Why Is Dedicated Data Protection Compliance Software Important?

Written by Myles Dacres

While it isn’t mandatory, dedicated data protection software can make keeping your compliance status more efficient.

Dedicated data protection compliance software is important because it reduces the reliance on cumbersome manual processes. Instead of relying on static documentation like spreadsheets, automated platforms allow organisations to maintain ongoing compliance simply and easily.

TL;DR

  • Dedicated data protection compliance software centralises GDPR compliance, rather than relying on various spreadsheets.
  • It automates processes and minimises human error, reducing risk.
  • It provides audit-ready evidence of compliance.
  • Platforms like Data Protection People’s Datawise support ongoing compliance, rather than one-off snapshots.

What is Dedicated Data Protection Compliance Software?

Dedicated data protection compliance software is a centralised platform designed to help businesses comply with GDPR. Often referred to as Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS), it streamlines SARs, RoPAs and DPIAs, as well as training records, risk registers and more.

Datawise is Data Protection People’s compliance software, helping DPOs stay on top of everything they need to stay GDPR compliant.

Why is Dedicated Data Protection Software Important for GDPR Compliance?

Dedicated compliance software is important because it makes demonstrating accountability (an integral part of GDPR compliance) much simpler.

Centralises Compliance Activities

With one system for data mapping, risk tracking and incident management, a centralised platform eliminates fragmented processes.

Provides Evidence of Compliance

GDPR requires you to provide evidence of compliance, not just policies. Gathering this evidence can take hundreds of hours, depending on how big the organisation is. Dedicated privacy compliance software streamlines this task.

Reduces Human Error

Compliance software removes reliance on spreadsheets and standardises workflows, helping to reduce the risk of human error.

What Features Should Dedicated Data Protection Compliance Software Have?

The most effective GDPR compliance software includes tools that support everyday compliance and long-term governance. The features that should be included are:

  • Rights request management
  • Records of Processing Activities (RoPAs) management with audit trails
  • Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) workflows
  • Incident and breach tracking
  • Risk registers and reporting dashboards
  • Supplier/ processor management

How is Dedicated Compliance Software Different from General Data Management Tools?

A dedicated compliance platform is built around specific regulatory requirements, going above and beyond a simple data storage tool. Software like Datawise manages compliance processes from end-to-end, automating workflows and centralising everything you need to be compliant in one place.

Do You Need Dedicated Compliance Software to Manage a GDPR Audit?

Dedicated data protection compliance software is not a legal requirement, but it significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of GDPR audits. It makes evidence gathering faster, audits easier and gives you better visibility of your organisation’s risk factors.

Make GDPR Compliance Simpler With Datawise from Data Protection People

Datawise is Data Protection People’s proprietary compliance software. It’s built on a world-class platform, enabling easier compliance management by centralising and streamlining data management. Get in touch to find out more.

FAQs

What is GDPR compliance software?

Data protection compliance software is a tool designed to help organisations manage GDPR obligations, including SARs, DPIAs and data records.

Can I manage GDPR compliance without dedicated software?

Yes, you can, but using manual tools is inefficient, and can lead to inaccuracies. Dedicated software centralises everything, improving ongoing GDPR compliance.

How does data protection software support audits?

Put simply, it makes demonstrating your organisation’s compliance much easier. Dedicated compliance software centralises records, provides audit trails and structured documentation.