GPDR
Don’t Panic!
GDPR is coming, but have no fear, Matt Smith, CTO at Software AG explains why GDPR should be viewed as
an opportunity, that could well open new doors for your business.
T
he EU’s General Data
Protection Regulation
(GDPR) comes into force as
of May 2018. One of the key
aspects of this regulation is
that all businesses will be required
to implement data protection and
reporting structures of EU citizens’
personal data. As the deadline
quickly approaches, businesses
should capitalise on the fantastic
opportunity it presents to implement
change and encourage innovation.
The new legislation is motivation for
businesses to evaluate their current
procedures and ensure that they are
up to scratch.
34 | October 2017
GDPR compliance will be a
challenge. Each and every business
dealing with personal data will
need to ensure all employees
are onside and prepared for the
changes to working practices and
processes as a result of GDPR. One
such change is that organisations
with more than 250 employees
will be required to appoint a data
protection officer (DPO). The DPO
will be key to driving progression
within the business and be a
champion for change. So, what can
businesses do to ensure they are
able to make the most out of the
GDPR shake up?
Restructure your
data operations
One of the first places to start in
preparation for GDPR is streamlining
processes. With this in mind, many
organisations have already turned to
techniques and tools that encourage
a more collaborative approach
to storing and maintaining data.
Workflow tools help to guide
people in their tasks, add rigor,
deliver auditability and in the best
examples, allow employees to
directly feedback on the tools to
ensure they work effectively.
Business process analysis
technologies can be really