At a glance
Part of NFRThe company improves the quality of its products and processes with a variety of tools: All Schaeffler Group plants 1 have certified management systems in accordance with globally recognized quality standards and regulations. The company, among other things, has successfully implemented the requirements of the following certification-relevant standards in all Schaeffler plants concerned worldwide:
The conformity of the products, systems, and processes is periodically checked and confirmed at the affected locations by internal and external audits.
To continue to meet the Schaeffler Group’s high quality standards, the company follows the SHAPE quality program. Within this scope, the central departments of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, and the Chief Technology Officer work with the divisions to develop the future structure of Schaeffler quality in the four focus areas:
So far, 20 initiatives have been defined for SHAPE, which should be successively completed by 2025. Potential through digitalization is used and implemented in a targeted manner. One of the initiatives is the introduction of a CAQ system, 2 which is expected to be rolled out in all plants by 2028. SHAPE is an integral part of the Execution Program 2025 and is represented in the three cross-divisional sub-programs RACE, SCALE, and VALUE. SHAPE also supports the achievement of targets in two cross-divisional sub-programs (Digitalization & IT and Innovation & Technology). Together with the Execution Program, SHAPE is scheduled for completion in 2025.Part of NFR
Part of NFRProduct integrity is a key element in meeting regulatory and societal expectations regarding the safety and conformity of Schaeffler products. For this, the Schaeffler Group uses a Technical compliance management system (TCMS) with standardized and auditable processes according to a comprehensive risk-based approach. The TCMS includes management systems for integrated product safety, functional safety, and product cybersecurity. The latter aims in particular to minimize technical risks due to the increasing connectivity of products. The Technical Compliance team is represented at a national and international level in committees on product safety, functional safety, and product cybersecurity management systems.
With the integration of these management systems into the “Technical Compliance” organization in 2022, the comprehensive safety and conformity assessment of products and services was continuously improved in line with the company values.
The Schaeffler Group identifies potential hazards that may arise from products as part of the product development process. The company assesses potential risks and implements suitable technical and procedural measures to minimize risks according to the current state of knowledge and technology. Potential risks posed by products that may have a negative impact during use are managed based on established product and market observation procedures.
The integrated product safety management system is also intended to adequately implement compliance with the new European Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of May 10, 2023, on general product safety. The Chinese Decree of Administrative Regulations No. 75 and No. 76 on Monitoring the Implementation of Primary Responsibility for Quality and Safety in the Distribution of Industrial Products, issued in April 2023 by the State Administration for Market Supervision and Administration, is to be implemented by the Schaeffler Group’s Product Safety and Conformity Representatives (PSCR) network. These PSCRs are continuously trained in combined online and face-to-face training. This training includes defining and justifying functional or characteristic safety objectives for new products or applications. Information on new or amended reporting obligations required by the authorities and relating to unsafe products in circulation are also included in the PSCR training.
In the reporting year, product liability cases 3 were avoided through the standard company processes and the integrated product safety management system.
A primary goal of the Schaeffler Group is brand protection and fighting product piracy in an effort to further increase the high level of product safety for its customers and other stakeholders. The brand protection strategy aims, among other things, to force counterfeits out of the market worldwide – especially on civil and criminal-law measures. The company is also focused on increasing market participant awareness and knowledge about this topic. In addition, the Schaeffler Group supports its authorized resellers with training courses, authentication offers, and in-house trade fairs. In the context of product monitoring, these measures also serve to minimize product liability risk for counterfeit products.Part of NFR
1 According to the scope of the Schaeffler Group’s management manual and valid certification rules.
2 A Computer Aided Quality (CAQ) system maps the operational implementation of all quality management processes as well as interfaces to planning and control systems.
3 Product liability cases (pursuant to product liability law) are claims by end users against the Schaeffler Group for compensation for damage that occurred at the end user’s location as a result of a safety-related product defect.
