Digital Pathway Integration Options

The Digital Pillar framework has been designed with flexibility to enable seamless integration with a variety of industry-standard frameworks and tools. This section provides updated guidance on key integration options, helping organisations enhance assessment accuracy, streamline workflows, and align the Digital Pillar with strategic frameworks for digital transformation, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.

1. Core Integration Frameworks: Aero Excellence and SIRI

The Digital Pillar directly integrates with Aero Excellence and the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI). These core frameworks include established questions and criteria that align closely with the Digital Pillar’s focus areas. Integration allows organisations to ‘fast track’ aspects of their Digital Pillar assessment, leveraging results from these frameworks to directly inform scores and fulfil requirements.

Aero Excellence:

Designed for the aerospace sector, Aero Excellence provides standards and best practices that align with digital and cybersecurity objectives. The integration with Aero Excellence allows organisations to use specific responses (e.g., for strategy, cybersecurity controls, and compliance) to inform scores for corresponding Digital Pillar questions. For example:

  • Aero Excellence Criterion 1.1.1 (Short-term and long-term strategy) can directly populate and justify a Score 2 in SCS L1.1 (Digital Strategy) if specified conditions are met.

  • Aero Excellence Criterion 1.6.2.10 (Firewall and cybersecurity device use) contributes to SCS L1.17 (Cybersecurity Controls).

SIRI (Smart Industry Readiness Index):

SIRI focuses on Industry 4.0 and digital transformation in industrial settings. Integration with SIRI enables manufacturing and industrial organisations to apply SIRI’s structured assessments to meet Digital Pillar requirements for digital and cybersecurity readiness. For instance, SIRI outcomes related to digital transformation and operational excellence can inform assessments of strategic alignment and cybersecurity controls.

Both Aero Excellence and SIRI integrations include:

  • Direct Scoring Mechanisms: Responses to pre-identified questions directly inform Digital Pillar scores.

  • Streamlined Assessment Workflows: Reduces redundancy by leveraging existing assessment results.

2. Additional Integration Options Through the Assessment Process

In addition to Aero Excellence and SIRI, several other frameworks can be integrated with the Digital Pillar through an integration assessment process. This ensures compatibility and alignment with the Pillar’s unique requirements.

Organisations interested in integrating the following frameworks can contact the ADS SCS support team for guidance:

  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): A structured approach to managing cybersecurity risk, enabling alignment with global cybersecurity maturity benchmarks.

  • ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management): Supports robust information security management systems, demonstrating compliance with international standards.

  • SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) Model: Focuses on enhancing supply chain performance and managing operational risks in digital supply chains.

  • CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): Essential for defence and aerospace industries, protecting sensitive supply chain data. Alignment ensures Digital Pillar compatibility with U.S. Department of Defense requirements.

  • TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework): Supports organisations with complex enterprise architectures in developing structured cybersecurity and digital transformation strategies.

3. Integration Implementation and Support

To support organisations in implementing these integrations, the following resources and processes are available:

  • Contact ADS SCS Support Team: Reach out for detailed guidance on integrating additional frameworks, including the integration assessment process and best practices.

  • Integration Documentation: Framework-specific mapping guides will outline how assessment criteria and questions align with the Digital Pillar’s requirements.

  • Compliance Reporting and Fast-Tracking: For Aero Excellence and SIRI users, pre-mapped compliance reporting templates streamline assessments and provide fast-tracked scoring.

Example Integration Use Case: Aero Excellence and SCS Digital Pillar

  • SCS Question (L1.17 - Cybersecurity Controls): "Are foundational cybersecurity measures implemented across the organisation?"

  • Aero Excellence Mapping: Responses to criteria 1.6.2.6 (Firewall use), 1.6.2.7 (Password policies), and 1.6.2.10 (Security device use) directly inform this question, with a pre-filled score of 2 based on confirmed conditions.

By leveraging these integration options, organisations can optimise their use of the Digital Pillar, aligning closely with sector-specific standards, regulatory requirements, and digital transformation goals. For further assistance, please contact the ADS SCS support team.

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