Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive standard for information security assessments and exchange

    VS

    GRI

    Voluntary
    2021

    Global framework for sustainability impact reporting

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures information security for automotive supply chains via audited labels, while GRI enables sustainability impact reporting across industries through modular disclosures. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; others use GRI for stakeholder transparency and regulatory alignment.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Shares standardized assessments via ENX portal reducing duplicates
    • Three risk-based levels matching data protection needs
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls and modules
    • Maturity scoring 0-5 for control effectiveness
    • Extends ISO 27001 with VDA ISA catalog
    Sustainability Reporting

    GRI

    Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Impact-based materiality assessment process
    • Modular Universal, Sector, Topic Standards
    • Mandatory Content Index for traceability
    • Broad worker scope including contractors
    • Supply chain environmental due diligence

    Detailed Analysis

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

    TISAX Details

    What It Is

    TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry-specific certification framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for the automotive supply chain. It standardizes assessments of information security, focusing on protecting sensitive data like prototypes and IP. The risk-based approach uses VDA ISA catalog (version 5.0.4/6.0) with three maturity levels.

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls across 7 groups: policy, access, operations, etc.
    • **Three assessment levelsAL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).
    • **Modulesinformation security, prototype protection, data protection.
    • Built on ISO 27001; 3-year labels shared via ENX portal.

    Why Organizations Use It

    OEMs mandate it contractually for suppliers; prevents contract loss and breaches. Delivers audit efficiency (70-90% reduction), market access, and resilience. Builds trust in €2.5T supply chain.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: preparation (gap analysis), remediation (controls, table-tops), audit, sustainment. Targets automotive suppliers/OEMs globally; scalable for SMEs to enterprises. Requires accredited auditors like DQS/TÜV.

    GRI Details

    What It Is

    The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards are a modular, voluntary framework for sustainability reporting. They provide a global common language for organizations to disclose significant economic, environmental, and social impacts using an impact-centric materiality approach, prioritizing actual and potential effects on stakeholders over purely financial concerns.

    Key Components

    • Universal Standards (GRI 1: Foundation, GRI 2: General Disclosures, GRI 3: Material Topics) for baseline requirements.
    • Sector Standards for high-impact industries like oil & gas, mining.
    • Topic Standards (e.g., GRI 403: Occupational Health & Safety) with specific disclosures and metrics. Built on principles like accuracy, balance, verifiability; compliance via mandatory GRI Content Index.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Aligns with regulations (e.g., EU CSRD); builds stakeholder trust.
    • Enables benchmarking, risk management, supply chain due diligence.
    • Enhances reputation, investor appeal, operational efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: materiality assessment, data architecture, management disclosures, Content Index. Applies to all organization sizes/industries globally; no formal certification, but assurance recommended. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Information security in automotive supply chain
    GRI
    Sustainability impacts on economy, environment, people

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive OEMs, suppliers, service providers
    GRI
    All industries, high-impact sectors prioritized

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary industry assessment and certification
    GRI
    Voluntary modular reporting framework

    Testing

    TISAX
    AL1-AL3 audits by accredited providers, 3-year validity
    GRI
    Self-assessed materiality, disclosures, optional assurance

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no TISAX label, OEM exclusion
    GRI
    Reputational damage, regulatory misalignment risks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and GRI

    TISAX FAQ

    GRI FAQ

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