Precision and innovation characterise the almost 100-year history of GROB-Werke. The global player in mechanical engineering meets new challenges pragmatically and with foresight. Even before the HinSchG was passed in Germany, the management of GROB-Werke knew that they wanted to provide all stakeholders with a confidential channel for submitting information. After intensive research, the otris whistleblowing system was chosen.
Coverage of HinSchG and LkSG
In addition to the requirements of the HinSchG, GROB-Werke’s requirements included the implementation of a complaints procedure required by the LkSG. ‘We were looking for a pragmatic solution that we could implement ourselves with little effort,’ recalls Dr Monika Glogger, Compliance Officer at GROB-Werke. As an employee of the Legal and Compliance organisational unit, Dr Monika Glogger was entrusted with both the operational implementation of legal requirements from the HinSchG and LkSG and the selection of a software solution.
„Covering both whistleblowing management and complaints management with a single software solution was an important criterion for us when purchasing the software,’ says Dr Monika Glogger, describing a decisive selection criterion. ‘With the otris whistleblowing system, we can manage all incoming reports centrally and pass them on to the individual specialist managers depending on their area of responsibility.“
Anonymous communication
Although the legal regulations do not require the possibility of submitting reports anonymously, they explicitly recommend it. For GROB-Werke, it was clear that the confidential handling of reports and the protection of the identity of reporting persons are of the highest priority for the company. A reporting system should therefore also offer the alternative of being able to report information and complaints anonymously. This requirement is fully supported by the otris whistleblowing system via a technically secure communication channel: The reporting person can communicate anonymously with the whistleblower via a web-based reporting platform. All data exchanged is encrypted in accordance with high security standards. From a technical point of view, the identity of the person making the report cannot be traced by the recipient.
Fast implementation, high compliance benefits
Just a few weeks after GROB-Werke decided in favour of the otris whistleblowing system, the system had already been introduced throughout the company. The integration into the existing system architecture went smoothly. ‘We see our whistleblowing system as an excellent solution for gaining knowledge of possible sensitive issues and weak points in our internal processes. We can then use preventive measures to react at an early stage or check whether our existing remedial measures are working,’ says Compliance Officer Dr Monika Glogger. In addition, preset terms already support communication with the reporting person so that confirmations of receipt or final reports are sent on time and within the legal requirements.
About GROB-Werke
Founded almost 100 years ago by Ernst Grob in Munich, GROB-Werke has continuously expanded its product range ever since. From the first thread milling machine to additive manufacturing, the small machine tool factory has become a global player in mechanical engineering. The company now focuses on the construction of highly innovative production and automation systems. In recent years, the company has also continued to expand its activities in the field of electromobility. Here too, GROB is now one of the market leaders.
Picture credits:
The photos used (banner, quote, logo) were kindly provided by GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG.
