To achieve digital transformation in industrial maintenance processes, organizations often need to integrate third-party software into their legacy systems, like SAP EAM. Yet with costly data breaches increasing in both frequency and scope, it can be difficult to entrust third parties with sensitive data. However, by choosing to work with an ISO 27001 compliant EAM solution vendor you can be assured that the vendor maintains the highest level of security practices and procedures.
Learn why it is crucial to choose an ISO 27001 compliant EAM solution vendor for your business.
Why EAM Solution Vendors need ISO 27001 Compliance
Data breaches and security incidents are rising in both frequency and costs. According to IBM’s 2021 Cost of Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach rose from $3.86 million to $4.24 million in 2021. This was the highest average total cost in the report’s 17-year history. Part of the increase was attributable to more people working remotely, with the average costs being $1.07 million higher in data breaches where remote work was a factor.
More and more organizations are turning to innovative technologies to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives. For maintenance teams, this often means augmenting their Enterprise Asset Management Software, such as SAP Plant Maintenance, with third-party solutions. For example, a mobile maintenance solution can help organizations to replace paper-based work orders and synchronize data with SAP in real-time.
But in an age where costly data breaches are all too common, it can be difficult to place your trust in a third party. Unless, of course, you choose to work with an EAM solution vendor that maintains compliance with ISO 27001 standards.
What is ISO 27001 is and Why is it Important?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The membership organization includes 165 national standards bodies from around the world. Members work together to develop and promote international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 that cover a wide range of topics and industries. For example, scientific testing processes, working conditions, and technology.
The widespread adoption of digital technologies has led to an increased emphasis on ISO technology standards. ISO 27001 is the most important of these standards. ISO 27001 was originally published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2005 and was revised in 2013. An organization that complies with the 2013 standards maintains a certificate of compliance to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standards.
ISO 27001 provides a framework for how modern organizations should manage their data. It sets forth an all-encompassing data security framework. ISO 27001 is not limited to one type of data; it includes standards for everything from customer data to HR data to physical access controls. Thus, an ISO 27001 certification means that data is securely managed throughout the entire organization.
Moreover, ISO 27001 provides a set of recommended security controls to ensure that information security is part of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Security controls are measures that are implemented to minimize security risks to information, computer systems, and other assets. Adopting and implementing ISO 27001 controls into the SDLC means the vendor is systematically and continuously maintaining high-security practices in the process of development of their EAM software.
ISO 27001 Certification Bodies
ISO is responsible for developing international standards. But the organization does not issue certifications. Rather, an accrediting body in each member country conducts an independent audit and issues a certificate of adherence to ISO 27001 standards to organizations pursuing proof of adherence to the standards. For example, IQNet is an international network of certifying organizations.
What Does it Take to Become ISO 27001 Compliant?
The ISO 27001 certification process is extensive. For many organizations, it can take a year or more to become compliant. The process involves a series of steps:
- Defining the scope. This involves defining the scope of the project and ensuring that the organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS) is aligned with the overall business strategy.
- Performing a risk assessment. This involves identifying existing threats and risks and building a security roadmap to remedy them.
- Designing and implementing controls. Based on the roadmap, stakeholders choose which security controls to implement to mitigate the security risks. This process involves extensive documentation of controls that will be implemented as well as documenting an implementation program.
- Training and implementation. All employees receive extensive training on the ISO 27001 process and the roles that they will play in the new security framework.
- Documentation. Documentation is an integral part of the certification process. This includes developing and maintaining policies, standards, and procedures to ensure that the organization adheres to the requirements of ISO 27001.
- Internal and final audits. The organization conducts test audits to ensure ISO 27001 compliance in preparation for the final audit. An independent auditor conducts a final audit, and an ISO 27001 certification is issued by the relevant accreditation body. The certification must be renewed every three years with annual follow-up audits.
Reasons to Choose an ISO 27001 Compliant EAM Solution Vendor
Costly data breaches combined with increasing security threats have made choosing the right vendor more important than ever. There are many factors to consider when selecting a vendor for your mobile maintenance software. But by choosing one that is certified to ISO 27001 standards, you can be assured of the following:
The EAM Solution Vendor Places an Emphasis on Security
Integrating an automation solution such as a mobile maintenance interface to SAP Plant Maintenance can transform your maintenance processes. Yet your Enterprise Asset Management Software contains sensitive information. When choosing a technology partner, it is crucial to select a provider that has implemented well-defined processes, procedures and maintains an Information Security Management System for their business operations and development of their EAM software including:
- Research and development processes
- Technological infrastructure
- Product support
- Preservation of continuity
- Resolution of failures and incidents
Certification to ISO 27001 means that the provider has received an attestation from an accredited and independent party that its systems and security procedures satisfy these stringent standards.
The Vendor is Committed to Continuous Improvement
Becoming ISO 27001 compliant is a time-consuming process that requires a significant investment of resources. A vendor that has completed the process is committed to maintaining their security controls. And since the vendor is audited annually, they are continually updating their security controls to protect from the latest security threats. You can trust that the vendor is dedicated in their processes to keeping your systems and data secured.
The Vendor is Compliant to Privacy Requirements
ISO 27001 demonstrates that an organization has implemented extensive risk management and preventative measures to protect the organization and its customers from data breaches. Implementing the standard helps organizations to meet many of the information security requirements of key privacy laws such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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About Us
We are a leading SAP-certified EAM solution provider who is committed to the industry’s highest level of security practices. As such, we are dedicated to the security controls to sustain our certification to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standards.
With 20 years of experience of working with Enterprise organizations, we are proud to be one of the few SAP-certified and ISO 27001 compliant vendors in the EAM solution market. We follow secure practices throughout the SDLC to provide Mobile EAM, Planning and Scheduling, and Mobile Warehouse & Inventory software for SAP EAM.
We have earned the trust of countless enterprise organizations located around the world to transform their maintenance and warehouse processes while maintaining the security of their data. We can do the same for you.
Learn more about us and our security commitment.
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