In a move to catalyse positive action among its partners to meet the requirements of GDPR by the 25th May 2018 deadline distributor DMSL has created a GDPR checklist, also available on a white label basis, enabling partners to offer the service to their own customers.
A set of checklists, documents and policy guidelines mean partners can assess their own levels of compliance with the regulations.
They can also call on consultancy services to create a detailed audit of their data, needs assessment and action plan.
DMSL has created the service in partnership with Metanoia Partners, a consultancy with its own accredited GDPR practitioners.
DMSL MD John Carter said: "We have been aware for some time that we'd need to meet GDPR requirements and have worked with Metanoia to ensure, not only that we protect ourselves, but also that we can satisfy any requests from our suppliers with regards to the handling and management of data.
"Having raised the subject with our partners, we quickly realised that very few of them were aware of what they would need to do in order to comply with the regulations.
"So we decided to work with Metanoia to provide a set of documents and resources that will allow resellers to get compliant without having to invest huge amounts of their own time in learning about what needs to be done to comply."
Dennis Scott, a Director of Metanoia Partners and a qualified GDPR practitioner, added: "Many companies are not fully aware of the implications. They don't know what data they are holding, how it's being used and how to manage it. They need to act to protect themselves. The deadline will soon be upon us."
As well as a challenge, GDPR doubles up as an opportunity for resellers, noted Carter.
"Businesses need to have up-to-date systems, adequate security and the appropriate connectivity to meet the needs of GDPR," he stated.
"Any details of individuals taken over the phone may need to be securely recorded. Applications might need to be updated and it may also be advisable to contact suppliers, partners and even customers to check on their plans to meet GDPR regulations.
"Businesses may also need to update their IT systems and review their security and connectivity.
"There are many different aspects to GDPR, and without specialist knowledge and guidance it will be too easy to overlook important aspects of the overall picture."