DAC8 and Change Management: Preparing Your Organization

DAC8 implementation is not just a technology project — it is a change management initiative that affects processes, people, and organizational culture. This article addresses the human side of DAC8 compliance.

Why Change Management Matters

DAC8 introduces new obligations that touch multiple parts of the organization. Customer-facing teams must explain new data collection requirements to users. Technology teams must build and maintain new systems. Operations teams must adopt new processes and workflows. And leadership must allocate resources and accept the compliance costs.

Without effective change management, CASPs risk resistance from teams that see DAC8 as an unwelcome burden, poor adoption of new processes, inconsistent compliance across different parts of the organization, and frustration when issues arise during the first reporting cycle.

Key Change Management Activities

Executive sponsorship. Secure visible support from senior leadership. DAC8 compliance must be understood as a strategic imperative, not just a compliance checkbox.

Stakeholder engagement. Identify all teams affected by DAC8 and involve them early in the implementation process. Each team needs to understand what is changing, why, and how it affects their work.

Communication plan. Develop clear, consistent messaging about DAC8 requirements and the organization's compliance approach. Regular updates keep teams informed and engaged.

Process documentation. Document all new and changed processes clearly and make documentation easily accessible. Well-documented processes reduce confusion and support consistent execution.

Feedback mechanisms. Create channels for teams to report issues, ask questions, and suggest improvements. The first reporting cycle will inevitably reveal areas for improvement, and capturing feedback is essential for continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Change management is the often-overlooked dimension of DAC8 compliance. CASPs that invest in engaging, training, and supporting their people will achieve more sustainable compliance than those that focus exclusively on technology.