OSRAM streamlines trade compliance directly in SAP®
OSRAM optimized its global trade compliance with AEB solutions for comprehensive sanctions compliance and export controls – integrated into their SAP® IT landscape.
At a glance
- Company: ams-OSRAM AG
- Industry: High-tech and electronics
- Initial situation: Costly legacy software update with no added value, no SAP® integration
- Solution: AEB Compliance Screening, Export Controls, License Management, and Risk Assessment, seamlessly integrated into SAP®: sanctions list checks, export controls, export license management, and digital end-use checks
- Results: On-schedule implementation, millions of checks per year, greater transparency and efficiency, and fully documented compliance activities
Challenge
"All in all, there was great potential to make data exchange and our processes leaner and more transparent through improved integration into our ERP systems and to sustainably reduce efforts with new software."
Stefan Klingshirn, Export Control and Customs (ECC) Specialist, OSRAM
A costly update with no added value
OSRAM’s Export Control and Customs (ECC) team faced a pivotal decision when its existing export control software was set for a short-notice version change. The update promised no tangible improvements but came with considerable costs and administrative burdens, equating to a complete software reimplementation. Furthermore, the software lacked integration with OSRAM’s SAP® ERP system, preventing efficient data exchange and transparency.
The goal was to sustainably reduce efforts with new software. "It was clear to us very quickly that we were now on the lookout for a new solution," says Stefan Klingshirn.
High requirements, tight timeline
For a global company operating in more than 50 countries and managing complex international trade compliance processes, these limitations posed significant risks to legal compliance and operational efficiency.
OSRAM therefore sought a solution to support global sanctions list checks, export controls, and export license management while complying with the diverse trade laws of regions such as the US, China, Mexico, Canada, Malaysia, and Europe. The software needed to integrate seamlessly with SAP® systems, ensure 24/7 availability, and require minimal training for efficient adoption.
The ambitious project timeline demanded a vendor capable of delivering a robust solution within tight deadlines – and of transforming OSRAM’s trade compliance processes without disrupting its global supply chain.
Solution
Products used
Cloud solutions, seamlessly integrated into SAP®
OSRAM partnered with AEB, leveraging its Compliance Screening, Export Controls, and License Management solutions. These tools integrate seamlessly with OSRAM’s SAP® systems across regions and business units, in line with the company’s IT strategy of transitioning to cloud-based applications.
AEB’s software supports critical trade compliance functions, including comprehensive sanctions list checks, export control checks for various jurisdictions such as US and EU regulations, and the management of export licenses across all sites.
Digital end-use checks
AEB also delivered an innovative digital end-use check tool tailored to OSRAM’s needs. Part of the Risk Assessment solution, it includes multilingual digital questionnaires that ensure compliance at the local level. Collaborative development with OSRAM’s decentralized teams emphasized user-friendliness, which allowed for swift adoption.
Staged rollout based on a copy template
Implementation adhered to a tight schedule, rolling out in stages to sites across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. A central “copy template” ensured consistency while allowing minor customizations.
Real-time checks within the process
The solutions provide real-time compliance workflows, blocking processes with flagged risks and notifying the responsible parties for resolution. This rigorous approach has optimized OSRAM’s global trade compliance processes, ensuring both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Result
Millions of checks per year
AEB successfully implemented its solutions as scheduled, enabling OSRAM to meet its trade compliance needs without disrupting operations.
The integrated system now performs millions of checks annually across OSRAM’s global network, ensuring compliance with ever-changing sanctions lists and export regulations. Centralized data storage and streamlined workflows give OSRAM greater transparency and efficiency, and all compliance activities are securely documented and easily accessible for audits.
"Due to our global orientation, secure, efficient foreign trade processes and trade compliance are of great importance to OSRAM. It is crucial for us that all legal requirements are complied with and the operative business and its supply chain are not disturbed," says Stefan Klingshirn.
Close collaboration as a success factor
The project’s success owed much to the close collaboration between OSRAM and AEB, characterized by dynamic teamwork, swift decision-making, and tailored solutions. Notably, the new end-use check system empowers decentralized teams with intuitive tools for managing complex compliance tasks.
AEB’s automated updates have reduced the IT maintenance burden and ensure that OSRAM always stays current with legal requirements.
Ultimately, the solutions deliver significant value: improved process efficiency, enhanced risk management, and robust support for OSRAM’s global operations. The partnership highlights how modern, IT-driven solutions can address the complexities of international trade compliance at scale.
"With AEB, we now have the right software support to meet our high trade compliance requirements."
Stefan Klingshirn, Export Control and Customs (ECC) Specialist, OSRAM
Questions and answers about the project
About OSRAM
OSRAM, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a global leader in high-tech lighting solutions. Established in 1918, the company operates 27 production plants and serves customers in 120 countries. Its portfolio spans visible and invisible light technologies for industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics.