of three main parts:
- Main Section – Displays descriptions, information, and updates.
- Left Sidebar – Provides access to the EcoIN Data AI chatbot, help center, and documentation.
- Right Sidebar – Allows you to manage your account, view subscription plans, and upgrade your plan.
Getting Started with EcoIN Data AI
To begin using EcoIN Data AI, you can start with a simple prompt. For instance, you can search for a polypropylene process.
Try typing something like this:
Please show me a process for polypropylene.
To begin using EcoIN Data AI, you can start with a simple prompt. For instance, you can search for a polypropylene process.
Try typing something like this:
The results
Explanation of Results in EcoIN Data AI
The results provided by EcoIN Data AI are structured as follows:
- Process Name – The technical name of the process as it appears in the corresponding database.
- Database Name – The database that contains the requested process.
- Reused Database Name – The database from which the process has been reused, if applicable.
- Location in the Database – The exact path where the requested process is stored within the database. This is particularly useful for LCA software, especially openLCA.
- Process Description – An AI-generated summary of the process, compiled from all available documentation related to the requested process.
- Technology Used – If available, EcoIN Data AI provides details about the technology associated with the requested process.
- Other Relevant Information – Additional AI-generated insights that complement the “Process Description,” offering further context.
- Process Documentation URL – Currently available in EcoIN Data AI v1 for the ecoinvent database v3, this link directs you to the documentation for the requested process. Access to the URL may be restricted depending on the database.
Process identification using keyword-based auto-detection
EcoIN Data AI streamlines process identification using keyboard-based auto-detection. Users type general terms like “electric vehicle,” “wooden chair,” “remote control,” “plastic cup,” “car production,” or “municipal waste recycling” to retrieve relevant processes, eliminating the need for complex requests. Users can further refine their search and results from this initial list through follow-up questions and prompts for precise identification.
1. Asking Follow-Up Questions
For an inquired process such as “Polypropylene Production”, you can refine your search with follow-up questions like:
- “Can you find the exact process for Germany?”
- “Can you look for this process in another database?”
- “Can you find this process in the Sphera database?”
- “Does this process include transportation?”
- “Can you provide more details about Polypropylene production?”
2. Searching for Other Processes
You can search for additional processes with queries such as:
- “Can you show me the process for waste plastic incineration?”
- “Does this process include energy recovery from waste?”
- “For the same process, can you find five equivalent processes from five different databases?”
3. Advanced Process Queries
For more detailed searches, try specifying process characteristics:
- “Show me a process for paper production from recycled paper. The process should be applicable to Japan and classified as a gate-to-gate process from the ecoinvent database.”
4. Project-Based Process Search
EcoIN Data AI supports multi-process searches for full life cycle studies. Example queries include:
- “List all the required processes for T-shirt production from cotton, covering cradle-to-grave. All processes should come from the Sphera/GaBi databases.”
- “List all MLC databases (GaBi/Sphera) that include processed food production. Limit results to databases with processes applicable to France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.”
5. File Upload for Automated Process Recognition
EcoIN Data AI supports file uploads (Microsoft Word, PDF, PowerPoint, etc.). The platform scans the document for generic process names and identifies their technical names, database, country, and other relevant details.
Example Usage:
- Upload a file and ask:
“Based on the uploaded document, I am conducting an LCA study from cradle to grave. Please list all required processes for olive oil production, grouping them into ‘Production,’ ‘Transportation,’ ‘Distribution,’ ‘Use Phase,’ and ‘End-of-Life’ stages. Include process names, databases, countries, and locations.” - PCB Example:
- Download the DPCB Project example file.
- Upload it to EcoIN Data AI.
- Use a prompt like:
“For the attached file, please identify all processes from cradle to grave.”
- Handling Large Files:
If the list of processes is too long and gets cut off, simply type:
“Continue listing the remaining processes.”
6. Other Useful Prompts
- “List the supported databases and available information.”
- “Show me a random process from the Agribalyse database.”
- “List five random processes from the cm.chemicals database.”
- “Show me five processes for beef production.”
Generating a PDF or Emailing Process List Results
- To generate a PDF of the last chat, type “Generate PDF”.
- To email the process list from the last chat to yourself or a colleague, type “Email Me”.
Once you request an email, you will be prompted to specify which process list should be included.
Both the PDF and email versions will be generated in a well-structured format for easy reference.
Access The Chat History
More Prompts Examples
Structured List of Prompt Examples
1. Retrieving Process Information
(Queries for specific process data from databases)
- Prompt Example 1: Could you show me the process of paper production?
- Prompt Example 2: Please show me the process of almond cake production in France.
- Prompt Example 3: Can you show me a rice production process from the Agribalyse database available in China?
- Prompt Example 4: I am looking for a process of electricity grid mix for Spain.
- Prompt Example 5: Please show me a random process from the GaBi/Sphera core database.
2. Identifying the Best Databases for a Specific Topic
(Queries about the most comprehensive databases for specific materials or industries)
- Prompt Example 6: What is the most complete/comprehensive database for olive oil production modeling for an EPD?
- Prompt Example 7: What is the most complete/comprehensive database for recycling of precious metals?
- Prompt Example 8: What are the two most complete/comprehensive databases for modeling food products?
3. Advanced Process Queries with Specific Criteria
(Queries that request specific details such as system boundaries, transportation, and recovery options)
- Prompt Example 9: Please show me a process for plastic granulate production and specify whether or not transportation is included.
- Prompt Example 10: Please show me a process for ethanol production applicable to Germany and specify its system boundary: cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave.
- Prompt Example 11: Show me a paper incineration process and indicate if energy is recovered from incineration.
4. Understanding Process Codes and Abbreviations
(Queries about database-specific codes and abbreviations)
- Prompt Example 12: What does a process with “DE” stand for?
- Prompt Example 13: What does a process with “RoW” stand for?
5. General Information About EcoIN Data AI
(Queries about the AI itself, its capabilities, and usage instructions)
- Prompt Example 14: Tell me about you.
- Prompt Example 15: What are your key features?
- Prompt Example 16: Could you teach me how I can use you?
- Prompt Example 17: How can I contact support?
6. Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Project Modeling
(Queries about listing all processes required for LCA studies on specific products)
- Prompt Example 18: Can you show me the processes needed for a cradle-to-grave LCA study of cotton T-shirts?
- Prompt Example 19: Show me the processes needed for a cradle-to-grave LCA study of PET bottle production.
- Prompt Example 20: Show me all the processes needed for a comparative LCA study of a paper book vs. an e-book reader.
- Prompt Example 22: Show me all the processes needed for a comparative LCA study of traditional vs. electric vehicles.
7. Complex LCA Project Requests
(Detailed modeling of multi-stage LCA studies, requiring system boundaries, material extraction, and categorization)
- Prompt Example 23: Show me an electricity grid mix for Germany from the Sphera/GaBi database.
- Prompt Example 24: Consider a project of modeling a car air conditioner for an LCA study. Please list all the required processes with their associated information for a cradle-to-grave study. Group the processes under these categories:
- Extraction of raw materials
- Production
- Packaging
- Transportation
- Use phase
- End of life
- Prompt Example 25 (Japanese):LCA調査のために、自動車用エアコンのモデル化を行うプロジェクトを考えてみましょう。ゆりかごから墓場までの調査に必要なすべてのプロセスと、それに関連する情報をリストアップしてください。プロセスは以下のカテゴリに分類します：• 原材料の採取• 製造• 梱包• 輸送• 使用段階• 廃棄・リサイクル（寿命終了）各プロセスについて、システム境界（例：ゆりかごからゲートまで、ゲートからゲートまで など）を明確にし、輸送が含まれるかどうかも判断してください。なお、自動車用エアコンはドイツで製造され、世界中で使用されます。すべてのプロセスについて、以下の情報をリストしてください：• プロセス名• 使用するデータベース• 実施国• プロセスの具体的な場所
- Prompt Example 26 (Arabic): ما هي العمليات المطلوبة لنمذجة مكيف هواء سيارة لدراسة دورة الحياة؟
8. Industry-Specific LCA Modeling
(Queries about LCA modeling in specialized industries like road construction, electronics, and recycling)
- Prompt Example 27: Compare the environmental impact of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC cables, focusing on recycling methods.
- Prompt Example 28: List all the process names required for constructing a 1 km asphalt road, including traffic sign painting.
- Prompt Example 29: Model an LCA study for an LCD TV production project in Japan from cradle to grave.
9. Technical Questions About LCA Concepts
(General knowledge and conceptual questions related to LCA, EPD, and AI applications in sustainability)
- Prompt Example 32: What is the difference between background and foreground data in LCA?
- Prompt Example 34: Explain the role of Product Category Rules (PCR) in Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).
- Prompt Example 35: How can AI help with LCA, PCF, EPD, and GHG accounting using AI-powered platforms such as DEISO EcoIN Data AI?
- Prompt Example 37: What is the ecoinvent database?
- Prompt Example 38: List the databases.
