Get the lead out... and the cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Months after the EU's July 1 deadline, an ongoing RoHS survey revealed that 83% of respondents were at severe to high risk of not being able to demonstrate compliance, says Michael Topolovac, CEO, Arena Solutions, a Foster City, Calif.-based provider of PLM solutions. In addition, 69% indicated that they did not have a centralized compliance management solution in place that was accessible to employees and suppliers.
Here are Topolovac's start-up guidelines:
Consider the compliance management capability as a significant PLM differentiator.
Establish and communicate C-level commitment to compliance.
If you haven't already, get the products compliant.
Develop internal controls to assure maintenance of compliance. Include design for compliance.
Make sure you're ready to report on compliance. One way is to demonstrate that a compliance-dedicated process is operating.
Establish controls to assure that products stay in compliance.
Plan and build the foundation for future compliance beyond RoHS.
Organize regulatory compliance as a marketing opportunity by investing in information technology that can automate compliance as well as demonstrate your "green" commitment.