ERP finance: how to ensure data security?

The volume of data produced and managed by an enterprise is constantly increasing, regardless of its size. This information is a real goldmine, whether it concerns customers, providers, products or markets. Most companies set up a IT project and adopt an ERP finance system to manage and operate them.
It is essential to rely on a reliable information system and to ensure the data security to prevent them from being stolen, corrupted or lost.

A true data security policy

It is important to implement an enterprise-wide IT security policy. The security measures affect all areas. The premises must be secured, as well as access to the company’s data and tools. To be effective, a security measure must be a compromise between level of protection and ease of use .

For example, there is no point in imposing strict password rules if the passwords are then displayed on post-it notes because it is impossible to remember them. Identification using a PKI card card eliminates the need to memorize complex passwords, and offers enhanced workstation security.

A crucial element in data security is the management of access rights. All too often, access rights are granted too quickly and too widely. Profiles must be established to assign rights according to actual needs. A trainee will certainly not need access to all the company’s confidential information.

To secure the company’s data and computer systems, a new position has emerged in companies. This is the Chief Security Officer (CSO ) who is responsible for developing and overseeing policies and programs that mitigate security risks to individuals, intellectual assets, reputation and physical property. It is also essential to set up a data governance before launching a Big Data project, in order to control the collection and use of the company’s data.

Support in business processes

The implementation of an ERP Finance system leads to a change in work habits. A realistic change management policy must be put in place in order to facilitate the learning of the software package and to accompany the users. This will limit the risk of data loss due to handling errors .

Everyone must be responsible for how they use the data. The software package must therefore trace any record, allow its author to be identified and maintain a log of changes so that an old version can be restored if necessary. The export of data from CRM must also be controlled and limited to avoid any data leakage to competitors and GDPR compliance.

Data security: a reliable information system

Finally,data security requires a reliable and robust information system. Accesses must be filtered and data saved. A disaster recovery plan, or PRAmust be put in place. This means that, in the event of a major loss of sensitive information, it will be possible to restore a recent backup and, by the same token, re-establish business activity.

In order to have all the necessary security solutions, it is important to regularly update software and hardware to install the latest versions and correct any security flaws.

Also in our "ERP Finance" section

• ERP software definition: what is an ERP?
• What is the use of an ERP solution for the finance function?
• ERP finance: what do you need to know as a finance manager?
• CFO: what are the advantages of an ERP for the finance function?
• Finance software: which ERP to choose for your company?
• The challenges of a post modern ERP
• Optimize the management of administrative processes with an ERP solution
• Big data, data management, data analytics and ERP: what are we talking about?
• ERP finance: how to ensure data security?
• CFO and CIO: how to implement a successful finance ERP project?
• ERP finance project: who should be involved in the company?
• The different implementation phases of an ERP project