Simplifying Compliance: What IMDS Release 15.0 Means for PCF Reporting
The International Material Data System (IMDS) plays a vital role in the automotive industry by ensuring transparent material reporting across the supply chain. With the launch of IMDS Release 15.0 and Recommendation 027, reporting the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) for automobile parts has become more streamlined. This update aligns closely with the Catena-X PCF Rulebook, ensuring that all supply chain partners follow a standardized approach and speak the same compliance language. Until now, PCF reporting lacked uniformity, making it difficult for suppliers and OEMs to ensure accurate, comparable, and transparent data across the supply chain. With sustainability and emissions reduction becoming top priorities for the automotive sector, inconsistent approaches to PCF calculation and reporting often led to confusion, inefficiencies, and compliance risks. IMDS Release 15.0 addresses these challenges by introducing structured PCF reporting that integrates seamlessly with existing Material Data Sheets (MDS). Key updates include: The introduction of PCF reporting in IMDS brings multiple advantages for the automotive supply chain: IMDS Release 15.0 marks a significant milestone in sustainability reporting by setting clear rules for PCF data submission. For automotive companies, this is the right time to ensure PCF data is accurate, compliant, and aligned with industry standards. Partnering with ComplianceXL can help organizations seamlessly adapt to these changes, maintain regulatory compliance, and lead the way in sustainable automotive supply chain practices.
Unlock Efficiency with IMDS Roll-out 14.3: A Comprehensive Guide
IMDS (International Material Data System) stands as a vital online database within the automotive industry, obliging manufacturers and suppliers to meet regulatory requirements. Developed by DXC Technology, IMDS undergoes continuous improvement to align with evolving regulations and streamline reporting processes. Following the recent rollout of IMDS Release 14.3, DXC Technology unveils the forthcoming IMDS Release 15.0, along with planned enhancements discussed at the IMDS summit. 1.Source of material: Allow bio-based content for classification 7.1. 2.MDS Report: New recipient fields 3. MDS Tree search The “Ingredients” view of each module/MDB is extended, where specific criteria for each search type will be identical to the ones provided in the Where-Used-Analysis. Three options will be provided for the different GADSL and SVHC categories. This way the first reference matching the search criteria will automatically be selected after opening the MDS. 4. MDS Analysis: Display Classification for Materials The classification of materials is now also displayed in the analysis view of each MDS. 5.Polymer Material Wizard: Flame retardants and plasticizers In the wizard dialog for creating the symbol for materials of classification 5.1.x, it will be possible to select a flame retardant and/or plasticizer code in the future the selection of a code in the drop-down menu will also add the code. 6. MDS Copy: Dialog to update referenced versions When manually copying an MDS or creating a new version, a dialog box was previously displayed. where you can select which references are to be updated and which are to be retained. The dialog is not displayed when the “Update MDS” screen is used to create a new version with the new update. 7. MDS Check: Display top-level supplier and MDS When checking an MDS, the ID/version and the suppliers of the most affected MDS will appear in future. In this way, these suppliers can be quickly identified, and an updated version is requested. 8. MDS Check: Only check the entered ranges of mechanical recyclate During the MDS check for recyclate, only entered data will be considered and only if the margin between pre-consumer and post-consumer recyclate exceeds 20%, no longer the calculated total percentage is checked. In conclusion, DXC Technology’s IMDS Release 15.0 promises significant improvements to the reporting process, aligning with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices. While specific rollout dates are pending, these enhancements mark a significant step forward in enhancing IMDS functionality and compliance. Stay tuned with ComplianceXL for further updates and support in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of IMDS regulation.
Tips for managing IMDS compliance across a global supply chain
In today’s interconnected world, the automotive industry operates globally, with manufacturers and suppliers spanning continents. To ensure compliance with various legal requirements and regulations, the International Material Data System (IMDS) has become an indispensable tool. In this blog, we will explore the significance of IMDS in the automotive industry. We will also outline strategies for improving IMDS compliance across a complex global supply chain. IMDS, short for International Material Data System, emerged as a collaborative solution in the late 1990s. This was when automotive manufacturers recognized the need for a common system to report on vehicle content, recyclability, and reuse. Developed and hosted by DXC Technology (formerly EDS), IMDS is an online database employed by the automotive industry to meet regulatory obligations. This system constantly evolves to adapt to the latest industry regulations and enhance reporting capabilities. Challenges in Managing IMDS Compliance Across a Global Supply Chain Managing IMDS compliance in a global supply chain presents several challenges due to the complexity and dispersion of automotive industry suppliers. To tackle these challenges effectively, consider these strategies: Get Buy-In from All Stakeholders : IMDS compliance is a team effort. Engage all stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and internal departments, to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and is committed to compliance. Establish Clear Procedures and Guidelines : Define precise procedures and guidelines for IMDS compliance, covering data entry, classification, reporting, and recordkeeping. Clarity is key to avoiding errors. Use a Centralized Database : Implement a centralized database system to maintain accurate and up-to-date data accessible to all stakeholders, regardless of their geographical location. Automate as Much as Possible : Explore automation solutions to streamline IMDS compliance tasks, saving time and resources for other crucial business activities. Stay Up-to-Date on Regulations : Given the dynamic nature of IMDS regulations, stay informed about the latest changes to prevent compliance issues. Conduct Regular Audits : Regular audits help identify and rectify compliance issues early. Ensure that your procedures are consistently followed, and data is accurate. Plan for Non-Compliance : Despite best efforts, non-compliance can occur. Develop a clear plan to address non-compliance situations, including corrective actions, supplier relationship management, or product recalls. Addressing Unique Challenges in Global IMDS Compliance When managing IMDS compliance across a global supply chain, it’s essential to consider: Language Barrier :Use translators or provide translated documentation when dealing with suppliers and customers in different countries. Time Differences :Adjust your communication schedule to align with suppliers and customers’ business hours in various time zones. Real-time communication tools are invaluable. Cultural Differences: Adapt your procedures and documentation to accommodate different cultural norms and compliance approaches. Conclusion IMDS compliance is a complex but vital aspect of the automotive industry’s global supply chain. Staying compliant with regulations is legally required and crucial to business success and reputation. ComplianceXL offers comprehensive solutions to simplify the IMDS compliance process. It provides real-time insights, regulatory updates, and expert guidance to ensure your organization remains compliant in a rapidly evolving industry. With our support, you can navigate IMDS compliance challenges confidently and efficiently, no matter where your supply chain reaches. Get in touch with one of our IMDS specialists today! Contact Us
Driving Excellence: Power of Automotive Core Tools
Among the Automotive Core Tools, there are methodologies that assist manufacturers and suppliers in adhering to IATF 16949, the standard for quality management systems in the automotive industry set by the International Automotive Task Force. The Automotive Core Tools encompass: Advanced Product Quality Planning & Control Plan (APQP): APQP guides the development of new or improved products and processes, ensuring they align with customer expectations. Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): This process aims to confirm a supplier’s ability to manufacture parts that meet specified customer requirements and quality standards. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): This tool identifies and assesses potential failures, providing recommendations to prevent or mitigate them. A recently harmonized FMEA manual combines the best practices of AIAG and VDA, two industry associations. Statistical Process Control (SPC): Utilizing statistical methods and charts, SPC monitors and manages the variation of critical process parameters. Measurement System Analysis (MSA): MSA evaluates the accuracy and precision of measurement systems, pinpointing sources of measurement errors and variability. The following outlines the advantages and disadvantages of automotive core tools: The advantages are: Ensuring quality, reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction within the automotive sector. Reducing costs, waste, defects, and risks. Facilitating conformity with IATF 16949, the international quality management standard in the automotive industry. Demonstrating competence and compliance with customer and regulatory prerequisites. Enhancing manufacturing efficiency, labor productivity, and materials management. The disadvantages are: Effective implementation necessitates substantial training, certification, and software usage. May not readily accommodate changes in market trends, customer needs, or product innovations. Compatibility concerns with other quality tools and techniques used in different industries or sectors. Possible inadequacy in addressing all quality challenges within the automotive industry. Automotive Core Tools serve various purposes: The APQP process guarantees adherence to requirements and the avoidance of potential issues throughout product development, from concept to launch. PPAP ensures suppliers can deliver parts in line with design specifications, quality standards, and customer demands. FMEA identifies and prioritizes potential failure causes and effects, subsequently implementing corrective or preventive actions. Statistical Process Control aids in identifying and eliminating sources of process variation, whether common or specific, through measurement and analysis. MSA improves measurement system accuracy, reliability, and consistency while minimizing measurement errors and variations. ComplianceXL employs these Automotive Core Tools to provide clients with services concerning diverse regulations, contributing to the automotive industry’s quality, reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. This approach offers customers a risk-free, cost-effective solution, enabling the automotive sector to uphold regulatory compliance and competitive strength. Contact one of our Automotive compliance specialists today! Contact Us
A guide to the ACEA Regulatory List in IMDS
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, widely used and recognized by its acronym ACEA was formerly identified under the French name L’Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobile. As a result of the 1991 merger of BMW, DAF, Daimler-Benz, FIAT, Ford, General Motors Europe, MAN, Porsche, Renault, Rolls Royce, Rover, Saab-Scania, Volkswagen, Volvo car, and AB Volvo, the company was founded. There is a lot of regulation in the automotive industry in the EU region, making it one of the most complicated and heavily regulated sectors. The automotive industry is governed by more than 150 regulations and 30 directives. It is of vital importance to the EU automotive industry that the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) streamlines and harmonizes regulations with national and international regulations. A list of regulatory substances has been compiled by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) to improve the IMDS reporting process and support the supply chain. ACEA owned and maintained this regulatory list. As regulations in the automotive industry are frequently updated, the list will be updated accordingly. A new list has been added to the IMDS called the ACEA regulatory list by the IMDS steering committee. The ACEA regulatory list differs from the GADSL list, a substance that is included in the GADSL list might not be included in the ACEA list. In order to comply with national and international regulations, ACEA provides a substance list to the automotive industry, but does not relieve companies of their legal obligations. To comply with the environmental standards imposed on automotive manufacturers in the EU region, they make their best effort to achieve all of them. By adding this regulatory list to a centralized portal like IMDS, OEMs and their suppliers will have an easier time achieving compliance. As a compliance service provider, ComplianceXL strives to provide the best information on regulation changes and their environmental impact to their customers. We are committed to staying up to date on the latest developments in the industry and providing our customers with timely and accurate information. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that our customers are kept up to date and compliant with regulations. Get in touch with us today for more information!
Different types of IMDS (International Material Data System) System
IMDS (International Material Data System) is a collaboration of Audi, BMW, Daimler, EDS (now part of DXC Technology, the system administrator), Ford, Opel, Porsche, VW, and Volvo. It helps the OEM and their suppliers to meet the regulation, standards and laws imposed on hazardous substance. All materials present in finished automobile manufacturing are collected, maintained, analysed, and archived on the IMDS platform. Since from the inception, the usage of IMDS was drastically improved and it is used by all the automobile makers nowadays. DXC Technology is the company who takes care of the IMDS platform and its maintenance activities. IMDS system is an internet-based system, anyone can access the data from anywhere. DXC technology supplies support for different types of IMDS systems based on user needs, product complexity and connection to their internal system. The different types of IMDS systems are explained below. Basic web version The basic version of IMDS tool is the web-based system and it is available for free of cost. It was supported by the OEM sponsor’s group for the suppliers who supplies the product to the automotive industries. Anyone can register their organization in IMDS portal to avail login for basic IMDS version. Features Create, transfer, validate and analyse MDS reports. No costs involved. Drawback Not compatible with the upload and download option. Cannot integrate with external or in-house system. Not suitable for complex structures. IMDS-AI System IMDS Advanced Interface system provides flexibility to connect IMDS (International Material Data System) system to your in-house/other external system. It enables the automated data exchange between IMDS and to your internal system. IMDS AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a paid version developed by DXC technology and the cost will be based on volume uploads. Features Supports automated data transfer. Compatible with complex MDS structures. Flexibility to connect with in-house/external system. Supports upload and download options. Transfer of all MDS status update to local or connected system. Advantages Improve data quality and administration. Improves productivity. Maintain IMDS status update with local system. IMDS-A2 System IMDS Advanced Accelerator is a specialized tool used to optimize the IMDS process in an efficient and fast manner. It simplifies the data management process by improving the productivity and quality of the incoming datasheets. This system provides enormous features to the users and make the IMDS reporting quite simple and effective. It also provides extended window for other regulation reporting inside the IMDS. It is a paid system, the cost will be vary based on the provided features. Features Data examination using a configured set of rules & standards. Provide automation feasibility for Inbox MDS. Dashboard option for clear data view. MDS comparison. Separate modules for analysis & reporting. Extended Where-Used analysis. Allows access to bulk SCIP submissions. Advantages Simplified, powerful user interface and multiple-window capability. Less time & effort. More productivity. Configurable checks based on your needs. Drag & Drop capability option. It is especially important to choose a tool that makes our work easier and more effective. Again, these options are purely based on the workload and complexity of the product they are supplying. Choose wisely, WorkSmart!!
BOM Management in IMDS
Complexity of BOMs in the IMDS system, and how we make the BOM management process easy, We also have a software option available for efficient management of large number of BOMs and MDS BoMs in IMDS will be available in two different formats usually. They are, Flat or Single-Level BoM Multi-Level BoM 1. Flat or Single-Level BoM This kind of BoM has only one levels under the parent or end assembly component. Since all the part numbers are aligned in same level, there is no grouping or sub-assemblies available. Constructing this BoM is easy when compared to Multi-level BoM’s. 2. Multi-Level BoM As per the name indicated, this kind of BoM’s are constructed with many levels, grouping and sub-assemblies. Creating the structure for this kind of BoM’s are very complex and time-consuming process. Since the levels are more and confusing, there is a greater possibility of doing error in level formation. To overcome all these problems, it is very necessary to make this BoM creation process automated. BoM’s in IMDS In IMDS, most of the OEM’s are not allowing to use the Flat or Single-Level BoM structure because of its accuracy.They are always encouraging their supplier to submit the report in Multi-level structuring format. In multi-level BoM structuring, we will get the transparency in each sub-assembly component and its child structure. As we already said, creating multi-level BoM is not easy. Since the quality and accuracy are most important factor in IMDS report. It is necessary to have an automation tool, to create a multi-level BoM structure in single click. If you are a manufacturer, who is handling more multi-level BoM’s in manual IMDS creation method. Please contact us, we are having an interesting software technology to make your complex process easier and more compatible.
Here’s how CDX (Compliance Data Exchange) Platform can simplify IMDS Reporting!
Every OEM in the automotive industry requires its suppliers to use the International Material Data System (IMDS) for material data reporting. With the IMDS system, suppliers can document and report their material data, support the recyclability and reusability of materials in vehicles, and report Substances of Concern (SoC). The information in the IMDS also provides compliance status with regulations such as EU-ELV, RRR, REACH, etc. The compliance data exchange is similarly an online product data management system, a platform which provides manufacturers and suppliers powerful chemical product management capabilities, as well as supply chain communications and alignments. the system helps standardize product data as well as supporting data gathering and submissions from the supply chain through online requests and forms aimed at the requirements of all manufacturing industries thus covering a wider range of compliance regulations than what IMDS covers. Importance of CDX Platform in IMDS Completing the reports in IMDS manually is manageable when there are a few but, when there are hundreds and the information required to complete the reports exists in different systems, the reports become even more tedious and require the utmost attention to make sure they are free of mistakes. And mostly, the amount of time consumed to create and sort the data must be optimized for improved time to market. Hence the DXC technology, the company behind the automotive industry’s IMDS has developed the compliance data exchange (CDX) to meet the need for a robust product compliance data collection and reporting systems across the industries. Therefore, enabling them the use of centralized data base and full materials declarations. While the MDS helps mainly and widely the sourcing and archiving data from automotive industries, the CDX includes non- automotive industries to easily meet industrial regulations and customer requests. CDX for non-automotive industries As an automotive company already using IMDS, licensing exists that allows data transfer from IMDS and CDX As a non-automotive company, the centralized CDX compliance software can help you manage supplier data and report your substances to meet customer and global regulations like GADSL, ELV, RoHS, REACH candidate list, California prop 65, China RoHS, etc. In addition, CDX can also support conflict mineral reporting, SCIP data base and customer specific requirements, converts IMDS data to non-automotive formats, suitable for sharing multi-use products with non-automotive clients also offering IMDS-like reporting for non-automotive products and meets all the IMDS committee requirements for external data exchange system. The CDX service interface permits integration of CDX into client ERM,PLM,BOM management and other solutions. CDX is a web-based software-as-a-service solution (SaaS). As data can be processed online, there Is no need to download software or set up hardware this means there is no financial or time loss with the implementation. The ComplianceXL team can assist you with implementing solutions such as the CDX system within your business to get the maximum benefit out of it. We provide expert advice about how to create more productive materials reporting workflows so that it suits the needs of our clients. With our managed compliance reporting management services, you’ll receive the very latest information and be kept up-to-date online or at your company. We’ll help you each step of the way, starting with the registration process and continuing to provide practical support as needed. Talk to one of our IMDS Specialists today!
What you should know about IMDS Release 13.1
The International Material Data System (IMDS) is the automobile industry’s material data system, it is a very essential tool used for compliance by almost all of the global OEMs. IMDS Steering committee regularly updates the Reporting techniques based on enhancement proposal provided by OEM’S and suppliers. These updates make the IMDS users to do their compliance activities in an efficient way to meet their needs. As per the IMDS newsletter 57 issued on 25th November 2021, there is an upcoming release of IMDS version 13.1 and the production rollout is planned for 26th January 2022. IMDS release 13.1 improvements Visibility of warning about recyclate exceeding the maximum range of 20% With the IMDS release 13.1, there is a check in place to verify the recyclate information that exceeds the maximum range of 20%. It will generate a warning on both the sender and recipient side of the MDS. Allow multiple S2S Keys per Org-Unit With this IMDS release, Multiple S2S keys per Legal Entity is allowed. For SCIP Submission, manual S2S key upload is no longer allowed instead user can select appropriate S2S Keys from the list for different Org-Unit or root company. For single S2S Key Org-Unit, the same will be set as default for the submission. Exclude classification 9.x in SCIP Submissions The upcoming release has the option of include or exclude the 9.x classifications in the completed report for the SCIP submission. In the submitted dossier, regardless of material containing SVHC substance in 9.x classification you can make a selection. Add SCIP Attributes to Component Search Results The following fields will be added to the Component Search in IMDS: Latest Submission Date SCIP No. Submission No. Production in the EU* SVHC safe use instruction required Changes to editing Application Codes and Norms Editing option for the application code and norms is provided in the upcoming IMDS release. The edit button in the respective table of the MDS will help users to understand how to add and change Application Codes. IMDS 13.1 introduces a number of updated features that you will have to understand in order to report compliance for the first time. In addition to increasing the accuracy of your reports, it will be easier for your team to report substances in your products, ultimately saving you time. Contact us for IMDS support if you would like to learn more about taking advantage of the power of IMDS for your reporting needs.
IMDS Compliance in Automotive Supply Chain & Recommendation 019
The International Material Data System (IMDS) is an online platform used by the automotive companies in order to manage their data on materials and substances of automobile parts.The IMDS Steering Committee has published several recommendations to define materials for creating Material Data Sheets (MDS) whereas in each recommendation, the guidelines for MDSs in different material categories have been defined. IMDS Recommendations give instructions on how to report the presence of declarable substances in parts and materials. In that IMDS Recommendation 019 is for Electric/Electronic components. This recommendation was first approved and released on October 30th, 2003. The current Rec 019 process was developed in 2013 in order to address the expanding requirements of the End of Life Vehicle Directive (2000/53/EC) and the communication requirements of REACH. Rec 019 describes the general requirements for the creation of Material Data Sheets (MDSs) applicable for Electric/Electronic components, materials at all levels of the supply chain, assembled printed circuit boards (PCB/PWB, including flexible circuit boards (FCP)) and hybrid electronics used in automotive applications. REC 019 provides supplier a modular approach to report materials in electronics components, including components containing lead, rather than reporting a fully exploded BOM. To facilitate the material data reporting process, several standard modules have been developed by IMDS Steering Committee. It not only involves the creation of standardized datasheets but also made a process that suppliers must go through to ensure that the information provided by them is in full compliance with legal requirements in the IMDS database. Recent decision of IMDS Recommendation 019 (REC 019) deactivation, removes the use of standard datasheet for electronic component and the reporting in IMDS. The decision made by the Steering Committee to deactivate this recommendation is concerted and it is mainly taken with the unacceptable risk because of the lack of supplier’s due diligence during the reporting process. As per the latest news from IMDS, the deactivation of REC 019 was postponed until the release 13 of IMDS, which is planned on Q1, 2021. Changes of Rec 019 in IMDS Reporting: As a result of REC 019 deactivation, it creates a big challenge to the supplier of automotive and electronic sector. It will also result in additional and differing customer-specific requests that companies must meet.Deactivation of REC 019 causes the electronics suppliers to collect Full Material Declarations (FMDs), real & accurate data from their supply chains to support the reporting and compliance needs of the automotive sector and manually enter this data into the IMDS. Based on the recent update of IMDS, all legally required substances contained in the supplied parts must be reported and the application code for the end of list vehicle must be declared. The REC 019 advises companies to ensure electronics suppliers begin performing internal reviews of material data and to ensure that the ELV heavy metal applications and REACH SVHCs, were accurately communicated in the IMDS database. If you are an automotive parts supplier IMDS compliance is an unavoidable. Our experts at ComplianceXL will help you by providing IMDS training to all supply chain stakeholders, and offload the tedious and time-consuming reporting task in IMDS management. If you are facing an IMDS deadline, our IMDS Data team will be able to bail you out. Talk to our IMDS specialists today!