The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict rules around how organisations must handle personal data belonging to individuals in the European Union and the UK. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines, so it's critical for businesses to have robust processes and systems in place for managing data protection and privacy.
A CRM (customer relationship management) system like Workbooks CRM can be an invaluable tool for organisations seeking to meet their GDPR obligations.
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Here's how using a CRM can help with key aspects of compliance:
Data Processing Lawfulness
Under GDPR, there must be a legal basis for processing/handling someone's personal data. Workbooks CRM allows you to record the specific legal basis ("lawful basis for processing" in GDPR terms) for each contact's data. Options include consent, legitimate interests, contractual necessity and others. Having this documented in the CRM system provides an auditable trail.
For example, you might record a new sales prospect in the CRM with the basis of processing set as "Legitimate Interest" - i.e. your organisation's legitimate interest in marketing similar products/services. The CRM reminds you to specify the legitimate interest and provides transparency.
Data Subject Rights
GDPR gives individuals a number of rights over their personal data, such as the right to access, rectify, erase or restrict processing of their information. A CRM system allows you to easily find, access and update a specific individual's data to fulfil data subject access requests and other rights.
Many CRMs also provide workflows around data minimisation - ensuring you only keep personal data for as long as necessary. You can set rules for archiving and deleting records in line with retention periods.
Data Breach Reporting
Under GDPR, organisations must report personal data breaches to the regulator within 72 hours where there are risks to individuals' rights and freedoms. CRM audit trails and reporting can pinpoint the individuals affected and impacted data points to inform the breach notification process.
By acting as a central repository for managing customer and prospect data in line with GDPR principles, a CRM system is an essential tool for compliance. The right processes and configurations within the CRM ensure data handling meets regulatory requirements by design.
Of course, a CRM system is not a complete GDPR solution - data protection impacts the entire organisation from IT systems to business practices. But it provides a strong governance framework and audit trail to mitigate compliance risks when processing personal data.