Choosing a GRC Tool? Here’s What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

Andrea St. Pierre • December 23, 2024

Imagine your organization facing a sudden regulatory audit, followed by a data breach, and a pressing compliance deadline—all in the same week.

In today’s complex regulatory environment, organizations face constant pressure from surprise audits and compliance deadlines to data breaches and vendor risks. Without the right infrastructure in place, risk and compliance efforts become fragmented, manual, and reactive.


That’s where a well-chosen GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) tool can make all the difference.


GRC tools help organizations centralize compliance, automate controls, and gain real-time visibility into risk, yet too often, companies rush into selection without a clear strategy. This can lead to tools that are poorly configured, underutilized, or ultimately abandoned.


We’ve seen this story play out before:

cancel

Over-customized systems with low user adoption.

cancel

Audits are delayed due to poor data migration.

cancel

Leadership questioning the ROI of an expensive tool they barely use.

That’s why it’s critical to approach GRC tool selection strategically.


Here’s a preview of what we cover in our downloadable checklist:

checkmark

Define Your Needs and Goals – Understand current gaps and future growth.

checkmark

Build a Strong Business Case – Quantify value with ROI, efficiency gains, and risk reduction.

checkmark

Compare the Right Vendors – Evaluate functionality, price, usability, integrations, and scalability.

checkmark

Avoid Common Pitfalls – Don’t buy all modules upfront. Customize intentionally.

checkmark

Plan for Success – Focus on adoption, training, and process alignment from day one.

Make the Right Choice the First Time


Selecting a GRC tool isn’t just a tech decision—it’s a critical part of your risk management strategy.


Get the complete checklist to guide your process and avoid costly missteps.


As industry audit leaders with firsthand experience implementing GRC tools, we know what it takes to choose the right solution for your organization’s unique needs. Our expert, unbiased guidance will help you streamline the selection, implementation, and monitoring processes.


By using this checklist, you’ll avoid common pitfalls, prioritize essential features, and ensure the tool you select not only meets your current needs but also scales for future growth. With our actionable insights, you’ll gain the confidence that your GRC solution will set your organization up for long-term success in managing compliance, risk, and governance.

Auditing Under Pressure

A Vendor-Agnostic Checklist for Your GRC Implementation

Our checklist will help you select and implement the right tool. 

Get the full insights—download our checklist now.

Download now
By Allyson Edwards June 8, 2025
Discover how a childhood fascination with fairness and structure led to an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling career in compliance and internal audit. In this personal and insightful post, the author shares their journey from disliking rule-breaking fictional heroes to finding purpose in building systems, solving complex compliance puzzles, and driving continuous improvement in the business world. If you're curious about what makes a career in corporate compliance rewarding, this story offers a fresh, human-centered perspective on a field that’s often misunderstood, but vitally important.
By Amy Zu June 4, 2025
Big changes ahead: The IIA's new third-party requirement could reshape internal audit The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has released a public consultation draft of its new topical requirement on third parties 1 , and it’s poised to become one of the most significant updates to third-party risk management in years. This topical requirement is planned for issuance by Q3, 2025. Once finalized, this new standard will require mandatory conformance for internal auditors conducting assurance engagements related to vendors, contractors, and other third-party service providers.
Coworkers meeting
By Dorina Hamzo March 3, 2025
In 2025, organizations face growing risks like cyberattacks and supply chain disruptions. Auditors are critical in identifying risks and ensuring accountability but face pressure to meet deadlines. This blog outlines key strategies for auditors, including writing clear findings, creating effective remediation plans, and building continuous monitoring programs to improve risk management and help organizations thrive in a volatile world.
More posts