André Guldi

ISO 27001 & Cloud PLM: reliably protecting product data

Why certification should be considered when choosing a system

A PLM system stores a wide range of sensitive product data — from the first sketch to the finished product. What happens if this data falls into the wrong hands? Or if third parties manipulate the information?

Companies can avoid such risks using certified Cloud PLM software according to ISO 27001. The certification follows globally recognized standards that ensure information security at all times.

In this blog post, you’ll learn why ISO 27001 certification is an important criterion when selecting a cloud-based PLM system. You’ll also get an insight into the processes and methods certified providers use to protect your data.

What is ISO 27001 Certification?

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard that defines the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). An ISMS includes policies, procedures, and technical measures that systematically protect information within an organization.

The ISMS defines three security objectives:

• Confidentiality: Only authorized persons are allowed to access sensitive information. Measures like encryption, access control lists, and file permissions ensure confidentiality.

• Integrity: Only authorized persons can modify data. It must be ensured that unauthorized changes can be undone.

• Availability: Information must always be accessible to authorized users. Risks like power or network outages are taken into account.

Independent certification bodies carry out the ISO 27001 certification. Key requirements include:

• Risk assessment and management: Identification of potential threats and vulnerabilities.

• Security Policies: Establishing clear guidelines for handling information.

• Training: Raising awareness among employees about information security.

• Continuous improvement: Regular reviews and optimization of security measures.

Advantages of ISO 27001 Certification for Cloud Providers

1. Trustworthiness and Transparency

ISO 27001 certification shows that the cloud provider follows high security standards, handles data with maximum care, and proactively addresses potential risks.

2. Risk Minimization

Companies that store sensitive data in the cloud need adequate protection against cyberattacks, data loss, and unauthorized access. ISO 27001 certification proves that the provider has implemented effective protective measures.

3. Compliance and Legal Requirements

Since certified cloud providers already meet crucial security standards, it’s easier for customers to comply with data protection and security regulations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

4. Efficient Risk Management

ISO 27001 provides structured risk management processes. They help systematically identify, minimize, and address vulnerabilities early and reliably.

Conclusion

Cyberattacks caused economic damage of 266 billion euros in Germany alone in 2024. When selecting software such as Cloud PLM, IT security should be one of the key criteria. ISO 27001 certification signals to companies that their data is comprehensively protected. It follows reliable security standards and facilitates compliance with legal requirements.

The development and operation of cloud products based on CONTACT Elements meet the strict requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. This certification confirms that CIM Database Cloud meets the highest security standards and ensures effective management of information security risks.

Using SCIM in Cloud PLM Systems

Efficient User and Access Management in Product Lifecycle Management

As companies grow, drive innovation, and navigate staff changes, the number of user accounts naturally increases. Every tool — whether for customer management or team collaboration — requires its own user account. This poses a significant challenge for the IT department, as every request, such as adding new users or modifying permissions, consumes valuable resources. This effort can be minimized with SCIM (System for Cross-Domain Identity Management) — efficiently, securely, and user-friendly.
In this article, learn how SCIM facilitates the entire process of managing user data in Cloud PLM systems through automated identity lifecycle management.

What is SCIM?

SCIM is an open standard designed to facilitate the exchange and synchronization of user data and permissions across different applications and systems. It was developed to minimize administrative effort in managing user data while enhancing security.
SCIM allows organizations to manage user accounts centrally. Related information is automatically transferred to other applications, such as Cloud PLM systems.

Why is SCIM important for Cloud PLM Solutions?

Without an automated solution like SCIM, companies face two challenges when managing user data and access rights in Cloud PLM systems:
• High manual effort: Users must be created, updated, or deleted individually across multiple systems.
• Security risks: Outdated user accounts in PLM systems can create security vulnerabilities.

What are the Benefits of using SCIM in Cloud PLM Systems?

SCIM significantly reduces the effort required to manage user accounts. It seamlessly connects identity management systems with enterprise applications, eliminating the need to develop and maintain custom integrations.
This relieves the IT department and employees in other departments benefit from Single Sign-On (SSO). With a single login, they gain access to all necessary applications. This streamlines workflows and reduces password reset requests by up to 50%. By minimizing administrative tasks, more time is available for core tasks. Automated synchronization ensures that user data remains up-to-date and consistent across all systems.
Security also increases significantly in combination with Single Sign-On. Thanks to centralized SSO authentication based on OpenID Connect (OIDC), there’s no need to have a separate password for each account. This reduces security risks related to weak or reused passwords. Companies can enforce security policies more consistently and integrate new workflows or applications more easily. At the same time, they maintain full control over user accounts.

Can Companies use the SCIM Interface with CIM Database Cloud?

The SCIM interface is now available for CIM Database Cloud. It is part of the CIM Database Cloud infrastructure and does not incur additional licensing costs.

Conclusion

SCIM is a standard that automatically synchronizes user data and permissions across different systems. By integrating SCIM into Cloud PLM solutions, companies can streamline their processes, reduce security risks, and minimize administrative overhead.
Take advantage of the benefits of cloud-based PLM software now: CIM Database Cloud is the solution for end-to-end digital product development with an integrated SCIM interface.

Document management in Cloud PLM systems

Optimized processes, security, and global collaboration in the product lifecycle

How can companies efficiently manage their data and documents? How can they provide information across departments, locations, and organizations?

Even in individual projects, the number of documents quickly grows into the hundreds or thousands. Managing this data on network drives or email systems leads to bottlenecks in the face of the complexity of product development. Companies need a document logistics system that creates clarity and fosters teamwork.

Software for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is ideal for this task. Cloud-based systems, in particular, make document management more efficient by integrating all workflows and information throughout the entire product lifecycle. In this blog post, we explore how Cloud PLM systems simplify document management.

What are the benefits of cloud-based document storage?

Managing documents via the cloud offers two significant advantages:

Firstly, it promotes global real-time collaboration. Teams around the world can access legally binding documents and work on them together, significantly reducing development times.

Secondly, companies are not solely responsible for the security of their systems. Cloud providers must undergo rigorous certifications and audits, meeting the highest security standards. Sensitive information is optimally protected through data encryption, access controls, and regular security updates. This also simplifies compliance with regulations such as ISO and GDPR for customers.

What are the advantages of document management in PLM systems?

1. Centralized data storage:
The document management feature allows for company-wide organization of documents, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing. Product-relevant documents, such as CAD files, are managed in a central location, avoiding data redundancies and ensuring all departments have access to up-to-date information.

2. Version control and change tracking:
PLM systems enable document versioning, ensuring teams always work with the latest data, as every change is logged.

3. Workflow and approval processes:
Integrated workflows automate approval and release processes, speeding up decision-making and ensuring structured processes without manual intervention.

4. Access controls:
Access rights can be clearly defined and managed within a PLM system, ensuring only authorized individuals can access sensitive documents.

5. Compliance adherence:
PLM systems provide audit-proof storage to meet regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., ISO).

6. Integrated data and processes:
Document management is often closely linked to areas such as project management, quality control, or product development. PLM systems integrate all product-related processes for comprehensive management.

7. Cost savings and increased efficiency:
With document management functions, employees use their working time more effectively, reducing search times and avoiding errors caused by outdated information. Improved collaboration across teams lowers costs in the long term, while automated processes enable faster turnaround times.

What makes document management with CIM Database Cloud stand out?

The intelligent document logistics of CIM Database Cloud enables organizations to maintain clarity and enhance collaboration even in complex processes. A powerful full-text search speeds up document retrieval and simplifies access to vital information.

With seamless integration with Microsoft Office for the web™, employees can use familiar applications to create, edit, and share documents without separate storage. Files are managed in the Cloud PLM document storage, allowing multiple people to work on the same document simultaneously—without requiring local MS Office installations.

Conclusion

Cloud PLM systems offer a powerful, secure solution for document management. Features like version control, workflow automation, and robust security measures help manage documents efficiently. Companies minimize risks and ensure compliance while the cloud-based structure offers maximum flexibility—teams can collaborate anytime, anywhere.

Learn more about how CONTACT CIM Database Cloud can optimize your document management.