How a Publicly Traded SaaS Company Developed Audit-Ready Change Controls in Less Than Two Weeks using Netwrix Strongpoint

For a publicly traded company like Smartsheet, anything that reduces stress and increases the certainty around audit prep is a very good thing. Smartsheet sought a solution like Netwrix Strongpoint after encountering challenges during their first SOX audit, realizing the need for robust change controls to account for emergency changes. Despite initially using manual methods like screenshots and spreadsheets, they struggled to track all changes effectively, leading them to seek a comprehensive change management system with detective controls to ensure audit readiness.

• Comprehensive Reporting on Changes and Compliance: With Netwrix Strongpoint, Smartsheet gained the ability to generate detailed reports that not only show noncompliant changes but also highlight how these issues were resolved. These reports are crucial during audits to demonstrate the company’s proactive approach to managing and rectifying compliance issues. They serve as proof of the company’s commitment to maintaining rigorous internal controls and ensuring that every aspect of their ERP system is auditable and transparent.
• Time Savings and Enhanced Focus: The introduction of Netwrix Strongpoint's automated systems has yielded significant time savings for Smartsheet, particularly in the area of monthly audit reviews. Previously consuming 15-20 hours per month, these tasks are now handled automatically by Netwrix Strongpoint, freeing up the team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine compliance checks. This shift not only optimizes productivity but also reduces the stress and workload on the IT and financial systems teams, fostering a more focused and efficient work environment.
• Automated Documentation and Compliance Tracking: Transitioning from manual tracking methods that relied on spreadsheets and screenshots, Netwrix Strongpoint automated Smartsheet’s audit trails and compliance documentation. This automation dramatically reduced the likelihood of human error and ensured that every system change was recorded and easily accessible. This level of documentation is vital for adhering to audit standards and proving compliance during SOX audits, as it provides clear, unambiguous records of all changes.