Do we actually need a GRC tool, or will spreadsheets do?

Relying solely on spreadsheets for GRC, particularly for comprehensive frameworks such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001, presents significant operational challenges. Manual tracking of controls, policies, risks, and evidence across multiple documents leads to version control issues, collaboration difficulties, and a high risk of human error. As the number of controls, stakeholders, and evidence artifacts increases, the ability to maintain an accurate, auditable, and current view of compliance posture diminishes rapidly. This manual approach often results in a fragmented compliance program, making it difficult to demonstrate the continuous operational effectiveness required by auditors, potentially extending audit timelines and increasing costs.

GRC tools address these limitations by centralising control management, automating evidence collection workflows, and providing real-time visibility into compliance status. They facilitate mapping controls to multiple frameworks, streamlining the process of achieving and maintaining certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Features such as automated reminders, integrated risk assessments, and audit trail capabilities significantly reduce the administrative burden and improve the reliability of compliance reporting. While not strictly mandated by the frameworks, GRC tools are a common practice for organisations seeking to scale their compliance efforts, reduce audit fatigue, and ensure consistent adherence to security requirements.