Three recommendations for secure and effective data management

Data is a core driver of business development and decision-making – and it has become a critical competitive parameter in today’s market. That is why your company needs clear ownership of its data and the ability to continuously protect its rights through robust agreements, IT systems and culture.

Fundamentally, data compliance refers to your company’s ability to meet all applicable data protection laws. Being data compliant means your company manages data lawfully, securely and transparently – and can document its processes accordingly.

Lack of compliance can have severe consequences, both financially and for your company’s reputation.

So, how do you create the best conditions for effective compliance in your company?

The complexity comes from several sources.

First, data protection legislation is extensive – and constantly evolving. New regulations are introduced continuously, particularly from the EU, where GDPR, NIS2, DORA, and most recently, the AI Act are key parts of the regulatory landscape.

Second, the practical work is an organisational task affecting nearly every department. There are many stakeholders – from employees handling data in day-to-day operations to senior management, who ultimately hold personal accountability for compliance.

In addition, for most companies, data compliance extends far beyond their own organisation. Many businesses outsource key functions – especially in IT – creating a chain of external systems that underpin daily operations and must also be compliant.

If your company operates internationally, the complexity grows further, adding additional regulatory layers and compliance challenges.

How do you balance your compliance efforts so they do not stifle business operations?

We have summarised three practical recommendations in this article to ensure your company’s data protection is not just compliant, but also enables operational efficiency every day.

1. Involve legal broadly and early

The earlier you involve your company’s legal experts in new projects and decisions, the easier it is to achieve solutions that are both compliant and effective. By bringing legal onboard from the outset, you ensure that the operationally optimal solutions you design also meet compliance requirements. This approach prevents legal from becoming a roadblock late in the process, making them partners rather than opponents in reaching your business goals. 

2. Make data an integrated part of your core business

To truly foster a strong compliance culture, it is not enough to have a written policy on how you store and use data. The reality is that such policies often end up gathering dust on a digital shelf somewhere on your shared drive.

What makes a real difference is embedding sound compliance principles as an integral part of your company’s values – at the heart of your core business. This should be reflected in both your internal and external communications, including how you present your business to customers and partners. When compliance becomes a natural element of your core operations, it transforms from being an isolated task to a central asset in your product and business development.

3. Create a compliance culture through collaboration, knowledge sharing and technology awareness 

Even the best intentions for data compliance are worthless without employee engagement. That is why we recommend focusing on building a compliance culture that permeates your entire organisation.

This includes providing training and education on data protection for relevant employees, both during onboarding and continuously throughout their employment. Tailor training to the specific needs of each department – and always anchor your efforts in the company’s core values.