As a software engineering manager, one of the key aspects of my role is to ensure that our software products are not only innovative and user-friendly, but also compliant with all relevant legal requirements. This is not just a matter of legal necessity – it’s a smart investment decision that can help us avoid the accumulation of what we call “compliance debt”. Let’s delve into this topic further.
Understanding Compliance Debt
Just like technical debt, compliance debt refers to the implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing a quick and easy solution now instead of using a better approach that would take longer. In the context of legal compliance, this could mean overlooking certain legal requirements during the development process to speed up delivery, only to have to go back and make changes later when these oversights are discovered.
The Cost of Compliance Debt
The cost of compliance debt can be substantial. It’s not just about the financial penalties that might be imposed for non-compliance, although these can be significant. There’s also the cost of the rework itself, which can involve substantial developer time and resources. Now that software is becoming increasingly regulated itself, ew should expect rework to be required more frequently. Plus, there’s the potential damage to our company’s reputation if we’re found to be non-compliant, which can be even more costly in the long run.
Avoiding Compliance Debt
So how can we, as software engineering managers, help our teams avoid compliance debt? Here are a few strategies:
- Early and Continuous Compliance Checking: Incorporate compliance checks into your development process from the beginning, and at regular intervals throughout. This can help catch potential issues early, before they become costly problems.
- Training and Education: Make sure your team is fully aware of the legal requirements applicable to your software. This might involve regular training sessions or workshops.
- Collaboration with Legal Experts: Work closely with legal professionals who can provide expert advice and guidance on compliance matters. They can help you navigate the complex landscape of legal requirements and ensure that you’re not overlooking anything.
- Invest in Compliance Tools: There are many tools available that can help automate the process of checking for compliance, and investing in these can be a smart move. They can help you catch potential issues more quickly and efficiently, saving developer time and reducing the risk of compliance debt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, paying attention to legal compliance in software development is not just about avoiding penalties – it’s a smart investment decision that can save time, resources, and protect your company’s reputation. As software engineering managers, it’s our responsibility to guide our teams in this area and help them avoid the pitfalls of compliance debt.