Most SOC 2 evidence in mid-market companies is still screenshots. The migration to automation isn’t all-or-nothing, it’s a sequenced rollout. Here’s the 90-day plan we run, the third part of the evidence pillar alongside chain-of-custody evidence.
Where to start (easiest automations)
Begin with connected, API-rich systems where the GRC platform already collects evidence: cloud configuration (AWS/GCP/Azure), identity provider access and MFA status and code-repo branch-protection settings. These are the fastest wins and remove the most pre-audit screenshot work.
Where automation is hardest
Hardest: systems without APIs, manual procedural controls (a documented review someone performs), physical/vendor controls and anything bespoke. These keep a human in the loop, but even here, replace screenshots with timestamped, attributed exports where possible.
The 90-day migration plan
Days 1–30: automate the connected systems via the GRC platform; stand up the controlled evidence repository. Days 31–60: script exports for the non-connected-but-API-able systems; define procedures for manual controls. Days 61–90: handle the long tail, document remaining exceptions and verify the full set against the six attributes.
Tools by control type
Cloud/IdP/repo: GRC platform native collectors. Databases and internal systems: scripted exports to the repository. Manual controls: a documented procedure plus a captured artifact with metadata. Vendor controls: the vendor’s report plus your review record.
Verification that automation works
Automation that silently breaks is worse than a screenshot. Verify monthly that each automated collector actually ran and produced current evidence, and alert on gaps. Verification is itself part of the operating layer described in the compliance automation gap.
Where AttriEdge fits
We run the migration and the ongoing verification so evidence is audit-ready year-round, not assembled in a panic. The diagnostic maps which of your controls are easy, hard and manual to automate.
Chain of custody. Drafted by H. Attri · Filed July 15, 2026 · One specimen of the evidence discipline AttriEdge operates for clients.