What is an internal control system (ICS)?
An internal control system (ICS) ensures that business processes are carried out reliably, transparently, and in compliance with regulations. This includes defined controls, clear responsibilities, and structured documentation across all departments—from finance to procurement to IT.
The goal of an ICS is to prevent errors, identify risks early on, and effectively meet internal and legal requirements (e.g., PS 340/PS 982, governance guidelines). In many companies, these tasks are still managed using Excel or email workflows—an approach that quickly becomes confusing, time-consuming, and not very audit-proof.
Specialized ICS software such as antares RiMIS® ICS consolidates all tasks into a central system, automates processes, and ensures that every control is performed on time, in compliance with audit requirements, and transparently .
antares RiMIS® IKS Software
IKS as an integral module of our GRC platform antares RiMIS® enables you to minimize process risks through the structured assignment and monitoring of appropriate controls. The Third Line of Defense—also workflow-supported—assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of controls within an additional framework.
Capture your entire process landscape in the ICS module, identify process risks, and address these risks with appropriate controls. Various frequencies are available to manage, for example, tax, annual, or quarterly financial statements, as well as logistics or financial processes, through controls. Responsibilities, control descriptions, and control monitoring can be flexibly customized . The documentation requirement regarding historical control execution, process changes, etc., is always maintained.
Functions of the IKS software
Our ICS software enables the systematic definition and assignment of controls. These can be specifically assigned to the relevant business processes, while the processes can in turn be assigned to the respective legal units. This creates a clear structure that comprehensibly maps responsibilities and control areas and serves as the basis for an effective internal control system.
Assigning responsibilities clearly regulates who is responsible for carrying out and who is responsible for monitoring individual controls. Our ICS software supports the clear assignment of roles and creates transparency across all levels - an important prerequisite for reliable control processes and audit-proof documentation.
A central monitoring cockpit enables ongoing monitoring of the control status. Thanks to automatic notifications and meaningful evaluations, those responsible always have an overview of open, completed or overdue checks. This allows deviations to be identified at an early stage and targeted measures to be taken.
The integrated evaluation matrix can be used to assess the effectiveness and traceability of controls. Analyses and status reports help to uncover weaknesses in the control system and identify optimization potential. This not only supports quality assurance, but also reliably fulfills regulatory requirements.
Your advantages
- Consideration of the four ICS principles
- Ability to integrate additional analysis, reporting, and planning modules, and seamless integration with extension modules such as antares RiMIS® ISMS (information security), antares RiMIS® DSMS (Data Protection) or antares CIRS (Anonymous Reporting System)
- Secure authorization concept, internal auditing and simple reporting
- Automatic translation into the corporate language (paid module)
- IKS software options: on-premise or cloud-based solution
Your contact person
Do you have questions about the antares RiMIS® IKS software, or would you like to discuss your specific use case? Our expert, Jürgen Günther, has many years of experience in consulting on governance, risk, and compliance and would be happy to assist you in a no-obligation discussion.
Contact us now
3 steps to your new ICS software
1. arrange a free initial consultation
During this appointment, one of our experts will introduce you to our antares RiMIS® IKS software solution. You will learn about the numerous smart functions that will make your day-to-day work easier in the future. We will also answer any questions you may have about the tool during this consultation.
2. workshop & customizing
Together we will develop a customized plan to adapt our software to your individual requirements - and thus create an ideal solution for you.
3. get started with antares RiMIS® IKS
On the agreed date, you will receive the access data for your new ICS software. Comprehensive training for you and your team members is of course included.
Case Study: Phoenix Mecano AG
At Phoenix Mecano, an internationally active technology and component manufacturer, our ICS solution was successfully implemented for approximately 345 users worldwide. The goal was to integrate both risk and opportunity management and the internal control system into a unified, transparent, and effective platform. Thanks to the introduction of antares RiMIS® ICS, Phoenix Mecano was able to significantly standardize and professionalize its control processes—with tangible benefits for compliance, traceability, and efficiency.
“Risk management simplified with customized BI software. So you can reach your desired goal quickly and easily.”
– Phoenix Mecano AG
Why You, as a CEO or Member of the Supervisory Board, Should Implement ICS Software Now
With ICS software, you not only meet legal requirements (Section 91 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), GDPR, SOX), but also protect yourself in tax matters: According to current case law, if a functioning ICS is in place, errors in a tax return are presumed to be due to negligence rather than intent*. With ICS software, you significantly reduce the risk of personal liability and heavy penalties. At the same time, you create transparency for auditors and authorities, save time through automated controls and a systematic monitoring process, and obtain a clear basis for decision-making.
*): According to the application decree of the Federal Ministry of Finance regarding Section 153 of the German Fiscal Code (AO) (2016) and current case law (including Federal Finance Court 2025), a documented internal control system (ICS) can serve as evidence that errors in the tax return are not attributed to intent or recklessness, but only to simple negligence. This significantly reduces the risk of personal liability and heavy penalties for managing directors and supervisory board members, provided that an appropriate tax ICS is implemented and demonstrably maintained.
Product Demo
Select your desired option and arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with our Managing Director Jochen Brühl.
We will answer your questions and ensure that you get to know our software in detail. We will be happy to show you the solution to your individual requirements. If you wish, we can then present our software's range of services to you, live and direct, via a web session or in person at your premises.
Download
An effective internal control system (ICS) helps you to address risks with controls so that acts of abuse and damage to companies are prevented. For more information on the ICS module and its workflow, see the white paper.
FAQ
The controls are managed as master data in the ICS software and can be "distributed" flexibly within the company as required.
Yes. In addition to various possibilities of structural assignment, there is also an assignment to the process. The structure can be built up multi-dimensionally.
Yes, controls can be selectively weakened or strengthened in the internal control system.
Yes, the control type can be used to define mandatory, target and optional controls.
Yes, reminders in the ICS can be sent both directly in the application and by e-mail.
Yes, there is a two-way allocation option (control to risk and risk to control).
An internal control system (ICS) is used to systematically identify and assess risks within a company. Through the consistent monitoring of business processes and the targeted implementation of controls, potential risks can be identified at an early stage and appropriate countermeasures can be taken. In this way, the internal control system contributes significantly to risk minimization and adherence to compliance requirements.
As a rule, implementation takes around 3-4 weeks, depending on the specific adjustments and the size of your company.
Yes, our internal control system is designed for integration into complex corporate structures and existing IT infrastructures. Our team will be happy to help you connect all systems smoothly.
An internal control system (ICS) consists of several levels that ensure that company processes run efficiently, correctly and in compliance with the law. The development of an internal control system usually includes the planning and implementation of ICS compliance measures, which are regularly reviewed and adjusted. In practice, an internal control system in risk management ensures that risks are identified at an early stage and minimized through watertight control processes. With the right ICS software, the entire process can be automated to ensure even better control and security.
A concrete example of the use of an internal control system (ICS) in practice is the automation of accounting processes in a medium-sized company. The ICS manager uses an ICS checklist provided by the software to regularly check the accuracy of financial reports and ensure that all payments and postings comply with internal guidelines. With the ICS software, immediate alerts can be generated in real time in the event of errors or irregularities, enabling a quick response and preventing potential compliance breaches. This not only saves time, but also ensures that all relevant processes meet the defined standards.
The costs vary depending on the scope and degree of customization and the number of users. As a rule, the ICS software is purchased as part of our risk management software and thus enables comprehensive risk and compliance management. We can determine your requirements and give you an initial estimate of the costs in a non-binding consultation.
Every company is different. That's why antares RiMIS® ICS software was specially developed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems - no matter how complex they are.
With flexible interfaces, individually configurable templates and an experienced support team, we guarantee a quick and easy implementation. So you don't need to worry about additional complexity, long implementation times or system interruptions.