Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

This glossary provides definitions for key terms and acronyms used throughout the Digital Pathway framework. Familiarity with these terms will help users navigate the framework, assessment process, and supporting materials more effectively.

---

Glossary by Alphabetical Categorisation

A

• API - Application Programming Interface: A set of tools and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.

• Application Architecture - The framework and standards governing software applications used within an organisation to ensure functionality, security, and scalability.

B

• Business Architecture - The structure and strategy of an organisation’s operations, processes, and resources to align with strategic objectives.

C

• Capability - A measure of an organisation's ability to perform specific tasks, functions, or processes effectively within the Digital Pillar.

• Compliance - Adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and standards, ensuring that organisational practices meet legal and industry-specific requirements.

• CRM - Customer Relationship Management: Systems and practices focused on managing and improving interactions with customers.

• CMMC - Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification: A cybersecurity framework used primarily in the defence industry to assess maturity levels of organisational security.

D

• Data Architecture - The organisational structure, storage, and management of data, ensuring secure and efficient handling of information.

• Data Governance - Policies and procedures that manage the quality, security, and usability of data within an organisation.

• Digital Maturity - A measure of an organisation’s ability to leverage digital technologies effectively, assessed through various levels within the Digital Pillar.

E

• EA - Enterprise Architecture: A holistic approach to planning and managing an organisation's structure, technology, and processes to achieve strategic goals.

• Encryption - A method of protecting data by converting it into a secure format that can only be accessed by authorised individuals.

G

• GHG - Greenhouse Gas: Emissions that contribute to global warming, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

• GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation: A regulatory framework for data protection and privacy in the European Union, applicable to organisations handling personal data.

I

• IGP - Indicator of Good Practice: A measurable practice or behaviour indicating an organisation’s alignment with best practices within the Digital Pillar.

• ISO/IEC 27001 - An international standard for information security management systems (ISMS), providing requirements for establishing, implementing, and improving security controls.

K

• KPI - Key Performance Indicator: A measurable value used to assess how effectively an organisation is achieving its key objectives.

M

• Metric - A quantifiable measure used to assess performance within the Digital Pillar, often associated with KPIs and Indicators of Good Practice.

• Maturity Model - A framework that defines stages of progression in organisational capabilities, typically ranging from basic to advanced maturity.

N

• NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology: A U.S. agency that develops technology, metrics, and standards, including cybersecurity frameworks.

P

• Performance Type - Categorisation of assessment criteria based on their function, such as Capability, Indicator of Good Practice (IGP), or Metric/KPI.

• Pillar - A primary area of focus within the Digital Pillar framework, representing a distinct category of organisational capabilities.

S

• SCOR - Supply Chain Operations Reference Model: A framework for evaluating and improving supply chain performance.

• Security Architecture - A structured approach to securing an organisation’s infrastructure, applications, data, and operations.

• SIRI - Smart Industry Readiness Index: A framework developed by the Singapore government for assessing Industry 4.0 readiness.

T

• TOGAF - The Open Group Architecture Framework: A widely used framework for enterprise architecture, providing methods for designing, planning, and implementing IT and business strategies.

• Technology Architecture - The infrastructure and technical systems supporting an organisation’s operations, including servers, networks, and cloud solutions.

U

• UX - User Experience: The design and interaction elements of a digital product, focused on optimising ease of use, accessibility, and satisfaction for end-users.

---

This glossary is continually updated to ensure all key terms and acronyms relevant to the Digital Pillar framework are covered. For further assistance with any unfamiliar terms, please contact the ADS SCS support team.