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August 13, 2024

Shift Left Compliance: Enhancing Regulatory Adherence in Software Development

Shift left compliance integrates regulatory adherence early in software development, reducing costs and improving quality. Workstreet offers tools and expertise to overcome challenges and streamline implementation.
Written by:
Travis Good
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In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, a new paradigm is gaining traction: shift left compliance. Building on the principles of shift left security, this approach focuses on integrating compliance measures early in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). At Workstreet, we're at the forefront of supporting companies in their journey to implement shift left compliance effectively.

What is Shift Left Compliance?

Shift left compliance is the practice of incorporating compliance requirements and checks as early as possible in the software development process. Instead of treating compliance as an afterthought or a final hurdle before deployment, it becomes an integral part of the development workflow from the outset.

Why Shift Left Compliance Matters

  1. Reduced Costs: Addressing compliance issues early in the development process is significantly less expensive than fixing them post-deployment.
  2. Faster Time-to-Market: By integrating compliance checks throughout the SDLC, you can avoid last-minute delays caused by compliance issues.
  3. Improved Overall Compliance Posture: Continuous compliance checks lead to a more robust and consistently compliant product.
  4. Enhanced Stakeholder Trust: Demonstrating a proactive approach to compliance can boost confidence among customers, partners, and regulators.

Challenges in Implementing Shift Left Compliance

While the benefits are clear, organizations often face hurdles in adopting shift left compliance:

  1. Cultural Shift: Moving from a reactive to a proactive compliance mindset requires changes in organizational culture.
  2. Tool Integration: Integrating compliance tools into existing development pipelines can be complex.
  3. Skills Gap: Developers may need additional training to understand and implement compliance requirements effectively.
  4. Keeping Up with Regulatory Changes: Ensuring that compliance checks remain current with evolving regulations can be challenging.

How Workstreet Supports Shift Left Compliance

At Workstreet, we offer comprehensive solutions to help organizations overcome these challenges and successfully implement shift left compliance:

  1. Automated Compliance Checks: Our tools seamlessly integrate into your CI/CD pipeline, automating compliance checks at every stage of development.
  2. Compliance-as-Code: We help you translate complex regulatory requirements into code, making them easier for developers to understand and implement.
  3. Real-time Compliance Monitoring: Our platform provides continuous monitoring and alerts for any compliance deviations, allowing for immediate remediation.
  4. Customizable Compliance Policies: We work with you to create tailored compliance policies that align with your specific regulatory needs and industry standards.
  5. Developer Training: We offer comprehensive training programs to equip your development team with the knowledge and skills needed for effective shift left compliance.
  6. Regulatory Update Service: Our team of compliance experts keeps your policies and checks up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes.

Conclusion

Shift left compliance is more than just a trend—it's a necessary evolution in software development practices. By addressing compliance early and consistently throughout the SDLC, organizations can create more robust, trustworthy, and market-ready products.

Workstreet is committed to helping you navigate this transition, providing the tools, expertise, and support you need to make shift left compliance a reality in your organization. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enhance your compliance posture and streamline your development process.