How to Prepare for ISA2027: Five Practical Steps Before 2027
Preparing for ISA2027? Learn the five practical steps every automotive supplier should take before the new TISAX® catalogue becomes effective.
ISA2027 SERIES
ISA2027: Five Steps Your Organization Should Take Before 2027
By now, you've probably heard about ISA2027.
You've likely read about the new versioning model, the increased focus on supply chain security, and the updates to Prototype Protection.
The next question is usually much simpler: "What should we actually do?"
The good news is that most organizations do not need to start over. ISA2027 is not a complete redesign of TISAX®. It is an evolution of a framework that many companies are already following.
Organizations that begin preparing now will have time to make measured improvements instead of rushing just before an assessment.
1. Understand Whether ISA2027 Applies to Your Assessment
Not every organization needs to act immediately. ISA2027 becomes mandatory for newly ordered TISAX® assessments beginning January 1, 2027.
If your next assessment falls after that date, now is the right time to become familiar with the updated catalogue.
Knowing which version applies prevents unnecessary surprises during project planning.
2. Perform a Gap Analysis
One of the smartest investments you can make is understanding where your organization stands today.
Rather than assuming your existing controls meet the new expectations, compare your current information security program against ISA2027.
Pay particular attention to:
Supply chain security
Governance
Risk management
Operational maturity
Prototype Protection (if applicable)
A structured gap analysis helps prioritize effort where it will have the greatest impact.
3. Review Supplier Security Processes
Supply chain security receives increased attention in ISA2027.
Now is a good opportunity to review how your organization manages third-party risk.
Ask questions such as:
Which suppliers have access to sensitive information?
Are security requirements documented?
Do we periodically review supplier compliance?
Can we demonstrate this process during an assessment?
Many organizations already perform these activities informally.
ISA2027 encourages making those processes more consistent and better documented.
4. Make Sure Your Evidence Matches Reality
One of the most common assessment findings is not missing documentation, it is documentation that does not accurately reflect day-to-day operations.
Review your evidence!
Can you demonstrate that controls are:
Implemented
Understood
Followed consistently
Reviewed periodically
Strong evidence gives assessors confidence that your security program is operating as intended.
5. Start Preparing Now, Not at the Last Minute
One advantage of the new annual release model is predictability. Organizations now have several months between publication and the effective date to understand changes and prepare accordingly.
Use that time wisely.
Early preparation allows you to:
Train employees
Update procedures
Close identified gaps
Strengthen evidence
Schedule assessments without unnecessary pressure
Preparation is almost always easier and less expensive than reacting to tight customer deadlines.
Why This Matters in the Americas
Automotive suppliers throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico continue to see growing customer expectations around cybersecurity and information security.
Whether TISAX® is already a contractual requirement or simply part of future business discussions, organizations that prepare early are generally in a stronger position than those waiting until the last minute.
ISA2027 provides an opportunity to strengthen existing security practices while aligning with the evolving expectations of the global automotive industry.
Key Takeaways
ISA2027 becomes mandatory for newly ordered assessments beginning January 1, 2027
Most organizations do not need to rebuild their security program
A structured gap analysis is one of the best places to begin
Supplier security and operational evidence deserve particular attention
Early preparation provides greater flexibility and reduces project pressure
Call to Action
Preparing for ISA2027 does not have to be overwhelming. At tisaxusa.com, you'll find practical guidance, educational videos, and free TISAX® tools that have already been updated to align with ISA2027.
Whether you're just starting your TISAX® journey or planning your next assessment, our goal remains the same: helping organizations in the Americas understand TISAX® in plain English and prepare with confidence.