Getting Started

Getting Started

This guide walks you through your first login and helps you understand the platform’s main areas. By the end, you’ll know how to navigate the interface and where to find key features.

Signing In

The SCF Controls Platform uses Google authentication for secure access.

1. Navigate to your organization’s platform URL
2. Click Sign in with Google
3. Select your Google account (use your work account if applicable)
4. Once authenticated, you’ll be taken to the Control Library

First Time Users

If you see an error during sign-in, contact your administrator to ensure your Google account has been authorized for platform access.

Understanding the Interface

The platform has three main areas:

Sidebar Navigation

The collapsible sidebar on the left provides access to all platform sections. Hover over it to expand and see labels:

Icon	Section	Purpose
Dashboard	Dashboard	Overview of your compliance posture
Book	Control Library	Browse all SCF controls
Grid	Mapping Matrix	View framework-to-control mappings
Target	Control Scoping	Select controls for your organization
Checkbox	Evidence Scoping	Manage evidence for controls
Chart	Evidence Reporting	Generate compliance reports
Tasks	Tasks	Track evidence collection tasks
Monitor	Systems Registry	Manage systems that provide evidence

Header Bar

The header displays:

• Current section name - Shows which area you’re in
• Organization selector - Switch between organizations (if applicable)
• Refresh indicator - Shows when data was last updated
• User menu - Access account options and sign out

Main Content Area

The central workspace changes based on your selected section. Most views support:

• Search and filtering - Find specific items quickly
• Sorting - Organize lists by different criteria
• Detail panels - Click items to see full details

Quick Orientation

Here’s a suggested path for new users:

1. Start with the Control Library

The Control Library is your reference for all available SCF controls. Here you can:

• Browse controls by domain (Access Management, Data Security, etc.)
• Search for specific controls by ID or keyword
• View control details including requirements and related frameworks

2. Explore the Mapping Matrix

The Mapping Matrix shows how SCF controls map to various compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST, etc.). This helps you understand:

• Which controls satisfy which framework requirements
• Coverage gaps across frameworks
• The unified nature of the SCF approach

3. Check the Dashboard

Once your organization has scoped controls, the Dashboard provides:

• Implementation status - How many controls are implemented vs. in progress
• Framework coverage - Compliance posture per framework
• Evidence automation potential - Which evidence can be collected automatically

What’s Next?

Now that you’re oriented, explore these guides based on your role:

• Scoping controls for your organization? See Control Scoping
• Managing evidence collection? See Evidence Management
• Understanding the Dashboard metrics? See Dashboard Overview

Keyboard Shortcuts

The platform supports these keyboard shortcuts:

Shortcut	Action
/	Focus search field
Esc	Close modal or clear selection
↑ ↓	Navigate lists
Enter	Select highlighted item

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Data Refresh

The platform automatically refreshes data every 30 seconds. You’ll see a brief indicator when this happens. If you’re actively editing, auto-refresh pauses to avoid interrupting your work.