Glossary

Classified information

Classified information is formally restricted information that requires authorized handling, access, storage, and transmission.

Defense and Regulated Manufacturing Export Controls and Technical Data Handling MES, ERP, PLM and Data Integration

Classified information is information that has been formally assigned a security classification by an authorized authority and must be handled under defined access, storage, transmission, and disclosure controls. In industrial and manufacturing environments, it commonly refers to sensitive program, product, process, inspection, or technical data associated with defense, aerospace, or other restricted work.

Examples can include classified drawings, specifications, test data, FAIR content, production records, or program communications when those records contain information covered by a classified program. Such information is typically separated from ordinary business systems unless those systems are approved for the applicable classification and program requirements.

Classified information should not be confused with general confidential business information, proprietary data, export-controlled technical data, or Controlled Unclassified Information. Those categories may also require controls, but they are not the same as a formal classification level. In manufacturing system discussions, the term is most often used when defining where data may reside, who may access it, and which MES, QMS, PLM, ERP, supplier portal, or repository can be used for the work.

Related FAQ

Does ISO 27001 require DLP?

ISO 27001 does not mandate a specific Data Loss Prevention (DLP) product or technology. It requires you to control information transfer and data leakage risks, but the controls are technology-agnostic. In regulated, brownfield manufacturing environments, DLP is one option among several, and its necessity depends on risk, data flows, and integration feasibility.

How can document control systems support ITAR compliance?

Document control systems can support ITAR-related controls, but they do not create compliance on their own. They help by enforcing version control, access restrictions, approval workflows, audit trails, retention rules, and controlled distribution of technical data. Their effectiveness depends on data classification, role design, integrations, validation, and disciplined change control.

What access controls are required when FAI data is ITAR-controlled?

FAI data that qualifies as ITAR-controlled technical data needs more than standard role-based access. In practice, you need identity-based restrictions to authorized U.S. persons where applicable, least-privilege access, approved need-to-know, strong authentication, auditable logging, controlled sharing/export paths, and disciplined change control. Exact controls depend on your data classification, hosting model, and integration design.

How can digital platforms support ITAR and EAR constraints in supply chain collaboration?

Digital platforms can help enforce ITAR and EAR handling rules in supplier collaboration, but they do not create compliance by themselves. Their value depends on data classification, identity and access controls, segregation of technical data, audit trails, workflow design, and disciplined change control across ERP, PLM, MES, QMS, and supplier portals.

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