How to Choose the Right ISMS for ISO 27001
An ISMS (Information Security Management System) for ISO 27001 should connect risks, controls and documentation within a single platform. It must support implementation, daily operations and audits, enabling organisations to work systematically with information security – not just meet certification requirements.
The best ISMS solutions enable continuous risk management, documentation and improvement as an integrated part of day-to-day operations.
The NorthGRC platform supports this by connecting risks, controls, documentation and compliance activities in one operational system. Organisations such as Aidn, Nobly, ReplaceIT and Unik already use NorthGRC to work systematically with ISO 27001 in practice.
Below, we outline the key criteria, features and considerations when selecting an ISMS for ISO 27001.
What criteria should you use when choosing an ISMS?
When selecting an ISMS for ISO 27001, you should evaluate five key areas:
- Coverage of ISO 27001 requirements: The system should support risk management, Annex A controls, the Statement of Applicability, document management, internal audits and management reviews.
- Usability and speed of implementation: The best system is the one your organisation actually uses. ReplaceIT implemented NorthGRC in five weeks with just two people.
- Multi-framework support: Many organisations work with more than ISO 27001, including NIS2, GDPR, DORA, CIS Controls or industry-specific standards. Aidn uses NorthGRC to manage multiple frameworks in parallel.
- Scalability: An ISMS should support both smaller organisations and larger enterprises with multiple entities, teams and geographical differences.
- Local support and certification experience: A vendor with experience in European compliance frameworks can simplify implementation. NorthGRC has supported organisations such as Nobly, Aidn, ReplaceIT and Unik in establishing and running their ISMS.
What features should an ISMS for ISO 27001 include?
An ISMS for ISO 27001 should support the full operational lifecycle of information security.
Key features include:
- Risk management
- Control management and Annex A
- Statement of Applicability
- Document management
- Audit and compliance tracking
- Management reporting
- Task management and annual planning
- Awareness
Risk management
ISO 27001 requires a structured and documented risk assessment process. An ISMS should enable organisations to identify threats, assess impact and likelihood, and link risk treatment to relevant controls.
In NorthGRC, risk management is integrated with controls and action plans, ensuring risks are not handled in isolation.
Control management and Annex A
Annex A in ISO 27001:2022 includes 93 controls across four categories. A strong ISMS provides visibility into selected and excluded controls and the rationale behind them.
NorthGRC supports this through a dynamic Statement of Applicability with full traceability.
Document management
An ISMS should support version control, classification, approval workflows and easy access to policies, procedures and documentation.
In NorthGRC, documents can be directly linked to relevant controls and risks.
Audit and compliance tracking
Internal audits and management reviews are mandatory in ISO 27001. The system should support planning, execution, documentation and follow-up of findings.
In NorthGRC, compliance status is monitored continuously and automatically. The platform provides a real-time overview of control status — implemented (green), partially implemented (yellow) or not applicable (grey). If a task linked to a control exceeds its deadline, the status automatically changes to red. This makes it easy to identify, manage and document non-conformities ahead of an audit.
Management reporting
Leadership requires a clear overview of compliance status, risks and progress. Dashboards and reports help translate complex data into actionable insights.
NorthGRC includes dedicated dashboards that provide a visual overview of organisational maturity and progress. The reporting module allows users to generate detailed status reports filtered by date, responsible teams or specific standards (e.g. ISO 27001 or GDPR). These reports are ready for use in management reporting or external audits.
Task management, annual planning and awareness
An annual plan ensures recurring compliance tasks are completed. Awareness modules help document employee training and security awareness.
In NorthGRC, the planning module functions as a digital annual cycle, where both implementation tasks and recurring compliance activities are structured and scheduled throughout the year. This ensures that tasks are followed up and completed as part of day-to-day operations.
Which ISMS solutions best support ISO 27001?
The best ISMS is the one that supports ISO 27001 in practice – not necessarily the one with the most features.
A strong ISMS should be evaluated based on:
- Framework mapping
- Usability
- Implementation support
- Integration capabilities
- Audit readiness
- Scalability
NorthGRC is particularly suited for organisations that want to treat ISO 27001 as an ongoing process rather than a static documentation exercise.
What does an ISMS for ISO 27001 cost?
The cost of an ISMS typically depends on factors such as organisation size, number of users, functionality, integrations and implementation support.
Key cost drivers include:
- Licensing model
- Number of users
- Number of frameworks
- Implementation support
- Integrations
- Advisory needs
Many organisations start with Excel or SharePoint, but the real cost often lies in manual work, lack of traceability and increased risk of errors.
Cloud-based ISMS vs. manual solutions
A cloud-based ISMS provides better structure, traceability and scalability compared to manual approaches.
| Criteria | Excel / SharePoint | Cloud-based ISMS (e.g., NorthGRC) |
|---|---|---|
| Risks and controls | Manual cross-referencing | Automatic mapping |
| Audit trail | Limited | Automated logging |
| Scalability | Difficult to scale | Scalable platform |
| Framework updates | Manual | Continuous updates |
| Multi-framework | Risk of duplication | Multiple frameworks in one system |
NorthGRC is a cloud-based SaaS platform that enables organisations to manage ISO 27001, NIS2, GDPR, DORA and other frameworks within a single system.
Can an ISMS be integrated with existing IT systems?
Yes. An ISMS should be able to integrate with an organisation’s existing IT landscape, ensuring that compliance data is not handled manually or isolated in separate tools.
Typical integrations include:
- ITSM systems (e.g. ServiceNow, Jira)
- SIEM and security platforms
- HR systems
- Asset management / CMDB
- Document management and collaboration tools
Without integration, an ISMS quickly becomes fragmented and inefficient.
How does NorthGRC integrate with existing systems?
NorthGRC is designed as an open SaaS platform that integrates with your existing technology landscape. It consolidates data across information security, data protection and compliance systems, ensuring your governance model reflects real operations.
Azure AD / Entra ID (SSO and user synchronisation)
NorthGRC supports integration with Azure AD, so users and AD groups are synchronised automatically.
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Automatic updates to the organisational structure
- Support for existing security policies, including 2FA
CMDB and asset management
NorthGRC can integrate with CMDB and asset management systems.
- Asset synchronisation
- Risk assessments based on live data
- No manual or outdated records
Task management (Jira, Asana, Trello)
Through API integration, compliance tasks can be synchronised directly with existing tools.
- No duplicate registration
- Tasks are handled in familiar workflows
- Better adoption across the organisation
Slack and Microsoft Teams notifications
NorthGRC can send notifications directly to collaboration tools.
- Compliance notifications
- Task reminders
- Better visibility in daily operations
Enterprise API and architecture
NorthGRC provides an enterprise-grade API.
- Three-layer architecture: UI, business logic and data
- Encrypted HTTPS connections
- Security through tokens and access control
This makes it possible to integrate the platform with both existing and future systems.
Are there Danish ISMS vendors and ISO 27001 advisory services?
Yes. There are Danish and Nordic vendors that offer ISMS software, advisory services and implementation support for ISO 27001.
When selecting a vendor, you should consider:
- Experience with ISO 27001 certification
- Knowledge of Danish and European regulations
- Support in Danish or Nordic languages
- Implementation support
- Industry experience
- Ability to support multiple frameworks
How do you choose the right ISMS vendor?
Choosing an ISMS vendor is not just about software. It also involves implementation, support, advisory services and certification experience.
Key questions to ask a vendor:
- Does the system support the full ISO 27001 lifecycle?
- Does the vendor have experience with certification processes?
- Can the system handle multiple frameworks?
- How quickly can the platform be implemented?
- What does support and onboarding look like?
- Can auditors easily access documentation?
NorthGRC supports ISO 27001 certification by combining a risk-based approach, multi-framework support and a structured “guided path” to compliance — ensuring organisations always know where they stand and what the next step is.
How do you go from an ISMS to ISO 27001 certification?
An ISMS is a means — the goal is a well-functioning information security programme.
Certification proves that the programme works. The journey from system to certificate typically involves three phases:
Phase 1 – Gap analysis
Map the gap between your current security posture and ISO 27001 requirements.
- Identify missing controls, policies and processes
- Gain an overview of current maturity
- Prioritise key focus areas
An ISMS with structured templates makes it possible to carry out this analysis systematically and without blind spots.
Phase 2 – Implementation and ISMS build
Establish the ISMS in practice:
- Risk management and risk register
- Controls (Annex A)
- Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Policies and documentation
- Awareness programmes
- Roles and responsibilities
- Annual compliance planning
This is where the difference becomes clear: organisations with a structured system work cohesively — others operate in silos.
Phase 3 – Audit readiness and certification
Before the certification audit:
- Conduct internal audits
- Perform management review
- Follow up on non-conformities
All documentation must be centralised and accessible.
The certification body conducts:
- Stage 1: Review of documentation
- Stage 2: Assessment of processes in practice
If both are passed, certification is issued — typically valid for three years with annual surveillance audits.
Key success factors for certification
- Complete and up-to-date SoA with justification for all controls
- Documented risk assessment and treatment plan
- Completed internal audits and management review
- Evidence of awareness and employee training
- Easy access to documentation for auditors
How NorthGRC supports the certification process
NorthGRC is designed to make ISO 27001 operational and audit-ready from day one.
The platform:
- Centralises all documentation in one place
- Creates full traceability between risks, controls and SoA
- Provides auditors with direct access to relevant evidence
- Clearly highlights where the organisation has gaps
This reduces uncertainty and makes the certification process more structured.
The key difference: ISMS as documentation or a living process
An ISMS only creates real value when used as a continuous process — not just as documentation.
ISO 27001 explicitly requires ongoing improvement (Clause 10). An ISMS that is only updated before audits does not meet the intent of the standard.
Two approaches to ISMS
1) ISMS as a system (compliance-focused)
- Primarily used to document controls and policies
- Updated infrequently — typically before audits
- Certification is the goal
- Risk assessments are performed sporadically (often in Excel)
2) ISMS as a process (continuous improvement)
- Risks, controls and tasks are connected and continuously updated
- Deviations are tracked and followed up
- Security evolves with the threat landscape
- Management has ongoing visibility into status
Characteristics of a well-functioning ISMS
- Visibility: Real-time insight into risks, controls and tasks
- Follow-up: Deviations and actions are completed
- Adaptability: The ISMS evolves with the organisation
Certification is the goal — but the process is what creates real security.
How NorthGRC supports an ISMS as a process
NorthGRC is designed to make ISMS an active and operational practice:
- Annual planning and task management ensure all compliance activities are completed
- Integrated risk management links risks automatically to controls and documentation
- Real-time dashboards provide continuous management insight
- Audit readiness ensures documentation is always structured and accessible
An ISMS is a means — the goal is a functioning information security programme. Certification is proof that it works.
Frequently Asked Questions about ISMS
Are there Danish ISMS vendors for ISO 27001?
Yes. NorthGRC is a Danish GRC platform with expertise in ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2, DORA and ISAE frameworks.
What does an ISMS cost?
The cost depends on the number of users, features, implementation needs and integrations. It should be assessed based on the total cost of ownership, not just the licence price.
Which ISMS solutions are best for ISO 27001?
The best ISMS solutions connect risks, controls, documentation, audit and reporting within a single platform.
Can you get a demo of an ISMS?
Can an ISMS integrate with existing systems?
What cloud-based ISMS solutions are available?
How do you choose the best ISMS tool?
