Global management systems

To control change processes centrally and strengthen core processes worldwide, Bosch aligns its various management systems under the Group-wide umbrella of the Bosch Business System (BBS).

This includes, for example, the Bosch Human Resources System (BHS), which supports the change processes in human resources around the world, and our integrated management system for quality, environment, and safety. This system is based on the Group-wide quality mission and on principles for occupational safety and environmental protection and ensures that we comply with high standards in these areas at all our locations worldwide.

HR managemant

The HR organization uses its human resources strategy to support the divisions in the pursuit of their objectives. This involves the consistent application of the balanced scorecard. This method is used by executives and associates alike to define strategic objectives − and to evaluate their achievement − with regard to processes, finance, and clients (both internal and external).

The HR organization’s mission contains globally applicable guidelines for its work. These are based on the House of Orientation and contribute to closer alignment with the strategic objectives of the company. It has thus become one of the core tasks of the HR organization to provide support for the organizational development of divisions and regional companies and to make them aware of necessary changes.

We use the Bosch Human Resources System to develop and disseminate worldwide standards for effective HR management. Bosch has some 330 HR departments around the world, and wherever they are located, they must apply the same quality standards. We will structure processes in all the central HR areas – planning, resourcing, leadership, rewarding, development, and reorganization – according to the same rules and standards. In this way, associates across the globe – particularly those on international assignments – can be sure that they are treated and, above all, supported in their development and career advancement on the basis of established and standardized principles.

Quality management

High quality standards are a cornerstone of our corporate culture. We focus especially on providing an integrated quality management system to meet the increasing quality requirements arising from the growing complexity of our products and worldwide networked operations. We place particular emphasis on early error avoidance in the product creation process and the timely identification of non-conformances in the manufacturing process. For this purpose, we integrate key content and processes from our Bosch product engineering system and our Bosch production system into our quality management system.

Environmental management

Step by step, we have been expanding the environmental management systems at our sites since 1996. Now, 197 of our 293 sites have been certified to ISO 14001. We implemented a maturity model for all manufacturing and development sites, which will serve as the basis for further improvements in environmental protection, occupational safety, and fire safety. We also share best practice solutions that promote international cooperation.

Design for Environment (DfE)

Our worldwide network of DfE (Design for Environment) coordinators is continuously integrated into the environmental management system at Bosch. The Design for Environment team ensures that energy efficiency, recycling objectives, and material restrictions are factored into the product development processes and that Bosch products help protect the environment and conserve resources. As part of Bosch competence management, a global training concept for Design for Environment is currently being put together. In terms of product-oriented environmental protection, a database helps determine and document relevant data on products and materials for old vehicles. This internal Bosch system is interfaced to the International Material Data System (IMDS). This system makes it easier for developers to enter data and improves data quality by means of integrated test processes.

Supply chain management

In 2009, our purchasing volume amounted to 17.5 billion euros. We are aware that our responsibility for the environment and society stretches beyond our company boundaries and into the supply chain. That is why our purchasing guidelines are based on the ten basic principles of the United Nations’ Global Compact. We draw up contracts with all our suppliers stipulating that they must comply with the basic labor standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and general environmental standards. These include, for example, declaration obligations and the prohibition of materials that are particularly harmful to the environment. Supplier audits are used to check that our suppliers are familiar with these requirements and comply with them. We refuse to work with suppliers who violate these regulations. We expect our 200 or so preferred suppliers to have a certified environmental management system in place.

Occupational safety management

2007, we implemented a new occupational safety management system based on the globally recognized OHSAS 18001 standard. This new system is intended to simplify occupational safety and reduce the number of accidents at all our manufacturing and development sites around the world. One of the system’s main functions is to detect potential accident and health risks for associates in order to take appropriate preventive measures in good time. The new system is to be implemented at all manufacturing sites in no more than two years. This makes Bosch one of the forerunners in the global implementation of the OHSAS 18001 standard.