Compliance automation explained: What is it & how does it work?
Since GDPR came into effect in 2018, businesses have lawfully been required to protect personal information. This is particularly important for financial and health organisations where particularly sensitive personal information is stored and processed. With the risk of fines and loss of reputation, compliance has become part of critical business maintenance and housekeeping. It’s not uncommon for data protection officers or compliance teams to be hired for this specific purpose.
However, what businesses should be aware of is the advancement in automation. Software companies have paired the need for data protection with automated processes to help save time and ensure more robust gatekeeping and monitoring of areas that may be vulnerable or require attention.
In this guide, we look at what compliance automation is and how it works, so you can see the benefits of using this technology for your organisation.
What is compliance automation?
Compliance automation automates the process of checking for compliance across your organisation’s digital systems. They replace manual checks, which helps to reduce the risk of human error, while also freeing up resources across your teams for other tasks that lend themselves to manual work.
What sort of compliance checks can automation complete?
Checks and processes that automation supports for compliance include:
- Centrally manage all compliance data and status
- Organisation-wide view of compliance status
- Automate repetitive compliance tasks
- Maintain cybersecurity regulations and advancements
- Audit trail management
- Security control
- Risk management
- Manage software updates
How does compliance automation work?
Compliance automation integrates with your data systems to perform background performance checks for irregularities. It also collects data in real-time, both to contribute to audit trails and trigger alerts for system updates or troubleshooting.
The automated compliance software scans your systems to check for vulnerabilities and gaps in compliance. Through a dashboard that offers a centralised view, you’ll be able to see at a glance where your systems might not be adhering to the latest compliance regulations.
Does your company need automation compliance? What are the benefits?
The benefits of compliance automation include being able to view live updates in one place. You’ll be able to see at a glance if any alerts have been triggered that require attention. This means problems can be addressed instantly rather than discovering issues days or even weeks later.
This supports a more proactive approach and helps your team respond to data issues with a faster turnaround before they escalate. It also means you can be more prepared when an audit is due.
Another benefit is the reduction of time and manual effort to complete essential compliance regulation checks and troubleshoots. It significantly improves efficiency as repetitive tasks can be automated rather than completed manually.
Human error can cost hours of time and money. By automating the processes, you won’t have to worry about human inaccuracies or mistakes resulting in wasted time or costly issues. You can reduce compliance risks and data breaches while also better protecting sensitive business and personal customer, patient or client data.
Compliance automation is a cost-effective and more effective way to adhere to data protection regulations and keep your business and your customers’ data safe from breaches.
Learn more about compliance automation software
To learn more about business automation or to request a demo of industry-leading business automation software, contact our experts. Our team will help you select a solution that aligns with both your current business needs and future goals. Partner with Ignite Technology to accelerate your digital transformation and reduce implementation time.
