Mapping to Broader Supply Chain Security

Overview

The Digital Pathway is designed not only to enhance organisational digital and cybersecurity maturity but also to strengthen supply chain security. As supply chains become more interconnected and digitalised, organisations face increasing risks related to data breaches, operational disruptions, and regulatory non-compliance. This page outlines how the Digital Pathway aligns with broader supply chain security frameworks, helping organisations secure their supply chains while meeting industry standards.

Key Areas of Supply Chain Security Integration

The Digital Pathway contributes to supply chain security across the following areas:

  1. Cybersecurity Across the Supply Chain:

    • Ensures secure collaboration with suppliers, partners, and customers.

    • Key Sub-Themes:

      • L1.17 - Cybersecurity Controls: Protects internal systems with foundational controls like firewalls, antivirus software, and endpoint protection.

      • L1.19 - Incident Response: Encourages the development of robust incident response plans that consider supply chain risks.

    • Example Integration:

      • Aero Excellence 1.6.2.10: Security device usage (e.g., firewalls) ensures secure connections with external partners.

  2. Data Governance and Compliance:

    • Facilitates secure data sharing and storage across supply chain ecosystems.

    • Key Sub-Themes:

      • L1.20 - Compliance: Aligns with GDPR, ISO/IEC 27001, and other standards to secure data within supply chains.

      • L1.18 - Data Protection: Promotes data backups and encryption to prevent unauthorised access or loss.

    • Example Integration:

      • Aero Excellence 1.6.2.1: Information Security Policy ensures consistent compliance across the organisation and supply chain.

  3. Operational Resilience:

    • Strengthens business continuity in response to supply chain disruptions.

    • Key Sub-Themes:

      • L1.18 - Data Protection: Ensures automated backups and tested recovery procedures.

      • Technology Architecture (L1.x): Promotes secure infrastructure to support operational continuity.

    • Example Integration:

      • Aero Excellence 1.6.2.5: Disaster recovery plans for critical systems directly inform Digital Pillar resilience measures.

Framework Alignment for Supply Chain Security

The Digital Pathway supports alignment with key supply chain security frameworks, enabling organisations to integrate these approaches into their maturity assessments:

  1. Aero Excellence:

    • Example Mapping:

      • Aero Excellence 1.6.2.9: Cascades customer security requirements to suppliers, aligning with SCS L1.20 (Compliance).

      • Aero Excellence 1.6.2.10: Ensures foundational cybersecurity controls for supplier data exchanges.

  2. SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) Model:

    • Focuses on operational efficiency and risk management within supply chains.

    • Digital Pillar Integration:

      • SCOR’s emphasis on data accuracy and process optimisation aligns with Data Architecture sub-themes in the Digital Pillar.

  3. CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification):

    • Critical for aerospace and defence supply chains, ensuring secure data management.

    • Digital Pillar Integration:

      • L1.17 (Cybersecurity Controls) and L1.20 (Compliance) align with CMMC requirements for supplier security readiness.

  4. ISO/IEC 27001:

    • Promotes secure supplier management through ISMS requirements.

    • Digital Pillar Integration:

      • Complements the Digital Pillar’s compliance and data governance sub-themes.

Practical Steps for Organisations

  1. Assess Supplier Readiness:

    • Use Digital Pillar sub-themes to evaluate supplier security practices (e.g., data protection, compliance, incident response).

    • Example: Ensure suppliers meet minimum cybersecurity standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 or NIST CSF.

  2. Map Frameworks:

    • Leverage Aero Excellence and other supply chain security frameworks to align assessments and streamline compliance.

  3. Implement Risk Mitigation Plans:

    • Address gaps identified through supply chain security mapping by enhancing cybersecurity controls and incident response capabilities.

  4. Monitor and Improve:

    • Regularly review supply chain security practices using the Digital Pillar as a diagnostic tool for continuous improvement.

Benefits of Supply Chain Security Mapping

  • Streamlined Compliance: Integrates Digital Pathway assessments with supply chain security frameworks like Aero Excellence, SCOR, and CMMC.

  • Improved Resilience: Enhances operational continuity by aligning cybersecurity and data protection practices across supply chains.

  • Holistic Approach: Provides a structured method to evaluate and improve supply chain security at both organisational and partner levels.

For detailed guidance on supply chain security integration, including specific mapping examples and best practices, contact the ADS SCS support team.

Example Use Case: Supply Chain Security in Aerospace

Scenario: An aerospace organisation wants to ensure its supply chain meets cybersecurity and compliance standards.

  • Action: Map Aero Excellence responses (e.g., 1.6.2.9 - cascading security requirements) to the Digital Pillar to validate supplier readiness and compliance.

  • Outcome: Achieves alignment with both Aero Excellence and the Digital Pillar, strengthening supply chain security while minimising assessment redundancy.

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