TrUSD – Transparent and self-determined arrangement of data use in businesses

The digitalization in the professional environment opens up the possibility for companies to collect and evaluate extensive data on a wide variety of work processes. By analyzing this data, work processes can be optimized - for example, the evaluation of walking routes in warehouses can reveal inefficient processes. However, there is also the risk of direct monitoring of individual employees - an example is the detailed recording of coffee breaks. In this area of conflict, it is important to achieve a balance of interests between employers and employees.

Objectives and Approach

In order to be able to represent their interests adequately, employees need information about the data that is being collected by their employer. They must also be able to express their wishes regarding the handling of their data. TrUSD is therefore researching concepts and tools that offer these possibilities. As a result, an integrated software solution is to be developed, a so-called privacy dashboard. In such a dashboard, the employee can see, for example, that his or her routes are recorded. He can allow the evaluation of this data under certain conditions, such as anonymization.

Innovation and Perspectives 

The results of the TrUSD project will enable employees to make informed decisions in the context of corporate data protection. At the same time, employers will benefit from the extensive data analysis and the easy integration into existing processes. For example, inefficiently organized warehouses can be identified through the anonymized analysis of movement data. In this way, TrUSD will strike a balance between the interests of employers and employees.

Funded by the federal ministry of education and research.