Align is an ERO Enterprise common platform developed to support compliance monitoring and enforcement (CMEP) activities and business processes. The tool provides a standardized and consistent interface for Registered Entities conducting CMEP activities. The Align rollout consists of three releases with full implementation by the end of 2021.

All Registered Entities seeking to access Align must register for an ERO Portal account and complete the steps for Multi-Factor Authentication that automatically appear when attempting to log into the ERO Portal for the first time.

Align Rollout

Align has been broken down into four Releases with staged rollouts for releases of each phase.  Each release will introduce new functionality to the platform.   As new releases are rolled out, outreach and training opportunities will be available for entities from both NERC and ReliabilityFirst.

Release 1 Functionality (went live on May 24, 2021)

• Create and submit Self-Reports and Self-Logs
• Create and manage mitigating activities and Mitigation Plans
• Generate a report of Standards and Requirements applicable to your entity
• Receive notifications and view dashboards on new/open action items
• Manage user access for your specific entity
• Receive and respond to Requests for Information
• View and track Open Enforcement Actions

Release 2 Functionality (went live on October 1, 2021)

• Technical Feasibility Exceptions (TFEs)
• Periodic Data Submittals
• Self-Certifications
• Additional enhancements identified from Align Release 1 as needed
• Expand use of SELs to include evidence submitted for these activities

Release 3 Functionality (Pilot began in March 2022)

• Compliance Audit
• Spot Check
• Compliance Investigations
• Scheduling
• Scoping

Release 4.0 Functionality (went live on June 22,2022)

• ​Scheduling and Audit Enhancements
  
  

Release 4.5 Functionality (TBD - 2022)

• Inherent Risk Assessment
• Compliance Oversight Plan

Expand use of SELs to include evidence submitted for these activities

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Secure Evidence Locker

The ERO Secure Evidence Locker (SEL) is a highly secure, isolated, encrypted environment that is subject to file destruction policies and serves as a temporary repository to upload evidence. Organizations may use the ERO provided SEL environment or develop their own. If your organization is planning to build an SEL, please inform your Change Agent.

Registered Entity SEL Resources

• Webinar on registered entity self-built SEL
• Presentation on registered entity self-built SEL
• 1-Align Registered Entity SEL Functional Requirements

Additional Align Resources​

• Registered Entity Align and ERO SEL Training Materials
• Registered Entity User Guide
• Registered Entity Start Stop Continue Guide
• Registered Entity User Access Guide
• Registered Entity Support Process
• ALL Align R1 Business Process Harmonization Summary
• ALL Process Flows and Reference Guides
• ALL ERO Portal Videos
• ALL MFA User Guide
• Align Governance Model 2020
• Data Handling

In addition to the RF Align page, the NERC Align Project page and FAQ document also contain helpful information. Self-service training resources provided for Registered Entity staff, including training videos and user guides (including new Data Handling in Align and the SEL), are available on the NERC Training Site.