THE CHALLENGE
A large North American food and industrial ingredients manufacturer faced growing pressure to improve its data governance posture.
With over 1,500 employees and operations spanning multiple facilities, the company initially attempted to implement a data governance program in-house. However, the effort focused heavily on technology alone—without addressing the people and process components critical to success.
Their DIY approach lacked the structure and clarity needed for long term sustainability, and progress stalled. The tipping point came when the company began planning a Microsoft Copilot rollout. Leadership had heard horror stories of sensitive data leaks caused by poor governance and realized that without strong data classification and access controls in place, they risked a similar fate.
With limited internal expertise and heightened concerns over accidental exposure, the company needed a trusted partner to guide them toward a more secure and compliant data environment.
THE SOLUTION
The client sought a solution that could address their data governance challenges and enhance their data security. After exploring various options, they chose RKON for their proven expertise and comprehensive approach.
Rather than layering multiple disconnected solutions, RKON simplified and streamlined their technology stack, centering the entire governance strategy around Microsoft Purview. From there, RKON implemented a structured, role-based data classification model, defined access policies, and built security controls tailored to the company’s business needs and regulatory landscape
“An RKON account representative shared the client’s feedback: “(The client) said that he’s so happy that he chose RKON for this project. You’ve been unbelievable, super knowledgeable & professional and the project went great.”
THE RESULTS
With RKON’s guidance and Microsoft Purview fully integrated, the company gained:
- Greater visibility and control over sensitive data across Microsoft 365
- A governance framework that supports secure Microsoft Copilot adoption
- Improved ability to meet compliance requirements
- Reduced risk of accidental data leakage
- Confidence in the security of intellectual property and critical business data
CONCLUSION
With the right partnership, a significant challenge became a strategic win. RKON helped the company move beyond a technology-only mindset to implement a complete, people-process technology framework. With Microsoft Purview as the foundation and RKON’s advisory support, the organization is now positioned to use tools like Microsoft Copilot securely—without compromising control or compliance.
ABOUT RKON
Operating as a security-first IT advisory and cybersecurity firm since 1998, RKON partners with private equity and enterprise organizations to deliver end to-end solutions—from strategy to execution to managed services. Our expertise lies in anticipating challenges, mitigating risks, and architecting custom IT solutions that enable businesses to innovate with confidence, adapt quickly, and operate seamlessly.
To do this, RKON provides IT solutions in three stages: first, building an advisory practice that sends the strategy in the right direction; second, an execution practice that ensures the vision is turned into reality; and third, a management practice that keeps the vision on track as IT evolves to serve the business best.
Where others see challenge, we see opportunity.
