In its review of the FDIC’s cloud computing security controls, an independent audit by Sikich CPA LLC, commissioned by the FDIC Office of Inspector General, assessed nine key security control areas. While effective security practices were observed in four areas, five exhibited notable control weaknesses. Key vulnerabilities were associated with identity and access management, … [Read more...] about GAO Cybersecurity Program Audit Guide
How Audit Procedures and Internal Controls Improve Your Compliance Posture
Audit procedures and internal controls play a critical role in improving an organization's compliance posture and overall risk management effectiveness. Audit procedures help auditors evaluate whether an organization’s internal controls are designed and implemented effectively to address financial, operational, and compliance risks. By examining the functionality and … [Read more...] about How Audit Procedures and Internal Controls Improve Your Compliance Posture
A Data Protection Approach for Cloud-Native Applications
In this report, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) outlines a data protection strategy tailored for cloud-native applications. Recognizing the complexities of multi-cloud and hybrid network architectures, the document presents methods to safeguard data as it travels across various systems. A primary focus is on data in transit, a critical aspect of … [Read more...] about A Data Protection Approach for Cloud-Native Applications
An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Ethics
AI's widespread integration into society has significantly improved efficiency across healthcare, finance, and logistics sectors, yet it also raises complex ethical challenges. Privacy invasion, discrimination, and job displacement underscore the importance of AI ethics, which guides how AI should be designed and implemented responsibly. To address these ethical concerns, … [Read more...] about An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Ethics
How to Assess an Organizations’ Internal Control Using a Risk-Based Approach
Mazars highlights the importance of a well-defined internal control system in maintaining organizational objectives, financial integrity, and law compliance. Effective internal controls, which encompass financial and operational processes, provide reasonable assurance that an organization operates efficiently, produces accurate reports, and complies with regulations. The COSO … [Read more...] about How to Assess an Organizations’ Internal Control Using a Risk-Based Approach
Compliance, risk, audit, and the business
While this story is more from a financial/safety compliance/risk perspective, it still underscores the complexities of managing compliance, safety, and risk, especially in highly regulated industries. It discusses a recent example from Tesla’s Fremont facility illustrates the ongoing challenges: regulatory bodies ordered Tesla to address frequent toxic emissions, showing how … [Read more...] about Compliance, risk, audit, and the business
How To Address Risk in ISO 9001
In ISO 9001:2015, risk-based thinking has become central, urging companies to systematically identify and address risks and opportunities. The approach involves four key steps: identifying risks and opportunities, planning responses, integrating these plans into the Quality Management System (QMS), and evaluating effectiveness. Initially, companies assess both internal and … [Read more...] about How To Address Risk in ISO 9001
Enhancing Product Quality: Lessons from Implementing CAPA and NPDI in QMS
This case history describes a journey to improving product quality through a Quality Management System (QMS) which began with a proactive approach to persistent quality challenges. Initially, a reactive response led to recurring issues that eroded customer confidence. This experience highlighted the need for a structured approach, integrating CAPA (Corrective and Preventive … [Read more...] about Enhancing Product Quality: Lessons from Implementing CAPA and NPDI in QMS
Quality Control in the Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core: A Practical Primer
Quality control (QC) in mass spectrometry-based proteomics has seen significant advancements, yet adoption remains inconsistent. In proteomics cores, QC is crucial for ensuring data reliability, especially when data serves non-expert clients who rely on its accuracy. This primer outlines a practical guide to QC materials and software, aiming to streamline QC implementation in … [Read more...] about Quality Control in the Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core: A Practical Primer
ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Auditing Climate Change Issues in ISO 9001
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has introduced a climate change amendment to ISO 9001, aimed at incorporating climate-related considerations within Quality Management Systems (QMS). This update, part of ISO’s commitment to climate action under the London Declaration, requires organizations to assess if climate change is relevant to their QMS goals. This … [Read more...] about ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Auditing Climate Change Issues in ISO 9001
Quality Assurance in Manufacturing: An In-Depth Guide to Achieve Customer Confidence
In manufacturing, quality assurance (QA) is essential for building customer trust and maintaining competitive advantage. Companies aim to meet and exceed quality standards by implementing structured QA processes, ensuring each product consistently satisfies customer expectations. The stakes are high—product recalls, costly liability claims, and reputational damage can arise … [Read more...] about Quality Assurance in Manufacturing: An In-Depth Guide to Achieve Customer Confidence
CMMI and ISO 9001 Comparison: What’s the Difference?
ISO 9001 and CMMI are two widely recognized frameworks in quality management, each offering unique approaches to enhancing organizational performance. ISO 9001 is an international standard for establishing and maintaining a Quality Management System (QMS), providing a structure for organizations to improve processes and prioritize customer satisfaction. It applies to any … [Read more...] about CMMI and ISO 9001 Comparison: What’s the Difference?
Defining Quality Standards: A Guide for Product Development Prototypes
This article from a China-focused contract manufacturing sourcing company describes prototyping as a crucial step in product development. They describe their experience in prototyping as It transforms concepts into tangible models that allow teams to explore design elements, functionality, and user experience. Prototypes are invaluable for identifying design flaws or functional … [Read more...] about Defining Quality Standards: A Guide for Product Development Prototypes
Compliance Management and the Role of Policies and Procedures
Compliance management is essential for many organizations to maintain legal and ethical standards, avoid penalties, and uphold operational integrity. By setting a clear framework through policies and procedures, organizations can effectively guide employees to meet compliance requirements. Compliance management encompasses industry-specific regulations, standards, and … [Read more...] about Compliance Management and the Role of Policies and Procedures
The paradox of data quality
The paradox of data quality lies in balancing accuracy with practicality. While quality data is critical for informed decision-making, striving for perfection is costly and unsustainable. According to Pepar Hugo, Senior Data Engineer at Lumenalta, an excessive focus on flawless data can create “analysis paralysis,” consuming valuable resources that could be better allocated to … [Read more...] about The paradox of data quality
Data Quality Management: Tools, Implementation Strategies, and Best Practices
Data Quality Management (DQM) is crucial in supporting strategic decision-making for marketing teams by ensuring that the data they rely on is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date. Through practices like data cleansing, validation, and integration, DQM helps teams focus on analyzing and applying insights rather than being bogged down by data inaccuracies. This framework … [Read more...] about Data Quality Management: Tools, Implementation Strategies, and Best Practices
Getting the Most Out of an EQMS (Webcast)
The webcast discusses strategies for maximizing QMS functionality, focusing on improving integration, training, and reporting for seamless quality management. One company shared its process of implementing a QMS software system's modules, highlighting key integrations with systems like MES and Active Directory to streamline production, automate access control, and track … [Read more...] about Getting the Most Out of an EQMS (Webcast)
FMEA in the Age of Industry 4.0
In the context of Industry 4.0, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is adapting to address the increased complexity of manufacturing processes. Traditionally, FMEA assessed potential failure modes by analyzing severity, occurrence, and detection, which produced a Risk Priority Number (RPN) to guide risk mitigation efforts. However, this approach has limitations in modern … [Read more...] about FMEA in the Age of Industry 4.0
Book Review: “Measuring and Managing Information Risk”
Measuring and Managing Information Risk: A FAIR Approach, Second Edition is a detailed resource for understanding and applying the Factor Analysis of Information Risk (FAIR) methodology, a trusted framework for measuring and managing information risk across various organizational contexts. With over a decade of development and practical application, FAIR has become a … [Read more...] about Book Review: “Measuring and Managing Information Risk”
Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience in Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks due to its swift digital transformation and reliance on interconnected supply chains. As digital technologies like the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) integrate into operational processes, the risk of ransomware attacks and other cyber threats has grown significantly. These … [Read more...] about Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience in Manufacturing