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FAQ

What is CMMI?

CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) is a process improvement model that helps the organizations to follow the best practices. The model can be used as a guideline for process improvement on any project or a department or even the complete organization.

What are the benefits will I get by doing CMMI?

CMMI is a compilation of industries best practices which is always recommended. There multiple benefits of implementing CMMI in your organizationare as follows: improved consistency, cost savings for the organization, immense scope for self improvement, get an edge over your competitors and increase your market share, consistent performance demand, reduced fire-fighting mode, zero defects and ultimately process improvement. Many organizations use CMMI ratings for branding purposes and also to prequalify as a preferred partner in many scenarios.

What is the difference between CMMI and ISO Certification?

CMMI is a process model while ISO is an audit standard. CMMI model guides you to generate processes specific to your needs while ISO standard is same for all the organizations. CMMI focuses on ingraining the processes as part of the organization culture while ISO is more inclined towards confirming the adherence of it standard while these activities might not be of much relevance. In short, CMMI is more focused, complex and aligned with business objectives while ISO is flexible, wider in scope and not directly linked to business objectives.

How much time CMMI certification will take?

The time taken for the entire process varies from organization to organization. An average time taken for CMMI Maturity Level 3 implementation lies between 6-9 months and 12-15 months for Maturity Level 5.

How will CUNIX help our organization in getting CMMI?

We are CMMI Institute partner for providing CMMI appraisal and training and have performed 200+ successful appraisals and 300+ effective consulting projects. Cunix has an expert team of consultants who will guide and support your organization throughout the journey. Cunix has associate Lead Appraisers and High Maturity Lead Appraisers across the nation. Our CMMI Consulting services include CMMI certification, CMMI consultancy, CMMI training and CMMI Appraisals. We work with our customers closely to provide end-to-end CMMI Consulting services in India and across the globe.

What is the validity of CMMI rating?

CMMI is valid for 3 years from the date of being appraised.

Is there any surveillance audit required in CMMI?

Unlike ISO there are no surveillance audits in CMMI. Once appraised there will be no verification from CMMI Institute.

What is ISO 9001:2015?

ISO 9001:2015 certification helps organizations to align their business process, also optimize them. This has a direct impact on the speed of the process and the quality of the products or services delivered which means improved quality and prompt delivery.

What Benefits my organization will have by doing ISO 9001:2015?

Benefits which the organization will have by doing ISO 9001:2015:

  • It provides the senior management with an efficient management processes
  • It sets out areas of responsibility across the organization
  • For most of the public sector work it has been made mandatory
  • It identifies and encourages more efficient and time saving processes
  • It improves the consistency of your operations

What is difference between ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI certification?

Both CMMIand ISO9001:2015aim at improving process quality. Here are some key points, how they differ in implementation, approach, scope as well as their conceptual differences.

  • Conceptual Difference: CMMI is a set of related “best practices” derived from industry leaders and relates to product engineering and software development. Businesses receive CMMI ratings from Level 1 to Level 5 depending upon the extent of compliance to key performance areas specified in the selected CMMI process area.

 

ISO 9001:2015is a certification tool that certifies businesses whose processes conform to the laid down standards.

  • ScopeCMMI mandates generic and specific practices and businesses have a choice of selecting the model relevant to their business needs from 22 developed process areas. ISO 9001:2015requirements are same for all companies, industries, and disciplines.
  • Approach: CMMI requires ingraining processesinto business needs so that such processes become part of corporate culture and do not break down under the pressure of deadlines. ISO 9001:2015specifies to conformance and remains oblivious as to whether such conformance is of strategic business value or not.
  • Implementation: Neither CMMI nor ISO 9001:2015requires the establishment of new processes. CMMIcompares the existing processes to industry best practices whereas ISO 9001:2015requires adjustment of existing processes to confirm to the specificISO 9001:2015

 

How much time entire process will take?

The entire process of ISO 9001:2015project which includes Consulting and Audit takes around 4-5 months. The time for entire project depends upon readiness of the client organization to complete the project in given timeline, number of business sites going for certification, presence of dedicated quality team etc. Usually, in the beginning of any initiative the organization works in full enthusiasm but with passage of time managements priorities changes and project gets delayed.

Is 9001: 2015 done usually by big companies. Being a small company we can do it?

Yes. The standard can be used by any organization, regardless of size or type. While small companies may not have staff dedicated to quality, they can still enjoy the benefits of implementing the standard. CUNIX has successfully done 300+ consulting projects in 19 countries which small businesses as well as big corporate.

Real improvement will happen after doing ISO 9001: 2015?

We can compare certification audit with exams and consulting activity with preparation for exam. Therefore, a candidate can pass the exam with 33% marks or with 95% marks. So, it depends upon the client organization which option they want to go for. In todays competitive business world, most of the organizations go for different certifications just for marketing purposes. But, there are significant number of organizations who want real improvement as well.

How will CUNIX help our organization in getting ISO 9001:2015?

For ISO 9001:2015, CUNIX is a consulting body. We consult client organization in implementing the ISO 9001:2015standard. For Audit, we guide the client organization as we have tie-ups with major certifications bodies which are accredited with leading Accreditation bodies.

We do not have any pre-existing quality initiatives (QMS) in our organization?

Rome was not built in one day

CUNIX has helped many organizations in the past who didnt had any pre-existing quality initiative.

Also, we help organizations in preparing their QMS (Quality Management System) from scratch. 

How will CUNIX help me in Audit?

For ISO 9001:2015, CUNIX is a consulting body. We consult client organization in implementing the ISO 9001:2015standard. For Audit, we guide the client organization as we have tie-ups with major certifications bodies which are accredited with leading Accreditation bodies.

What is the validity of ISO 9001:2015?

The validity of ISO 9001:2015certificate is 3 years. However, to maintain the certified status the organization needs to go for surveillance audit at the end of 2 consecutive years following the certification year. For more details, refer Question-12.

Is there any surveillance audit required in ISO 9001:2015?

Yes, there are two surveillance audit required to maintain the certified status of the ISO9001:2015standard. The organization needs to go for surveillance audit at the end of 2 consecutive years following the certification year.

 

For example, an organization gets ISO 9001:2015certified in the year April, 2020. Then, it has to go for two surveillance audits in the consecutive years i.e. 2021 and 2022. The certificate will be valid till April, 2023. Re-certification will be required for organization in the year 2023.

How can CUNIX help me in getting surveillance done?

For ISO 9001:2015, CUNIX is a consulting body. We consult client organization in implementing the ISO 9001:2015standard. For Surveillance, we guide the client organization as we have tie-ups with major Certifications Bodies which are accredited with leading Accreditation bodies.

What is ISO 27001:2013?

ISO 27001:2013 is an international standard certification which is known as a best practice in Information Security Management System. The certification will aid your company to manage and protect your information assets and valuable data.

Why ISO 27001:2013 for my company?

Implementing ISO 27001:2013 Certification will help your company gain manifold and consistent benefits. Not only will it keep your confidential data secure, it will instill a lot of confidence in your stakeholders and customers, seeing how you are safeguarding your data against security threats.

What benefits will our company get by doing ISO 27001:2013?

Benefits of doing ISO 27001:2013 are:

  1. Gain credibility, trust and confidence of your organizations customer.
  2. Compliance with legislation
  3. Competitive advantage- deciding differentiator in contract negotiations
  4. Prevention of confidentiality breaches
  5. Meeting international benchmarks of information security

Will ISO 27001:2013 prevent threats of data breach in my organization?

Yes. According to the ISO 27001:2013 standard, information security is not just about antivirus software, implementing the latest firewall, or locking down your laptops! An ISO 27001:2013 aligned ISMS (Information Security Management System) helps organizations coordinate their security efforts both electronic and physical coherently and consistently. An ISO 27001:2013-compliant ISMS includes regular staff awareness training, and also measures for surveillance, continual improvement and maintenance that contribute to developing a culture of security throughout the organization. In addition, ISO 27001:2013 requires leadership commitment to support the ISMS, which again drives a total culture of security.

How much time ISO 27001 certification process will take?

The entire process of ISO 27001:2013 project which includes Consulting and Audit takes around 4-5 months. The time for entire project depends upon readiness of the client organization to complete the project in given timeline, number of business sites going for certification, presence of dedicated information security team etc. Usually, in the beginning of any initiative the organization works in full enthusiasm but with passage of time managements priorities changes and project gets delayed. For ISO 27001 Certification in Bangalore contact CUNIX.

Is ISO 27001:2013 is done only for branding purposes?

Not at all. The ISO 27001:2013 standard will help you establish information security policy in your organization and assessing various risks associated with critical information of your organization. The most important of all is preventing the case of Wiki Leaks happening to your organization. Contact CUNIX for ISO 27001 Certification In Pune and any location in India and abroad.

Real improvement will happen after doing ISO 27001:2013?

We can compare certification audit with exams and consulting activity with preparation for exam. Therefore, a candidate can pass the exam with 33% marks or with 95% marks. So, it depends upon the client organization which option they want to go for. In todays competitive business world, most of the organizations go for different certifications just for marketing purposes. But, there are significant number of organizations who want real improvement as well.

How will CUNIX help in Audit?

For ISO 27001:2013, CUNIX is a consulting body. We consult client organization in implementing the ISO 27001:2013 standard. For Audit, we guide the client organization as we have tie-ups with major certifications bodies which are accredited with leading Accreditation bodies. For ISO 27001 in Mumbai contact us.

What is the validity of ISO 27001:2013 certificate?

The validity of ISO 27001:2013 certificate is 3 years. However, to maintain the certified status the organization needs to go for surveillance audit at the end of 2 consecutive years following the certification year. For more details, refer Question-10.

Is there any surveillance audit required in ISO 27001:2013?

Yes, there are two surveillance audit required to maintain the certified status of the ISO 27001:2013 standard. The organization needs to go for surveillance audit at the end of 2 consecutive years following the certification year.

For example, an organization gets ISO 27001:2013 certified in the year April, 2010. Then, it has to go for two surveillance audits in the consecutive years i.e. 2011 and 2012. The certificate will be valid till April, 2013. Re-certification will be required for organization in the year 2013.

How can CUNIX help me in getting surveillance done?

For ISO 27001:2013, CUNIX is a consulting body. We consult client organization in implementing the ISO 27001:2013 standard. For Surveillance, we guide the client organization as we have tie-ups with major Certifications Bodies which are accredited with leading Accreditation bodies.

Why do I need ISO 22301?

Established by business continuity specialists this is a standard that provides finest benchmarking practices and a framework for implementing uninterrupted business continuity in a company. An organization can receive certification from an accredited certification body. Being ISO 22301 certified is a sound testament of compliance and that can be related to your customers, suppliers, shareholders, and other industry stakeholders.

What are my benefits of ISO 22301?

  • Identification and systematic elimination of existing and potential threats to the business
  • Proactive damage control approaches towards establishing minimum impact from disruptive incidents
  • Curtail downtime during disruptive incidents
  • Efficient recovery time
  • Continue critical functions and operations even during times of crises
  • Demonstrate company’s ability, compliance and resilience to important stakeholders and during tenders and bids

Who can implement ISO 22301 standard?

Any organization irrespective of its size, type, private, public, profit making or non-profit making can follow the necessary guidelines for implementing the ISO 22301 standard.

Why is HIPPA- relevant to India?

India is in the forefront as a nation, providing premium human skills at very affordable rates. India’s outsourcing services are highly in demand across many western countries, especially HIPAA In the USA. Outsourcing domains like healthcare, life sciences and IT to India has shown remarkable growth over the past few years. Since the act mandatorily ensures the sensitive information in patient records remain protected throughout all electronic transfers of data it is vital that Indian companies be prepared to safeguard medical information on both physical and electronic levels as specified by the HIPAA Act.

What minimum security measures are needed for managed, cloud servers for meeting HIPPA compliance?

  • Backups
  • Antivirus guard
  • Dedicated or virtual firewall
  • OS Patch management
  • Encryption (not mandatory but strongly recommended)

What type of help can you expect from an HIPPA consultant?

  • Expert advice on HIPAA compliance
  • Enforcement Actions
  • HIPAA training(web-based and in-person)
  • Confidential consulting
  • Essential compliance resources

What are my benefits in implementing COBIT?

  • An organizations irrespective of its size gains the advantage of maintaining high-quality information supporting critical business decisions
  • Gain operational excellence with an enhanced application of reliable IT framework
  • Reach strategic objectives deploying an innovative IT system
  • Reduce IT related risks to minimum levels
  • Strengthen compliance standards with policies, regulations, legislations and contracts
  • Gain best value returns on IT and technology investments

When should I consider COBIT implementation?

When an organization faces critical business challenges of the following nature the implementation of a streamlined IT management control framework becomes a sound business solution.

  • For measuring IT performance and achieve IT related objectives
  • To establish corresponding IT and business strategies
  • To manage complex IT risks, including network security and establish a resilient IT environment
  • To meet regulatory guidelines in IT controls, including data privacy, data protection, financial reporting etc
  • To manage the selection process for IT service providers, outsourcing, acquisition
  • Establish benchmarks for comparison of company performance against competitors and accepted standards

How much time entire process of BSC implementation will take?

Ideally, Balanced Score Card formulation and implementation will depend on the size of the organization. However, for organization of size say 500 people formulating the Balanced Score Card will take 3-4 months and implementation of Balanced Score Card will take 6-8 months time.

What improvement will happen after implementing balance score card?

What improvement will happen after implementing balance score card?

Balanced Score Card will help in Strategy and Performance Management. It is a systematic approach which helps organization focus and develop holistically all the pillars of the organization i.e. people, process, customer and finance.

How will CUNIX help your organization in implementing balanced score card?

CUNIX has experts who can consult on Balanced Score Card formulation and implementation. After studying your organization, we plan our steps as per your needs and form the relevant teams at your organization. CUNIX with teams at your organization drives the initiative of BSC formulation and implementation.

What is ISO 20000?

ISO 20000 is a global standard that describes the requirements for an information technology service management (ITSM) System. The standard was developed to mirror the best practices described within the IT infrastructure library (ITIL) framework. Any organization providing or using IT services can benefit from this Standard by improving internal controls.

What benefits will I get by doing ISO 20000?

Some benefits of ISO20000, Improve Image and Credibility, Increased customer satisfaction, Reduced cost of IT, People, process and technology are integrated to support business goals, Measuring and maintaining consistent levels of services using controls, ISO20000 can be integrated with ITIL for continual improvement, Put in place controls that are driven by and support Business Objectives, Gain competitive advantage etc.

What is the difference between ISO 20000 and ISO 9001?

ISO20000 is IT Service Management System which improves internal controls of the organization which provides or uses IT services while ISO9001 is a Quality Management Standard that improves the control in the entire organization.

How much time entire process will take?

Audit for ISO20000 takes a few days while the efforts of the organization to be ready for Audit aligned with our trainings and consulting will take anywhere between 4-6 months. This time frame is based on the average time taken by organizations and actual time taken will depend various factors.

Is ISO 20000 done only for branding purposes?

An actual implementation of ISO20000is vital for effectively plans, designs, manages and delivers to make the most of your IT investments. An ISO20000 certificate can also be used for branding purposes as the certificate signifies internal controls which eventually improves the services.

How will CUNIX help our organization in getting ISO 20000?

Cunix has an expert team of consultants who will guide and support your organization throughout the journey. We also have partnership with certification bodies so contacting Cunix is the only activity you have to do. We will take care of the rest.

We do not have any pre-existing quality initiatives (QMS) in our organization (CMMI & ISO 9001)?

Every Organization has certain policies and processes. Maybe your organizations processes might not be 100% compliant with these standards but the processes still exist. We can provide trainings and guidance to your organization to achieve 100% compliance with ISO20000 standard and assure your certification.

How will CUNIX help me in Audit?

We have partnered with many certification bodies for our clients convenience. You may choose an appropriate certification body based on your needs from our list of bodies or choose to select independently.

What is the validity of ISO 20000?

ISO20000 is valid for 3 years. With 2 surveillance audits carried out from the following year of certification.

Is there any surveillance audit required in ISO 20000?

Yes, there are two surveillance audits carried out from the following year of certification.

What is a SSAE 18 Audit?

Full form: Statement on Standards of Attestation Engagements (SSAE)  18 issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

SSAE 18 audit is conducted by an independent accounting firm to assess internal controls of a service organization. After audit service auditors report (referred to as SSAE 18 reports) and an opinion based on the assessment will be issued.

What are service and user organizations?

Service Organization: An organization providing services to other entities, for which these services are likely to be relevant to these other entities’ internal control for financial reporting.

User Organization: An entity that uses the services of the Service Organization.

What are the different types of SSAE 18 audit reports?

There are 2 types of reports:

Type 1 report – Report on Controls Placed in Operation: User organizations and their auditors gets limited assurance that the controls of the service organization exist covering the reporting timeframe (also known as the period of review).

Type 2 report – Report on Controls Placed in Operation and Tests of Operating Effectiveness: User organizations and auditors gets information regarding the service organizations controls and that the controls are operating as reported during the period of review.

Am I required to have a SSAE 18 audit?

Although it is not mandated but user organizations, user organization auditors, and other parties may request for SSAE 18 audit to get an understanding of the controls at a service organization.

Are there any minimum requirements that I must meet before I go through a SSAE 18 audit?

There are no minimum requirements a service organization must meet to go through a SSAE 16 audit.

How long does it typically take to complete the SSAE 18 audit and reporting process?

Depending on the scope of work, it may take 45 to 90 days

How often must SSAE 18 audit reports be issued?

The AICPA suggests the period of review, or time frame in which the report covers, to cover at least six months. It is recommended that a report be issued at least annually, allowing the user organizations and user organization auditors to assess the control risk for the financial statement assertions impacted by the services provided by your company.

I am a service organization that has multiple locations and I need a SSAE 18 audit report how will my multiple locations affect the reporting process?

Reporting on the controls of a service organization with multiple locations is determined by how the individual locations are managed and how the locations fit into the control structure of the company as a whole. If the locations are managed by a central set of policies and procedures and management team, it may be possible to issue a single report covering every location. However, if each location operates under separate procedures and a management team independent of the other locations, separate service audit reports may be required for each location.