Export controls and ERP systems: uncovering weaknesses, finding solutions

ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA, U.K. - May 9, 2016 - PRLog -- Companies that engage in international trade rely on effective export control processes throughout their supply chain. How can ERP systems be transformed to meet the complex requirements of export controls? A new white paper by AEB, a leading provider of global trade and supply chain management software, provides answers while detailing requirements, challenges, and the right approach to export controls. Titled "Transforming your ERP system into an export powerhouse", the white paper can be downloaded free of charge at www.aeb.com/uk/media/white-paper-export-powerhouse.php.

ERP systems are strong in the areas of production, distribution, accounting, finance, and human resources - but they reach their limits when it comes to export controls.  Experience shows that export control functionalities are best managed with specialised programmes connected through standardised interfaces rather than directly in a company's ERP system.

AEB's new white paper introduces the four fundamental pillars of export controls: sanction list screening, embargo checks, critical goods screening, and end-use checks. It details what exactly companies are required to check and what role IT systems play in ensuring global trade compliance. It also helps businesses to determine whether their ERP system is up to the export controls challenge, based on ten practical tips and a useful check list.

Does the system automatically block deliveries once certain export control parameters are met? Are ad-hoc queries from sanction list possible from within the ERP system (for example when entering data for new customers) and is screening automatically taking place in the background of all transactions? These - and other - questions help companies identify whether their current solution has sufficient export control functionality and whether further optimisation measures can increase security and performance.

Claire Umney, General Manager at AEB (International) Ltd, said: "ERP systems are generalists among IT solutions. Their strength lies in data management across individual business units, which provides users quick access to relevant business transactions and analyses. The disadvantage in certain areas, however, is that specific functionality is lacking required functional depth - this applies specifically to the complex area of global trade. There are no ERP systems offering effective, off-the-shelf export control functionality. But for businesses that are active on an international level, it's become ever more crucial to embed effective export controls within their own processes. Legal consequences in case of regulatory violations can hit companies severely, and additional impacts outside of penalties may include the cessation of customs simplifications, delivery delays, reputational damage, and loss of consumer confidence. We hope our white paper helps companies identify the best option for them to ensure export control compliance and process efficiency."

AEB's white paper "Transforming your ERP system into an export powerhouse", including a check list, can be downloaded free of charge at www.aeb.com/uk/media/white-paper-export-powerhouse.php.

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Contacts

For further information, photos or interview requests, please contact Andrea Krug, Krug Communications Ltd, tel. +44 (0)7740 245 867, email: andrea@krugcomms.com. To find out more about AEB's software solutions please visit www.aeb.com/uk.

About AEB (www.aeb.com/uk)

AEB is one of Europe's leading providers of supply chain logistics software, consultancy, and services and has been delivering solutions to customers for over thirty five years. The company has over 5,000 customers worldwide, supported by offices in the UK, Germany, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, France, and the US. AEB's core product - ASSIST4 - is the comprehensive solution suite for all logistics processes in global business. ASSIST4 offers a complete set of business services for end-to-end logistics, including international goods movements, making it possible to standardise and automate business processes in supply chain execution. ASSIST4 also creates transparency and provides a reliable basis for making the right decisions about the planning, monitoring, control, and continual optimisation of supply networks - even beyond the boundaries of the business. The ASSIST4 suite offers full functionality via a wide range of modules including Visibility & Collaboration Platform, Order Management, Warehouse Management, Transport & Freight Management, Customs Management, and Compliance & Risk Management.