Before the official launch of the contract, we begin to prepare a smooth start for your journey with DataGuard. To do this, we address the following points:

• Registration with the authorities as your external data protection officer
• Scheduling of the official project kick-off

To ensure a smooth start, you will receive detailed information from us about 10 days before the beginning of the contract. You will also find further information on the project process and the first important steps in this communication.

You can choose between bank transfer/invoice and direct debit. However, we prefer direct debit as this ensures a smoother process on both sides. The first payment is due at the start of the contract, and payments are usually made annually in advance. Monthly payment is also possible for an additional fee.

You can sign the contract online via e-signature.

You will receive platform access on the day of your official contract start. Our automatic platform assistant will then give you an overview of the most important platform functions and first steps.

We will send you information regarding the appointment of DataCo GmbH/DataCo International Limited as your external data protection officer before the start of the contract. This way, we ensure that we are officially registered as your appointed external data protection officer with the authorities before the official contract starts.

The audit process consists of 4 phases: Answering the questionnaires in your privacy platform, personal audit meetings with your DataGuard data protection expert, review and confirmation of this information in the platform, and creation of your data protection documentation. Therefore, the timeframe of the entire process depends very much on your cooperation in the individual audit phases. Experience shows that our clients need 3 to 6 months until they receive their final data protection documentation.

We start our onboarding even before the official start of your contract. Approximately 10 days beforehand, you will already receive important information from us to tick off the first important milestones. That includes, for example, the official registration as your appointed data protection officer with data protection authority. With the official start of the contract, you will receive access to the platform. Our automatic platform assistant will then give you an overview of the most important platform functions and first steps. In addition, during the first weeks of the contract, you will attend the project kick-off call, where you will get to know your individual DataGuard contact person.