Tool Overview:
Trace

About Trace

Trace provides a SaaS platform combined with professional services for data protection and privacy compliance. The platform helps organizations manage their Records of Processing Activity (RoPA), conduct privacy audits, and maintain compliance with regulations like UK GDPR and CCPA. Built on Microsoft Azure infrastructure, the platform emphasizes security through encryption at rest and in transit, along with regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.

What does Trace do?

The platform's core functionality centers around compliance documentation and risk management. Through its dashboard interface, users can track compliance progress, manage privacy documents, and monitor data risks. The document management module enables teams to store and review compliance materials like Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Third Party Risk Assessments, with features for e-signatures and collaborative workflows.

For international data transfers, tracedata-co includes a data residency visualizer that maps where data is being processed and its compliance implications. The platform automates RoPA management and provides tools for tracking data breaches, managing privacy risks, and maintaining evergreen compliance processes. Users can import existing compliance documentation through CSV files and export their work for record-keeping.

The platform integrates with enterprise tools like OneTrust and BigID for organizations using broader data governance solutions. Credit card transactions are processed using PCI-compliant SSL encryption through Stripe, while account content remains private unless explicitly shared through the export feature.

What makes Trace different?

The platform takes a hybrid approach by combining automated tools with expert consultancy support. Users can access the platform either as a managed service with consultant guidance or directly through a team account. This model aims to balance automated processes with human expertise for maintaining compliance programs.

The system functions as a collaborative workspace where teams can work on compliance tasks incrementally. Work is automatically saved, allowing users to pause and resume activities when needed. The platform supports role-based access control, enabling administrators to manage team permissions and collaborate on compliance initiatives.

Use cases and industries

The primary use cases include organizations needing UK GDPR Article 27 representation, businesses conducting privacy audits for investor or vendor due diligence, and companies requiring ongoing compliance management. The platform serves various sectors but has particular focus on technology companies, especially startups and scale-ups requiring data governance solutions.

For technology businesses, the platform supports privacy-by-design implementations and frameworks for data innovation. The system helps organizations demonstrate compliance during due diligence processes, whether for investment rounds, vendor assurance, or mergers and acquisitions. Teams can use the platform to establish and maintain documentation for regulatory requirements while managing ongoing privacy risks and compliance obligations.