New release: Practical Guide to SAP GTS Part 1: SPL Screening and Compliance Management

The software implementation is complete, the go-live date has come and gone, and all of the users are trained. The team has disbanded, and everyone has returned to his or her regular duties. The celebration party is already a distant memory. You are a user responsible for SPL releases and reviews. So far, this experience has consisted of multiple false positives that you have released. You came into work this morning and found a “match” resulting in a blocked document. You review the block. For the first time since you began using the software, you think you may be looking at a real positive match! The customer on our order may actually be the entity on the SPL list—now what?

Unfortunately, too many users are put in this position and are never properly trained on what to do with the software now that they have it. Sure, they were trained on how to release the document. They also were shown how to place the customer on the negative list if it is a genuine match. However, they were never trained on the nuances of reviewing the SPL lists and how to deal with a “close match,” or possible valid match.

Well, if that’s you, this guide is here to help. Not just for SPL (Sanctioned Party Lists), but also for other key functions in SAP GTS. This book is the first of a two-part set. Part 1 focuses on compliance management and is divided into two parts—SPL and import/export compliance management. Part 2 focuses on customs management and preference processing. There are several books on installing and configuring SAP GTS, but until now, none of those have focused on using GTS in a compliant manner. Installation and configuration are essential parts of a GTS implementation, but they are not the complete story. They also should not be the first tasks that occur in an implementation. They must be preceded by an understanding of the problems that GTS presents a solution for. You will  only be able to maximize the value of a SAP GTS implementation by first conducting a thorough review of your business needs and a proper understanding of what GTS can do.

This book is meant to be a hybrid: while it is, of course, an SAP GTS manual, it is also serves a compliance guide. SAP GTS is a software tool. The greater goal is not merely a software installation but the implementation of a complete trade compliance solution. This cannot be done solely in the area of a software implementation; it must accompany and be guided by compliance expertise. This book will help you both with a successful GTS implementation and with compliance.

This book will cover the following topics specific to SPL and compliance management:

• Understanding the regulatory requirements related to international trade compliance. These notes are focused primarily on the US but also touch on the requirements for other countries.
• Understanding how GTS can provide a solution to regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and walk-through of configuration, especially in situations where configuration choices could affect compliance levels.
• Tips on how to best leverage SAP GTS, including an overview of the key functions and the most commonly encountered user choices/actions. This is not meant to be an exhaustive review of all functions, just those that the majority of users can expect to encounter.
• Compliance tips, including specific software tips and general compliance tips.
• Suggested business process flows to assist the reader in creating similar processes at their own company.

We will not cover all of the SAP GTS functionality available. Rather than give high-level coverage of all areas, we will instead offer in-depth assistance with the specific functions a majority of users face. Each installation is free to activate the functions they wish to use and leave others unused. Based on the majority of installations, the following four general functions are covered:

• Sanctioned party list screening (Book 1)
• Compliance management (Book 1)
• Preference processing (Book 2)
• Customs management (Book 2)

Each book also includes a section on SAP GTS Version 11.0 and the changes and improvements that it brings, as well as appendixes with useful references for the reader.

This book is useful for a wide range of companies at various stages of creating a compliance solution, including:

• Companies unfamiliar with international trade compliance requirements who want to increase their knowledge of regulatory guidelines.
• Companies evaluating the most appropriate trade compliance solution for them.
• Companies committed to GTS who want to understand its functionality better before installation begins.
• Companies currently implementing GTS seeking to base their configuration decisions on a solid understanding of their purpose and implications.
• Companies using GTS who are considering activating software features not previously used or who want assistance in developing an internal training program.

As you can see, this book is intended for multiple audiences at various stages of an implementation project. It is our hope that this book will assist you in your project and lead to a higher level of compliance! However, it must be noted that this book does not offer legal advice. The regulatory compliance discussions are meant to raise awareness; specific answers to your company’s questions on regulatory compliance must be directed to your company’s legal advisor or expert counsel.

Keep reading…

SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) helps companies maximize supply chain performance and reduces the overall cost and risk of global trade by ensuring regulatory compliance, accelerating trade activity, and the use of trade automation. Navigate complex and critical customs requirements such as classification, origin/trade agreement, and import/export control issues. Get practical advice on automating trade compliance, trade agreements, and customs declarations online or paper-based. Dive into difficult-to-navigate menus and the available functionality. Using screenshots and detailed instructions, readers will obtain best practices for meeting and exceeding compliance standards, including audit plans. Part I covers:

• Tips and tricks for leveraging SAP GTS to automate trade compliance
• Walk step by step through business processes
• Overview of regulatory requirements and compliance suggestions
• Review of SAP GTS Version 11.0

The second part of the book (to be released in late fall 2015) dives into preference processing and customs management.

Authors Rajen Iyer and Kevin Riddel are leading SAP trade compliance experts. Rajen Iyer is the co-founder and CTO at Krypt, Inc., one of the fastest growing global trade and supply chain solution providers. Rajen is a recognized thought leader and has published articles and best-selling books on SAP Logistics and GTS. Kevin Riddell is the International Logistics Manager for Tremco Inc. Kevin is recognized as a GTS user subject matter expert and is a regular speaker at SAP and trade compliance events.