What IT support does an automotive engineering company need to meet TISAX requirements?
Automotive engineering companies typically need 6–8 core IT control areas in place to meet TISAX requirements, depending on their assessment level (AL1–AL3) and the expectations of OEM customers.
For an automotive supplier, this usually requires a combination of secure infrastructure, documented policies, continuous monitoring, and third-party risk management, supported by an MSP with automotive compliance experience.
In practice, most firms invest £100–£200 per user per month in managed IT and security services to close TISAX gaps, reduce audit risk, and maintain OEM trust, without hiring internal security staff.
Secure Infrastructure Aligned to TISAX Controls
TISAX places strong emphasis on the technical foundation of your IT environment. Automotive engineering firms need infrastructure that is secure by design.
This typically includes:
Secure, segmented networks to protect sensitive OEM data
Enterprise-grade endpoint protection across all devices
Full-disk encryption on laptops, workstations, and mobile devices
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) across cloud and remote access
Resilient backup and recovery aligned to availability requirements
TISAX assessors will expect evidence that sensitive automotive data is appropriately protected, segregated, and recoverable, not just “best effort” security.
Identity, Access & User Management
Controlling who can access what is a core TISAX requirement.
Effective IT support must cover:
Role-based access controls aligned to job function
Formal joiner, mover, and leaver processes
Enforced MFA for users and administrators
Privileged account management for IT and engineering systems
Regular access reviews with documented evidence
Poor identity management is one of the most common reasons automotive suppliers fail or receive findings during TISAX assessments.
Continuous Monitoring, Logging & Incident Response
TISAX expects organisations to detect, respond to, and learn from security incidents, not just prevent them.
This requires:
24/7 system and security monitoring
Centralised logging across endpoints, servers, and cloud platforms
Defined incident response procedures
Clear breach response timelines and escalation paths
The ability to demonstrate how incidents would be handled
This is where proactive MSP support becomes essential. Most engineering firms do not have the internal capacity to monitor and respond continuously.
Policy, Documentation & Evidence Management
TISAX is as much about evidence as it is about technology.
Automotive engineering companies need:
Information security policies aligned to TISAX objectives
Documented risk assessments and risk treatment plans
Supplier and third-party security documentation
Clear ownership of policies and controls
Evidence that controls are implemented and reviewed
This is where many generic IT providers fall short — policies exist, but they aren’t maintained, mapped, or audit-ready.
Ongoing Compliance Guidance (Not Just IT Support)
Meeting TISAX requirements isn’t a one-off project. Expectations evolve, and OEM requirements can vary.
Specialist IT support should include:
Ongoing interpretation of TISAX requirements
Preparation and support for assessments
Alignment with OEM expectations (including frameworks such as Ford Motor Company TPRM where applicable)
Regular gap analysis and review
Strategic guidance, not just technical fixes
This is the difference between passing once and remaining trusted long-term.
Real Example: Supporting an Automotive Engineering Firm Through OEM Security Compliance
Company size: Mid-sized automotive manufacturer (Basildon, Essex)
Challenge: A Basildon-based automotive manufacturer, part of the wider Essex supply chain supporting Ford Motor Companyand other major OEMs, was given 30 days to complete a detailed Ford Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) audit.
Unlike baseline certifications, the audit required:
Comprehensive, formally documented policies
Clear governance and security controls
Robust, audit-ready evidence
While the company already followed good IT practices, much of this was undocumented, a common issue across fast-moving manufacturing environments where production takes priority.
Actions taken: Sunrise delivered an accelerated compliance programme using a structured SAY IT – DO IT – PROVE IT approach:
Policies & documentation:
Rapid gap analysis against Ford TPRM requirements, followed by creation and formalisation of information security, access control, business continuity, supplier risk, and patching policies.Control alignment:
Validation and alignment of existing technical controls, including system hardening, patching cadence, account reviews, endpoint configuration, and security settings across both IT and OT environments.Audit evidence preparation:
Assembly of a complete, centralised evidence pack including vulnerability scans, penetration testing outputs, backup test logs, firewall configurations, system snapshots, and policy acknowledgement records.
Outcome:
First-time pass on the Ford TPRM audit
Significantly strengthened governance and documentation
Improved staff awareness and accountability
Reduced audit stress and minimal disruption to production
Entire project delivered within five days of Sunrise time, plus internal client input
Why it matters: For automotive engineering firms across Basildon, South Essex, and the wider supply chain, OEM security audits are becoming more frequent and more demanding.
This project demonstrates how structured, compliance-focused IT support can turn a high-pressure audit into a controlled, successful outcome, without slowing the business down.
Why Automotive Engineering Firms Choose a Specialist MSP
Automotive engineering businesses don’t choose MSPs based on tools alone. They choose partners who understand their industry.
A specialist MSP brings:
Experience supporting automotive manufacturers and suppliers
Familiarity with TISAX, OEM security expectations, and Cyber Essentials
A security-first managed IT approach
Ongoing guidance, not reactive ticket handling
Local, accountable support, including firms based in Essex and across the UK
If you’re preparing for TISAX or OEM security requirements, speak to an MSP that understands automotive compliance.