Certified safety all round

3 minutes

The automotive industry is characterized by stringent legal requirements and supplier audits. Certifications such as ISO 14001/EMAS, for environmental protection, or OHSAS 18001, for Health & Safety, can be included in the supplier evaluation – a considerable endeavor for the supply industry. Since the end of 2011, the tire manufacturer Pirelli has been using Quentic, the online software for Environment, Health, Safety (EHS) and Corporate Responsibility (CSR), to cover all of its requirements for flexibility and legal security.

About Pirelli Deutschland

Pirelli is among the largest manufacturers of tires in the world, and thanks to its high level of technological competence, it is the market leader of the premium tire segment. Founded in 1872, the company operates in more than 160 countries and employs over 38,000 people at 22 production sites on 4 continents. The German branch of the globally operating Pirelli Group mainly produces tires for passenger cars and motorcycles in the high- and ultra-high performance segment.

Putting quality to the test

Automotive manufacturers use critical supplier audits to assess their adherence to required quality standards, such as ISO/TS 16949 and process audits in accordance with VDA 6.3. A valid certificate opens the door to tier-1 suppliers and automotive manufacturers. This increases the pressure: companies that cannot document that all quality standards have been met – even the smallest of parts – are eliminated from the supply chain.

Flexible and mobile with online solutions

Of foremost importance for the tire manufacturer is the continuous improvement of the quality of its products, especially in the areas of performance, safety, and environmental sustainability. That is why Pirelli Germany sought out a central solution, one would further support their own management system in accordance with ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 and also cover all flexibility, data security and legal compliance requirements. Another deciding factor was the flexibility of Quentic’s web-based SaaS version (Software as a Service). It allows the EHS officer to work from anywhere, allowing the company to use mobile tablets during inspections and audits. When the safety, risk and environmental aspects of working areas are being assessed, deviations and anomalies can be instantly recorded in the system and corresponding actions can be initiated. This saves a lot of time. But Quentic also excels at the standard functions, such as user management and access rights control. In addition, the software scored points with its usability and practical relevance. Among other things, it only takes a single tap of the finger to generate safety instructions, risk assessments and complete management reports.

Adhering to legal obligations with ease

For Pirelli, legal compliance played a major role when deciding on which software to use. After all, it is the EHS department’s job to ensure that the numerous legal requirements in tire production are adhered to, e. g. when handling chemicals and hazardous chemicals or working at special facilities, such as vulcanization plants. The relevant individuals at the company receive automatic email notifications when the relevant laws have changed. This makes it easy to maintain and trace changes in the legal norms. An interface with an online legal database and a reminder function for checking the validity of legal obligations are just some of the many tried-and-true features.For Pirelli, legal compliance played a major role when deciding on which software to use. After all, it is the EHS department’s job to ensure that the numerous legal requirements in tire production are adhered to, e. g. when handling chemicals and hazardous chemicals or working at special facilities, such as vulcanization plants. The relevant individuals at the company receive automatic email notifications when the relevant laws have changed. This makes it easy to maintain and trace changes in the legal norms. An interface with an online legal database and a reminder function for checking the validity of legal obligations are just some of the many tried-and-true features.

Preparing audits efficiently

The software also enables convenient planning, organization, and documentation of both internal and external audits. Another of the software’s advantages is its easy integration of all participants – including third parties. When working with the audit schedule, automatic email notifications can be defined: as reminders for particular dates or to regulate the repetition of audits. Numerous evaluation possibilities and extensive audit reports make it easier to assess environmental impacts while taking all relevant information into consideration. Requirements of norms and standards are met effectively and expeditiously. For Pirelli, this means that time-consuming audit management for EHS processes has finally become a thing of the past.The software also enables convenient planning, organization, and documentation of both internal and external audits. Another of the software’s advantages is its easy integration of all participants – including third parties. When working with the audit schedule, automatic email notifications can be defined: as reminders for particular dates or to regulate the repetition of audits. Numerous evaluation possibilities and extensive audit reports make it easier to assess environmental impacts while taking all relevant information into consideration. Requirements of norms and standards are met effectively and expeditiously. For Pirelli, this means that time-consuming audit management for EHS processes has finally become a thing of the past.