IT systems that just work. Today. Tomorrow. Always.

1. What we stand for
Vision and Basic Principles

For more than 20 years, Kopernikus IT Systems GmbH has stood for quality, sustainable, reliable partnerships and customer relationships with a handshake seal of commitment in the IT landscape of Austria, Europe and far beyond the borders of our continent.

Our customers trust in our up-to-date IT know-how combined with an expertise in economic matters, our reliability, our discretion and the fact that Kopernikus IT Systems GmbH always focuses on that IT simply has to work for the customers. Today. Tomorrow. Always.

“IT systems that simply work.
Today. Tomorrow. Always."

In order to fill this vision with life, we have set ourselves the goal of making unique services available to customers, efficiently and reliably.

Economic success based on these goals is inseparable from the perception of our responsibility towards our employees and their families, our customers and their companies, society and the environment as a whole. Every employee of Kopernikus IT Systems GmbH (hereinafter also referred to as "Kopernikus") is aware of this shared responsibility and supports it.

The laws and regulations of the countries in which Kopernikus operates are of course complied with. In addition, we endeavor to familiarize ourselves with the country-specific codes of conduct adhere to them in order to create a respectful basis with our respondents.

Our Code of Conduct applies to all employees in every Kopernikus branch worldwide, associated companies and all their employees, insofar as they carry out activities for Kopernikus and thus represent them. The rules contained within are binding for the entire Kopernikus management team to the same extent as for all employees.

The Code of Conduct provides a framework for our legal and ethical agenda and serves as an aid to all employees so that they can always make the right decisions in the sense of shared responsibility. If situations are still unclear or questions arise, the compliance officer and the ombudswoman are happy to answer all of these concerns.

Any violation of these guidelines and rules can result in massive monetary and non-monetary damage to our customers, their employees, our employees and also our own business. Therefore, misconduct is neither tolerated nor accepted and always has the proper consequences. In order to prevent misconduct, we strive to raise our employees' awareness of the issue of compliance.

It is important for us to emphasize that with this Code of Conduct we always address both genders equally. However, it is due to easier readability that we do not always write out both genders.

2. Conflicts of Interest and Trust

Trust is the basis of our actions at all points. With this in mind, we trust that our employees can reconcile personal interests and the interests of the company. We respect the private lives of our employees, but as a company, we expect undivided loyalty and, in this sense, that there are no conflicts between private and professional interests.

We trust and also imply that our employees will never use their position in the company, or towards our customers and their knowledge about them, to gain personal advantages (financial or otherwise). We trust that our customers and partners will also respect this principle and will not bring any of our employees into a conflict situation in this regard. Non-monetary courtesies and invitations up to a maximum of €40 are within the legal framework and are deemed to have been approved by management.

Furthermore, we trust that our employees, partners, suppliers and customers will not tolerate, condone or use any form of bribery or corruption. Any violation of our core values ​​and/or existing laws, regardless of the country in which we operate, will be correspondingly prosecuted with regard to criminal and industrial law.

3. Bribery and Corruption

Kopernikus has zero tolerance for corruption, grease payments, bribery or any other unlawful means of granting improper advantages. Any violation will result in immediate termination of employment and legal consequences.

The management team and all employees of all Kopernikus branches worldwide are jointly responsible for upholding and complying with the principle of incorruptibility. In this sense, all employees resist attempts by customers, suppliers and partner companies to obtain advantages in monetary or non-monetary form through inappropriate services. Just as Kopernikus employees will under no circumstances engage in or even tolerate the use of bribery or corruption in order to obtain any benefit from customers, partners or other business stakeholders.

To demonstrate the correct handling of the issue of corruption and bribery in all financial areas, all commercial transactions and payments are recorded transparently and verifiably in accordance with applicable procedures and case law.

Small gifts in a non-monetary form that are usual in the country or region or invitations to dinner and lunches from our suppliers, customers or partners are classified as accepted by management. The employees are therefore entitled to accept them as long as the acceptance does not lead to expectations in the sense of an advantage to be generated by the donor. This includes small symbols of appreciation for national holidays that do not exceed €40, as well as invitations for dinner or lunch.

At the same time, the employees of Kopernikus are entitled to give employees of our customers, partner companies and suppliers small gifts in non-monetary form on national and regional holidays and occasions or to invite them to dinner, as long as the donation does not exceed € 40.00 and this invitation or gift does not violate the code of conduct of the customer, supplier or partner company or even contradicts ethical principles.

Participation in events is only permitted for business purposes and is always subject to approval by the Management Board of Kopernikus. The same applies to the areas of donations and sponsoring, these are subject exclusively to the decision-making power of the Managing Director of Kopernikus.

4. Fair competition and sustainable solutions and services

Kopernikus is committed to observing the principles of the free market and fair competition in all circumstances. This is the only way to always focus on what is best for our customers. Our customers can rest assured that we always put the security and protection of their investments first and always comply with antitrust laws and all competition regulations.

Under no circumstances will Kopernikus, by disregarding the laws and regulatory requirements, contribute to dividing the market to the detriment of customers and in consultation with possible competitors or operate it in such a way that a disadvantage for customers, suppliers or other partner companies arises.

5. Handling of data, information and company assets

Kopernikus always acts consciously with foresight in order to strengthen consistency as a principle of our actions. This applies even more to personal data, company data and assets of our employees, partners, suppliers and customers. Our actions are taken in a way that serves to protect data and assets of everyone involved and to keep them away from unwanted and harmful influences. Our actions are taken in a way, to protect data and assets of all parties involved, and to keep them free from unwanted and harmful influences.

The implementation of and compliance with the GDPR is taken for granted at Kopernikus, personal data is protected accordingly and, even employees only have access to it on a need-to-know basis. Our employees ensure compliance with the GDPR and the conscious handling of all data to protect the same.

Information that we personally obtain in the course of carrying out our work about the business activities of our customers and/or about our customers' employees - and which is not generally considered to be known (public knowledge) - is subject to strict confidentiality, which we share with every employee and every partner company regulated separately via a so-called NDA. We trust and expect our employees and partner companies to strictly adhere to these specifications, understand the special nature of this agreement and not disclose any information. A violation of this confidentiality obligation not only has consequences under labor law, but also specifically under criminal law. Discretion is very important to us.

6. Social and corporate responsibility

Kopernikus is committed to all internationally recognized human rights and is covenant to their observance and protection.

This goes hand in hand with the fact that we reject any kind of discrimination - regardless of whether it is based on physical condition, age, sexuality, gender, origin, religion or political views - without any tolerance.

We treat each other and all other fellow human beings with respect, friendliness and at eye level. We always behave in the way that we expect from our counterpart. The employees of Kopernikus are aware that their actions and their appearance to the outside are symbolic and represent the company as a whole. In this sense, we pay attention to a fair and respectful culture of discussion and respect the private sphere as well as the culturally different manners of our partner companies and customers. If we represent our customers externally, we behave in the same way and ensure that the reputation of the customer does not suffer any damage.

While respecting human rights, we reject forced labor and child labor and also encourage our employees to pay attention to this. We endeavor to be a fair, understanding employer for our employees, who pays just as much attention to fair remuneration for services as to the employees' need for a balanced private life and their right to a safe workplace that does not endanger their health. We expect the same from our customers and partner companies for their own employees as well as for our employees when they work onsite and on their behalf.

Even as a non-manufacturing company, we are very aware of our responsibility with regard to environmental protection and the sustainable use of available resources. We do not waste any resources such as water or energy and make our contribution to preserving our environment for posterity as far as this is possible.

7. Organization and Processes

At a time when there is an increasing number of regulations, specifications, laws and other regulations, this Code of Conduct is intended to provide Kopernikus employees – but also customers and partner companies – with guidance and insight into the values ​​of Kopernikus and its employees.

The Code of Conduct is checked at regular intervals for completeness and compliance. Violations are documented accordingly and assigned appropriate consequences. However, we basically trust that our employees and customers also share these values as they are close to our hearts and that consequences will therefore be the exception.

Should questions or concerns arise from this Code of Conduct, the following persons are available as contact persons.

Compliance Officer:
Susanne Sänger
COO
office at kopernikus.at

Ombudswoman
Melisa Sokullu
Team Assistant
office at kopernikus.at

Kopernikus IT Systms GmbH, 28.10.2021