10 Ways "As Code" Will Revolutionize Your Regulated Business

While there are many nuances to large organizations’ security incidents and failed compliance audits, usually, producing reams of policy documents will not solve the underlying issues. In regulated environments, to effectively manage policies across the organization, “as code” automation is the best way to ensure that policies are not only documented but actively enforced, reducing the risk of a repeat incident.

Compliance "as code" refers to the practice of using code and automation to enforce and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, security standards, and organizational policies. By incorporating compliance into the software development and deployment process, organizations can protect their data and increase their compliance confidence. Let’s explore the 10 ways “As Code” benefits a regulated business.

1. Consistency and Standardization: Compliance "as code" allows for consistent and standardized implementation of compliance measures across different environments and applications. Manual processes are prone to errors and inconsistencies, but automation ensures that everyone uniformly applies compliance rules throughout the entire infrastructure.
2. Agility and Speed: Automating compliance checks and enforcement enables rapid deployment and reduces the time required to assess and maintain compliance. This agility is crucial in modern fast-paced development environments, where frequent updates and releases are common.
3. Early Detection and Remediation: Integrating compliance checks into the development pipeline can identify issues early in the process, even before deployment. This early detection allows teams to address compliance violations promptly, reducing the likelihood of security breaches and non-compliance.
4. Reduced Human Error: Manual compliance processes can lead to human errors due to the complexity and volume of tasks involved. Automating compliance tasks eliminates the possibility of human error, enhancing accuracy and reliability.
5. Scalability: As organizations grow and deploy more applications and services, compliance "as code" scales effortlessly. Automated processes can handle larger workloads without a proportional increase in resources.
6. Documentation and Auditing: Code-based compliance systems generate detailed logs and documentation, providing a clear audit trail for compliance activities. This documentation simplifies compliance reporting, making it easier to demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements during audits.
7. Enhanced Security: Compliance "as code" often goes hand-in-hand with security automation, enabling real-time security assessments and enforcement of security controls. This proactive approach helps reduce security vulnerabilities and ensures a more secure overall infrastructure.
8. Collaboration and DevOps Integration: Compliance "as code" promotes collaboration between development, operations, and security teams. It allows these teams to work together seamlessly, breaking down silos and fostering a culture of shared responsibility for compliance and security.
9. Cost-Efficiency: Although the initial implementation of compliance "as code" may require investment in automation tools and expertise, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Automation reduces the need for manual labor as well as increases the speed of code deployment, which leads to cost savings over time.
10. Continuous Compliance: Compliance "as code" enables continuous monitoring and enforcement of compliance requirements. It ensures that compliance is an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort, helping organizations maintain a state of compliance at all times.

Overall, compliance "as code" is a powerful approach that combines development and compliance efforts, offering numerous advantages for organizations aiming to maintain a secure and compliant environment. And the bonus benefit is increased customer confidence and trust. In some instances, it has been the key differentiator to a highly profitable buying decision. “As Code” is no longer a future potential enhancement but has evolved into priority.

About the Author:

Gina Davis, Executive Director -Transformation Leader - Motion Consulting Group is a dynamic and visionary leader who has been at the forefront of transformation initiatives across industries. With a passion for driving change and empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential, Gina has established herself as a respected thought leader in the field of digital transformation and change leadership.

Gina's passion for transformation stems from her belief in the potential of individuals and organizations to evolve and thrive. Through her thought leadership, she inspires and empowers others to embrace change, overcome challenges, and unlock their full potential. Gina's unique blend of strategic thinking, change management expertise, and focus on developing effective leaders has enabled her to make a significant impact on the transformation journeys of numerous organizations.

With Gina Davis as a transformation thought leader, organizations gain a trusted advisor, an inspirational speaker, and a catalyst for positive change. She and her team at MCG daily deliver the ability to navigate complexity, drive cultural shifts, and harness the power of technology setting them apart as a leading partner in the field of digital transformation.