Change Management for NERC CIP
Still relying on spreadsheets and calendar invites to manage your NERC CIP-010 Change Management compliance process?
With NovaSync, automate tasks, assign Change Owners, and access historical change records, all within a centralized compliance-focused platform built specifically for NERC CIP-010 change management requirements.
Modernize your Change Management Process
Track your NERC CIP change process at every stage in the lifecycle.
Visibility
At a glance view all your change management requests and historical records.
Accountability
Easily assign change owners and monitor the status of all CIP-010 change activities.
Advanced Automation
Ingest and organize data from APIs and other compliance evidence data sources.
Customizable Workflows
Personalize approval processes, escalations paths, and unique documentation needs.
Modernize your NERC CIP
Change Management Process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NovaSync’s Change Management module?
The NovaSync Change Management Module is a purpose-built solution designed to streamline and automate the end-to-end NERC CIP change management process. It enables compliance teams to:
Automate task assignments based on roles and triggers.
Assign Change Owners and track responsibilities.
Customize approval workflows to align with internal controls.
Log and retain historical change records for audit readiness.
Generate real-time dashboards and reports to monitor change activity, status, and compliance alignment.
Integrate with related modules and tools, such as Security Patch Management and Cyber Asset Inventory, to ensure system traceability. NovaSync’s Change Management module is built specifically for NERC High and Medium impact utilities, to ensure each change is documented, reviewed, and approved in accordance with NERC CIP-010 requirements.
Can I integrate NovaSync with ServiceNow?
Yes. A ServiceNow and NovaSync integration enables organizations to bridge IT service management (ITSM) workflows with NERC compliance operations, ensuring seamless communication between operational change activities and regulatory reporting. This integration provides the following capabilities:
CIP-010 Change Ticket Syncing: Automatically push ServiceNow change tickets into NovaSync’s Change Management Module, preserving key metadata such as requester, approver, impacted assets, and timestamps.
Compliance-Driven Workflow Augmentation: NovaSync can enhance imported tickets with NERC-specific workflows, compliance control checks, and auditor-ready documentation.
Audit-Ready Reporting: Change records initiated in ServiceNow are augmented with NovaSync’s reporting and dashboard capabilities, enabling real-time visibility and regulatory alignment across both systems.
Unified Asset Reference: Integration with NovaSync’s CIP-002 Asset Management Module ensures changes in ServiceNow are automatically mapped to the correct Cyber Assets, facilitating accurate evidence artifacts.
Notifications & Escalations: NovaSync leverages ServiceNow triggers and escalations to inform stakeholders of overdue tasks, incomplete evidence, or unapproved compliance posture changes.
This integration helps organizations maintain operational agility while ensuring that ITSM processes meet the stringent documentation and review requirements of NERC CIP standards.
Can the workflow for Change Management be customized?
Yes, the NovaSync CIP-010 Change Management Module workflows can be configured to align with your organization’s internal processes and compliance requirements. Key customization capabilities include:
-Tailored approval paths based on existing internal processes.
-Configurable task sequences and escalations that reflect your operational procedures.
-Role-based assignments ensure the right personnel are involved at each stage.
-Conditional logic and triggers to require evidence collection, documentation, and notifications.
-Integration options with external systems to streamline handoffs.
These configurable workflows ensure that your change management process supports both operational efficiency and complete alignment with NERC CIP-010 requirements
How does the Implementation process work?
NovaSync’s implementation approach is structured, collaborative, and compliance-focused, designed to ensure a smooth transition and immediate operational value. Key elements of the approach include:
1. Planning & Kickoff
NovaSync begins each engagement by aligning with your team on project goals, scope, and timeline. This includes establishing communication protocols, identifying key stakeholders, and confirming technical prerequisites.
2. Environment Setup
NovaSync is typically deployed in an on-premises environment for maximum data control and security. The implementation team configures the test and production environments, including web and database servers, based on your infrastructure and performance requirements.
3. Module Configuration & Data Migration
Modules are configured to mirror existing workflows, compliance designations (e.g., BCSI, CEII), and reporting needs. NovaSync supports importing legacy data via API, flat files, or scheduled ingestion scripts to ensure evidence and historical records continuity.
4. Workflow Personalization
Each module—whether Change Management, PRC-005, or Internal Controls—is customized to mirror your internal processes. Conditional workflows, task logic, role-based access, and alerting rules are configured in coordination with your SMEs.
5. Training & UAT
NovaSync provides role-based, hands-on training and facilitates a structured User Acceptance Testing (UAT) process. The solution is not considered fully implemented until your team signs off on usability and functionality.
6. Go-Live & Ongoing Support
Following successful UAT, NovaSync transitions the solution to production. Clients receive a defined number of service hours as part of the annual license and maintenance fees for updates, modifications, and training, with additional support available as needed..
What happens if we need to change a workflow?
NovaSync was built with flexibility in mind. Modifying a workflow is a straightforward process. If your organization needs to adjust an existing workflow (for example, to reflect a new approval step or modify task sequencing), here’s what to expect:
Request Initiation: Outline the desired modification in a change request to the NovaSync support team or your project lead.
Review & Scoping: Our team will collaborate with you to clarify the request, assess compliance implications, and determine whether the change affects other workflows, evidence tracking, or reporting.
Implementation: Workflow changes can be completed by leveraging the included annual service hours (covered under your license and maintenance agreement), which will be implemented at no extra cost. Additional customization can be provided at our standard hourly rate.
Testing & UAT: Modifications are first deployed in your test environment. You can validate the updates during a User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phase before they go live. This agile approach ensures your NERC compliance workflows can evolve as your organization’s compliance program matures, without sacrificing audit readiness or operational integrity.
Can I receive notifications for Change requests?
Yes. NovaSync can deliver automated email notifications and dashboard alerts to designated internal or external personnel, ensuring timely awareness of all relevant change request activity.