Technical compliance is a central component of corporate governance that ensures that products, processes and services meet regulatory requirements. In recent years, especially after the diesel scandal, the importance of technical compliance has increased significantly. Companies now have to deal with a multitude of technical regulations in order to minimise legal risks and avoid reputational damage. A systematic Technical Compliance Management System (tCMS) is crucial for the companies.

Technical compliance refers to a company’s adherence to all relevant technical laws, regulations and standards. This may include industry-specific requirements such as emission regulations in the automotive industry, product safety requirements or environmental regulations. Technical compliance focuses on ensuring that these regulations and standards are systematically adhered to throughout the entire company. Especially for companies in regulated industries such as the automotive industry or mechanical engineering, the introduction of a technical compliance management system is indispensable.

An effective tCMS ensures that companies systematically comply with legal requirements and identify risks at an early stage. It is not only a tool for minimising risk, but also a way to increase operational efficiency and create transparency. The advantages of a well-implemented tCMS are:

• Continuous overview of inspection obligations: It ensures that all legal inspections and maintenance are carried out on schedule.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations: A tCMS helps to systematically monitor legal and regulatory requirements.
• Minimisation of liability risks: Adherence to all regulations reduces liability risks.
• Increased efficiency and transparency: A well-structured system increases transparency in processes and improves efficiency.
• Basis of trust for customers and business partners: A tCMS strengthens the trust of business partners and customers in the compliance and reliability of the company.

The introduction of a tCMS not only provides legal security, but can also optimise internal processes and increase trust in the company.

Technical compliance requires adherence to both national and international regulations, which change frequently. Companies face the challenge of identifying the relevant laws and ensuring their implementation. They must take into account environmental and safety regulations as well as industry-specific requirements such as product safety or emissions standards.

A tCMS helps to overcome these challenges by including the following elements:

• Risk management and risk analysis: Regular analyses are used to identify and minimise potential risks in processes and products.
• Documentation and traceability: A tCMS ensures that all technical requirements and controls are documented and traceable.
• Continuous employee training: Regular training creates awareness of technical regulations and enables employees to act in accordance with them.

These measures ensure that companies comply with technical requirements in both product development and ongoing operations and protect themselves legally.

The introduction of a Technical Compliance Management System requires a structured approach to ensure that all technical regulations are systematically adhered to. The main steps for implementing a tCMS are:

• Appointing a responsible person: Responsibility for the tCMS usually lies with the technical management or compliance management. This person supervises the implementation and delegation of tasks.
• Creating awareness of technical compliance: It is essential that all employees understand how important technical compliance is for the company. Training and internal communication help to develop an understanding of which regulations must be adhered to in day-to-day business.
• Integration into existing management systems: A tCMS should be integrated into existing quality and environmental management systems, as there are many overlaps with these areas. This integration ensures a smooth implementation and tracking of technical requirements.
• Continuous monitoring and adaptation: A tCMS should be regularly reviewed and adapted to new legal requirements and technological developments. This ensures that the company always acts in compliance.

Implementing these steps ensures that companies can reliably and efficiently meet their technical obligations.

A well-implemented technical compliance management system is not only a necessity for companies to meet legal requirements, but also a strategic advantage. It improves internal processes, minimises liability risks and strengthens the trust of customers and business partners. Regular monitoring and adaptation of processes ensures that companies operate efficiently and in a legally compliant manner in the long term.

Contact us to find out more about implementing a customised technical compliance management system in your company.