Prefer to listen? Check out our 15-minute podcast where we dive into the key differences between SMPL-C™ and traditional GRC platforms, and how to choose the right solution for CMMC Level 1 compliance

Now, for my readers, let’s dive into the details.

When it comes to compliance, especially in the defense contracting world, the process can often feel like navigating a maze. Whether it’s CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) or other regulatory standards, traditional GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) systems are often seen as the go-to tools. They promise to streamline processes, but many defense contractors and MSPs find that these systems are more cumbersome than helpful—especially when it comes to meeting specific, time-sensitive requirements like CMMC Level 1.

That’s where SMPL-C™ comes in. It offers an alternative that focuses specifically on CMMC Level 1, automating many of the manual, tedious steps that traditional GRC platforms tend to require. But how does it really compare? Let’s break it down.

Traditional GRC: High-Level Monitoring, Low-Level Action

At their core, traditional GRC platforms are designed to help companies manage their compliance risk across a broad range of regulations. They provide centralized dashboards for tracking compliance, allow for documentation storage, and help manage workflows. But when it comes to actual action—getting you to the point of compliance—things can feel more abstract and less efficient.

Here’s what typical traditional GRC platforms offer:

• Ongoing Monitoring: These platforms are focused on tracking compliance and ensuring that your organization is up to date with all requirements. They provide continuous monitoring of security risks and compliance status, but don’t necessarily offer a clear roadmap for addressing deficiencies or gaps.
• Data Collection and Risk Reporting: Traditional GRC tools often collect data across various departments and systems. They provide risk assessments and reports that give a high-level overview of where your company stands—but they don’t necessarily tell you exactly where you’re failing or what needs to be done next.
• Manual Input: While some systems offer templates, much of the compliance documentation and evidence collection still requires a lot of manual effort. You’ll likely need to pull data from various sources and assemble it yourself, which can be a time-consuming process.

In short, traditional GRC platforms can be sufficient at giving you a broad view of your compliance status, but when it comes to helping you actually achieve compliance, they often leave a lot of the work to you.

SMPL-C™ flips the script by focusing specifically on the practical aspects of CMMC compliance, making it more relevant to organizations that need to meet specific federal requirements—like CMMC Level 1—without getting bogged down by unnecessary complexity.

Here’s a few notable aspects to consider:

Automated Compliance Documentation

One of the major drawbacks of traditional GRC systems is that they often require manual creation of documentation like System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms). SMPL-C™ removes that burden by automating much of this process. The platform generates your compliance documents based on a simple quiz-style interface, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.

Simple Gap Assessments

In traditional GRC, identifying gaps can feel like a slow process. You might have to wade through long reports to find exactly where your system or policies are lacking. SMPL-C™ speeds this up by offering quick, targeted gap assessments. The platform walks you through the specific security controls required for CMMC Level 1 and immediately identifies where you’re falling short, giving you a clear, actionable list of what needs attention.

Actionable Remediation Suggestions

Traditional GRC systems often highlight gaps but leave the next steps up to you. They tell you there’s a problem but don’t always provide the guidance needed to fix it. SMPL-C™ not only identifies the gaps but also offers remediation guidance. It points you to the exact controls and policies you need to address in order to close the compliance gaps, saving you the headache of figuring out what comes next.

Real-Time Reporting and Dashboards

While traditional GRC tools offer reports, they tend to be static snapshots that require you to manually update them as things change. SMPL-C™ keeps everything updated in real-time, with interactive dashboards that show your progress as you work through your compliance journey. You’ll always know where you stand and what’s left to do, without having to dig through outdated reports.

Cloud-Based, with Easy Updates

Another pain point with traditional GRC systems is the difficulty of maintaining up-to-date compliance data. If something changes in your policies or your systems, you might need to manually update and re-submit large portions of your compliance documents. With SMPL-C™, everything is stored in the cloud, and the platform is designed for easy updates. After your first assessment, you can simply copy your previous work and update any changes, streamlining the process for future assessments.

Expert Help Without Costly Retainers

SMPL-C™ sets itself apart with its Hire A Pro feature, connecting users to certified CMMC consultants on-demand. Unlike traditional GRC platforms requiring costly retainers, this option offers flexible, expert guidance only when needed. It’s an ideal solution for small to mid-sized contractors, providing professional support without the expense of full-service contracts.

Why Does This Matter for CMMC Level 1?

CMMC Level 1 focuses on basic security practices that ensure the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Unlike more complex CMMC levels, Level 1 doesn’t require deep technical knowledge or the management of complex systems. The focus is on ensuring the fundamentals are in place.

Traditional GRC platforms may be overkill for organizations focused on Level 1 compliance. They often provide more capabilities than necessary, leading to confusion and wasted effort. SMPL-C™ is streamlined specifically for this level, providing defense contractors and MSPs with exactly what they need: a clear, simple path to compliance that’s both efficient and cost-effective.

The Bottom Line: Practicality Over Complexity

While traditional GRC platforms offer broad, high-level compliance management, they can often feel like they’re adding complexity to the process. For defense contractors and MSPs working on CMMC Level 1, a more focused, streamlined solution like SMPL-C™ can make a significant difference. By automating key aspects of compliance and offering practical, actionable steps, SMPL-C™ helps you achieve certification faster and with less effort.

Ultimately, it’s about choosing the right tool for the job. Traditional GRC systems may work for some, but when it comes to achieving and maintaining compliance, SMPL-C™ simplifies the process and puts you on the fast track to meeting CMMC Level 1 requirements.