Cloud

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.

ISO 27001 Certification: security as a standard for our cloud products

Digitalization is shaping our lives and workplaces like never before. With this evolution comes an increased responsibility to protect data effectively and ensure stable service delivery. Information security is no longer a “should” but an absolute “must.”

As a provider of industrial software solutions from the cloud, quality, security, and reliability are our top priorities. We are delighted to announce our successful ISO 27001 certification by Datenschutz Cert. This confirms our commitment to providing products that meet the highest security standards and effectively protect data.

More security, efficiency, and sustainability with automation

Our goal was clear from the beginning: to meet security and stability requirements with innovative technologies. We rely heavily on automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to achieve this. These measures enable us to implement security mechanisms effectively and integrate them seamlessly into our development and operating processes.

One crucial aspect of our preparations was to take climate risks into account. Events like extreme weather pose potential threats to IT infrastructures. In response, we developed solutions that minimize risks while enhancing efficiency – such as monitoring tools and automated scaling. These technologies reduce our carbon footprint and help to ensure a high level of security and sustainability.

Security culture as a success factor

Information security is more than just meeting standards—it is an integral part of our corporate culture. Principles such as high availability, automation, and the use of a single source of truth define how we work and foster a structured approach to tackling complex challenges. A standout aspect is the contribution of our team. Regular training and a high level of security awareness ensure that information security is not just seen as a task for IT, but is practiced throughout the entire company. This holistic mindset was a cornerstone of our journey to achieving ISO 27001 certification.

Our automation strategies further illustrate how we combine efficiency with security. By standardizing processes, we reduce human error while laying the foundation for continuous improvement.

Added value for customers and partners

For our customers, certification means one thing above all: trust. ISO 27001 certification is an internationally recognized seal of quality and confirms that we adhere to the highest security standards. This not only enhances the reliability of our cloud products but also assures our customers that their data is in safe hands.

Our partners also benefit significantly from this certification. Standardized processes and clearly defined security requirements make collaboration more seamless, boost efficiency, and establish a foundation of trust for future projects. It is a crucial competitive advantage, especially in a dynamic environment like the cloud industry.

Our vision for the future

ISO 27001 certification is not an endpoint for us but a milestone in our ongoing journey to continuously enhance our security measures. For instance, we plan to make our monitoring systems even more robust, enabling us to detect potential risks more quickly and address them more effectively. The digital landscape is constantly changing – we are ready to face these challenges and ensure the security of our customers, partners, and their data.