Vendor governance framework
Safeguarding potential third-party risks and implementing a proactive vendor governance solution
Why vendor governance is important
With new risk points emerging constantly, in-house teams may be sorely challenged to keep track of today’s rapidly evolving third-party threats. This can be compared to a leaky ship, where fixing one hole often reveals another. A vendor governance framework is a system of policies, processes, and controls designed to manage the risks associated with third-party vendors and service providers. A framework provides the tools and guidelines for ensuring vendors comply with an organization's standards, meet regulatory requirements, and align with its strategic goals.
The Atlas Advantage
Atlas Systems helps enterprises streamline their vendor management program across the entire lifecycle, including due diligence reporting, onboarding, contract performance tracking, risk assessment, vendor issues, and remediation steps. We use AI-powered advanced tools for monitoring contract performance, vendor onboarding checklists, vendor remediation management, and more to provide a platform that optimizes your vendor contract functions.
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Risk Assessment
Atlas systematically evaluates and classifies vendors based on risk, from critical to non-critical). We take into account everything from financial and operational risks to compliance and cybersecurity – even reputational factors. We establish a vendor’s financial stability, security profile, and regulatory status before engagement -- ensuring proper contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs) are in place.
Key Benefits:
- Delivers early detection of potential issues
- Streamlines risk identification processes
- Allows comfortable start to vendor relationships
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Onboarding
Atlas keeps your data and systems safe by implementing a disciplined vendor onboarding and due diligence process. This includes sharing organization-specific policies and expectations with the vendor; providing necessary access to tools, systems, or data while ensuring access controls are in place; and aligning the vendor’s workflows with your processes.
Key Benefits:
- Assures smooth vendor integration into your systems
- Creates systematic approach that yields efficiency and security
- Clarifies vendor’s role in your processes
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Risk Mitigation
Atlas minimizes or manages identified risks through due diligence, evaluating contracts and SLAs; limiting the third party's access to sensitive systems or data; and ensuring that third parties adhere to industry security standards. Atlas takes a focused approach to contingency planning for vendor disruptions (e.g., exit strategies, alternate suppliers) and implements clear communication protocols for incident reporting and escalation.
Key Benefits:
- Reduces risk of financial, operational, legal, and reputational harm
- Ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations
- Enhances stakeholder trust by safeguarding organizational assets
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Ongoing Monitoring
Atlas tracks vendor performance against agreed metrics and SLAs throughout the relationship. This ensures that vendors, suppliers, or partners continue to meet your risk and performance expectations. Regular audits, assessments, or reviews ensure that vendors maintain compliance and deliver value.
Key Benefits:
- Allows internal teams to focus on essential tasks without worry
- Prevents compliance slippage
- Confirms alignment on goals and performance
Why choose Atlas Systems?
Proven approach covering every aspect of governance
Continual focus on vendor compliance and performance
Frequent communications with internal teams to ensure ongoing alignment
Connect with us to eliminate your business inefficiencies
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