Standards Comparison

    COBIT

    Voluntary
    2019

    IT governance framework aligning strategy, risk, and value

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for steel and aluminium structural execution.

    Quick Verdict

    COBIT provides voluntary IT governance frameworks for enterprises worldwide, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium in EU construction. Companies adopt COBIT for risk-optimized IT value; EN 1090 for legal market access and compliance.

    IT Governance

    COBIT

    COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Objectives

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Tailorable via 11 design factors and workflow
    • 40 objectives across 5 domains (EDM-APO-BAI-DSS-MEA)
    • CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 for performance
    • Clear separation of governance from management
    • Goals cascade links stakeholders to metrics
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
    • Execution Classes (EXC1-4) risk scaling
    • CE marking and Declaration of Performance
    • Welding quality via ISO 3834 alignment
    • Material traceability and NDT requirements

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    COBIT Details

    What It Is

    COBIT 2019 is ISACA's comprehensive framework for enterprise IT governance and management. It translates stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored governance system approach, emphasizing value creation, risk optimization, and resource use across the enterprise.

    Key Components

    • 40 governance/management objectives in 5 domains: EDM (governance), APO (strategy), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (assurance).
    • 6 governance principles and 7 components (processes, structures, culture, etc.).
    • 11 design factors for tailoring; CMMI-based capability levels 0-5; no formal certification, but ISACA training (Foundation, Design & Implementation).

    Why Organizations Use It

    Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR alignments), risk reduction, digital transformation ROI, and board oversight. Builds stakeholder trust through measurable EGIT outcomes and interoperability with ITIL, ISO 27001, NIST.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: assess gaps, design via toolkit, pilot objectives, build capabilities, monitor via MEA. Suited for large/regulated enterprises; voluntary, executive-sponsored programs with training essential. (178 words)

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It governs conformity assessment and execution of structural steel and aluminium components for construction works. Primary purpose: ensure safe fabrication, assembly, and market placement via CE marking. Key approach: risk-based scaling through Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) linked to consequence, service, and production categories.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification, Declaration of Performance (DoP).
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (materials, welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, inspection/NDT).
    • Core principles: traceability, welding quality (ISO 3834), risk-proportional controls.
    • Certification model: Notified Body audits FPC with ongoing surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory CE marking for EEA market access; non-compliance risks exclusion, fines.
    • Reduces liability via documented processes; enables high-risk projects.
    • Builds trust, competitive edge in tenders; operational efficiencies lower rework.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC design, personnel quals, NB certification (3–12 months). Applies to fabricators in construction; requires welding coordinators, audits. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    COBIT
    Enterprise IT governance and management
    EN 1090
    Structural steel/aluminium fabrication execution

    Industry

    COBIT
    All industries worldwide
    EN 1090
    Construction/metal fabrication in EU/EEA

    Nature

    COBIT
    Voluntary governance framework
    EN 1090
    Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking

    Testing

    COBIT
    Capability/maturity assessments
    EN 1090
    FPC certification and surveillance audits

    Penalties

    COBIT
    Loss of certification/credibility
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, fines, legal liability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about COBIT and EN 1090

    COBIT FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages