Cross-Compatibility Guide

The Digital Pathway has been designed to maximise compatibility with a wide range of frameworks and standards, making it adaptable to diverse organisational contexts and sectors. This guide provides an overview of how the Digital Pathway aligns with each framework, highlighting areas of overlap, fast-tracking potential, and specific sections where the frameworks complement each other.

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1. Directly Compatible Frameworks

The following frameworks are directly compatible with the Digital Pathway, enabling streamlined assessments and fast-tracking capabilities in relevant sections.

• Aeroexcellence: Specific Digital Pathway questions map directly to the Aeroexcellence framework. Organisations using Aeroexcellence for aerospace standards can use their responses to meet corresponding Digital Pathway criteria, especially in areas related to cybersecurity, supply chain security, and operational resilience.

• Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI): Designed for Industry 4.0 applications, SIRI’s criteria overlap significantly with the Digital Pathway’s sections on data, application, and technology architectures. Manufacturing and industrial organisations can use SIRI results to fulfil Digital Pathway requirements in digital transformation and cybersecurity.

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2. Partial Compatibility with Fast-Tracking Potential

These frameworks have substantial overlap with the Digital Pathway, though additional alignment may be necessary. Specific questions within these frameworks can be used to fast-track assessment in targeted areas.

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): NIST CSF’s guidelines for managing cybersecurity risk align with the Security Architecture section of the Digital Pathway. Organisations that already use NIST CSF can leverage their cybersecurity controls and maturity levels to support Digital Pathway assessments.

• ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management): ISO/IEC 27001 offers extensive coverage for information security practices. Compliance with ISO 27001 can contribute to fast-tracking in the Digital Pathway’s security and data governance sections, especially for organisations focused on achieving high standards in data protection.

• SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) Model: SCOR is particularly useful for organisations with complex digital supply chains. Its metrics align with the Digital Pathway’s supply chain and operational resilience criteria, enabling partial fast-tracking for supply chain security and optimisation.

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3. Frameworks Requiring Cross-Referencing

For the following frameworks, the Digital Pathway provides complementary guidance. While there is no direct fast-tracking, organisations can cross-reference these frameworks with the Digital Pathway for enhanced alignment and robustness.

• CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): CMMC is critical for defence and aerospace industries. While not directly mapped, Digital Pillar assessments can support CMMC compliance by ensuring that foundational cybersecurity practices are in place, particularly in secure data handling and incident response.

• TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework): TOGAF’s enterprise architecture principles align with the Digital Pillar’s architectural approach. TOGAF users can cross-reference their existing business, data, application, and technology structures with the Digital Pillar to support cohesive digital transformation.

• World Economic Forum (WEF) Digital Transformation Framework: WEF’s emphasis on cross-functional digital transformation aligns with the Digital Pathway’s strategic and business architecture themes. Organisations can use WEF’s insights on digital readiness to inform their approach to the Digital Pillar, especially in governance and strategic planning.

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4. Recommended Cross-Compatibility Process

For effective integration with the Digital Pathway, organisations should follow these steps:

1. Identify Existing Frameworks: Determine which frameworks are already in use within the organisation, and review their core principles in relation to the Digital Pathway’s structure.

2. Cross-Reference and Map Overlaps: Map the framework’s requirements to the Digital Pathway’s themes and sub-themes to identify overlapping areas where existing efforts can satisfy Digital Pathway criteria.

3. Utilise Fast-Tracking Where Applicable: For directly compatible frameworks like Aeroexcellence and SIRI, apply responses from these frameworks directly to the Digital Pathway assessment, allowing fast-tracked completion of certain sections.

4. Request Integration Support: For additional guidance on aligning other frameworks, contact the ADS SCS support team to receive advice on integration options or initiate an integration assessment.

5. Document and Report Findings: Ensure that findings from each cross-compatibility assessment are documented, highlighting areas of strength, improvement, and alignment between frameworks.

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Contact and Support

For further assistance with cross-compatibility or to discuss customised integration options, please reach out to the ADS SCS support team. Our team can provide additional resources and guidance to ensure that your organisation’s existing frameworks are effectively aligned with the Digital Pathway.