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topsystem GmbH, part of the Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG), has now been certified as a particularly reliable and trustworthy company. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has awarded AEOF certification to the Aachen-based technology provider. This confirms that topsystem fulfils the highest standards with regard to secure global trade. EPG customers benefit from shorter delivery times, particularly outside the EU.
AEO stands for Authorized Economic Operator. This seal, which was introduced by the World Customs Organization as part of a security initiative, guarantees supply chain security for both business partners and customs authorities throughout the world. AEOF status ensures simplified customs procedures and also forms the basis for obtaining additional customs permits that will simplify international procurement and reduce transportation times.
For an internationally active company like topsystem, AEOF certification offers many important advantages. Shipments dispatched by the technology provider will now be given preferential treatment by the customs authorities. There are also fewer visual checks in terms of customs clearance, which means that goods being exported can be processed much more quickly. “As a global player, our company is geared towards international growth. The AEOF certification therefore marks an important milestone for us, ensuring we can dispatch our hardware with greater speed and flexibility,” says Tim Just, CEO Voice Solutions at EPG.
Comprehensive security criteria must be fulfilled in order to obtain the certification. topsystem’s new company site played a crucial role in the certification process, which began in autumn 2021. In May 2021, the software company relocated from Würselen to the Tivoli Innovation Center in Aachen. “With the relocation, we laid the foundation for our continued growth and also established a basis for the AEOF certification,” Just explains. In addition to internal processes, the World Customs Organization’s extensive certification process also looks at technical building requirements which were only successfully met following the move to the company’s new site. Alongside the innovative and cutting-edge voice solution LYDIA Voice, corresponding hardware such as the VOXTER series and the patented order picking vest LYDIA VoiceWear are also developed there.
The site in Aachen serves as a hub for processing EPG’s hardware sales. The building also features its own warehouse and a repair centre for hardware used in EPG projects. “By moving to Aachen, we were able to almost double our available space and take our equipment to a whole new level,” stresses Just. The investments are already paying off. Through LYDIA Voice, the company has managed to secure an increasing number of large international clients – including outside of Europe – over the last few years. Retail chains, logistics providers, airports, car manufacturers and other industrial enterprises throughout the world are now placing their faith in the company’s solutions. “The AEOF certification is the next logical step to help simplify hardware shipments and the processing of repairs as well as to minimise transportation times, thus facilitating the international flow of goods. This certification also paves the way for additional certifications that will bring further benefits. The AEOF certification likewise offers customers of topsystem and EPG an enormous advantage, as they are able to profit from faster deliveries.