Custom Frameworks
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      1. EMTECH Knowledge Base
      2. Beyond Compliance
      3. Custom Frameworks

      Creating a custom framework

      The Custom Frameworks feature allows you to define, manage, and tailor compliance frameworks to meet your business needs. You can either build one manually or import it using a pre-structured template.

      Accessing Custom Frameworks

      1. Go to the Frameworks section from the left-hand navigation menu.

      2. In the Custom Frameworks section, click the ➕ (Add) button.

      3. You’ll see two options:

        • Manual Setup

        • Import

      Option 1: Manual Setup

      Step 1: Define Framework Information

      • Enter Framework Name → Give your framework a clear title (e.g., Internal Audit Framework).

      • Provide a Framework Description → Briefly explain the purpose of this framework.

      • (Optional) Click + Add form property to include additional metadata.

      Step 2: Add Sections

      • In the next step, click + Framework Section to organize your framework into components (e.g., Policies, Controls, Reporting).

      • Note: You can also add sections later in the framework settings.

      Finalize

      • Click Create Custom Framework to complete setup.

      Your new framework will now appear in the Custom Frameworks list, where you can publish or link it to products.

      Option 2: Import Framework via Template

      Step 1: Prepare Import File

      • Enter Framework Name and Description.

      • Download the Template File (provided in the interface) for guidance on structuring your framework.

      • Fill out the template in .xlsx format with your requirements and details.

      Step 2: Upload Import File

      • Drag & Drop or select the completed .xlsx file under Upload Framework File.

      • Click Import.

      The system will create your framework based on the uploaded data, saving time when migrating or reusing existing frameworks.

      Linking Products to a Framework

      After creating a custom framework (via manual setup or import), the next step is to link it to one or more products. This ensures that compliance requirements are mapped directly to the products or services your organization manages.

      Steps to Link a Framework

      1. Navigate to the Frameworks page.

      2. Find the framework you want to link and click Link Product.

      3. A Link the Framework dialog box will appear.

      4. Choose whether you want to link the framework to:

        • New Product → Create and link to a brand-new product.

        • Existing Product → Select from the list of products already in the system.

      5. Enter or select the Product Name.

      6. Click Link to finalize the connection.

      Managing Multiple Linked Products

      • Frameworks can be linked to more than one product, making it possible to reuse compliance rules across your organization.

      • Once linked, each product inherits the framework’s requirements, making it easier to monitor compliance across multiple areas.

      • Linked products will appear in the Framework details card under Linked Products.

      Adding Requirements to a Framework & Publishing

      Once you’ve created a custom framework, the next step is to add requirements to it and publish the framework so it can be linked and used across your products.

      Adding Requirements

      1. Navigate to the Frameworks section.

      2. Select the framework you want to edit (e.g., Internal Control Policy).

      3. Inside the framework view, you’ll see sections (e.g., HR Policy)

      4. Click + Add.

      5. Define the requirement details:

        • Requirement Name – A short identifier for the requirement.

        • Description – A detailed explanation of the compliance obligation.

        • Properties (optional) – Add metadata such as country, regulation type, or department.

      6. Save the requirement.

      7. Repeat the process to add multiple requirements across different framework sections.

      Added requirements will appear under the selected section in the framework.

      Managing Requirements

      • Edit Requirement – Update the title, description, or properties as your policies evolve.

      • Delete Requirement – Remove outdated or incorrect requirements using the Delete Requirement option.

      • Upload Requirements – If you have a list prepared, use the Upload Requirements button to bulk import them.

      Publishing the Framework

      Once requirements are added, the framework must be published to become active and usable.

      1. In the top-right corner, click Publish.

      2. Choose one of the publishing options:

        • Publish Only → Makes the framework live but not yet linked to products.

        • Publish & Link → Publishes the framework and immediately links it to selected products.

      3. Confirm publishing.

      After publishing, the framework moves from Not Published to Published status and is ready for compliance tracking.

      Adding Compliance Rules

      Compliance rules provide detailed guidance on how each requirement should be met. They define the specific actions, controls, and documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance.

      Adding a Compliance Rule

      1. Go to the Requirements section inside your framework.

      2. Under a requirement (e.g., Employee Reviews), click + Compliance Rule.

      3. Choose one of the options:

        • New Rule → Create a brand-new compliance rule for this requirement.

        • Copy Rule → Duplicate an existing rule and adapt it for reuse.

      Defining a New Compliance Rule

      Fields in the Add Compliance Rule Form

      1. Requirement Section

        • Select the section where the rule applies (e.g., Employee Reviews, Background Checks).

        • This links the compliance rule to a specific requirement category.

      2. Compliance Rule Code

        • A unique identifier for the rule (e.g., HRER02, FIN123).

        • Use a structured naming convention to make rules easy to reference.

      3. Compliance Rule Description

        • Write a clear explanation of the compliance obligation.

        • Example: HR team must upload employee performance review reports annually.

      4. Reporting Period

        • Defines how often compliance must be demonstrated.

        • Select from options (e.g., Daily, Monthly, Quarterly, Annually, On Need Basis).

      Example Rule

      • Requirement Section: Employee Reviews

      • Compliance Rule Code: HRER02

      • Compliance Rule Description: HR Team should upload completed performance review reports to the compliance platform.

      • Reporting Period: Annually

      This ensures accountability, repeatability, and proper tracking for audits.

      Best Practices

      • Organize by Sections: Group requirements into logical categories (e.g., HR, IT, Sales) for easier tracking.

      • Start Small: Add critical requirements first, then expand gradually.

      • Review Before Publishing: Ensure all requirements are accurate before publishing, since published frameworks impact product compliance.

      • Use Publish & Link for Speed: If you know which products need the framework, choose Publish & Link to save time.