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.
When selecting an ISMS for ISO 27001, you should evaluate five key areas:
An ISMS for ISO 27001 should support the full operational lifecycle of information security.
Key features include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
NorthGRC is particularly suited for organisations that want to treat ISO 27001 as an ongoing process rather than a static documentation exercise.
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:
Many organisations start with Excel or SharePoint, but the real cost often lies in manual work, lack of traceability and increased risk of errors.
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.
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:
Without integration, an ISMS quickly becomes fragmented and inefficient.
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.
NorthGRC supports integration with Azure AD, so users and AD groups are synchronised automatically.
NorthGRC can integrate with CMDB and asset management systems.
Through API integration, compliance tasks can be synchronised directly with existing tools.
NorthGRC can send notifications directly to collaboration tools.
NorthGRC provides an enterprise-grade API.
This makes it possible to integrate the platform with both existing and future systems.
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:
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:
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.
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:
Map the gap between your current security posture and ISO 27001 requirements.
An ISMS with structured templates makes it possible to carry out this analysis systematically and without blind spots.
Establish the ISMS in practice:
This is where the difference becomes clear: organisations with a structured system work cohesively — others operate in silos.
Before the certification audit:
All documentation must be centralised and accessible.
The certification body conducts:
If both are passed, certification is issued — typically valid for three years with annual surveillance audits.
NorthGRC is designed to make ISO 27001 operational and audit-ready from day one.
The platform:
This reduces uncertainty and makes the certification process more structured.
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.
Certification is the goal — but the process is what creates real security.
NorthGRC is designed to make ISMS an active and operational practice:
An ISMS is a means — the goal is a functioning information security programme. Certification is proof that it works.
Yes. NorthGRC is a Danish GRC platform with expertise in ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2, DORA and ISAE frameworks.
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.
The best ISMS solutions connect risks, controls, documentation, audit and reporting within a single platform.