Data Subject Request (DSR) automation

As global privacy regulations evolve, organizations are seeing a sharp increase in the volume and complexity of Data Subject Requests (DSRs), along with heightened expectations for speed, accuracy, and transparency. Many still rely on manual, fragmented processes that place strain on internal teams and increase compliance risk.

KPMG offers a practical automation framework that transforms the DSR lifecycle into a scalable, integrated, and auditable process. Platforms like OneTrust are leveraged as powerful enablers within a tailored operating model, configured and orchestrated by KPMG to align with each client’s specific needs.

This paper outlines this modular approach that streamlines intake, enriches context, automates data retrieval, and delivers regulator-ready responses, all while supporting the client’s unique governance and operational environment.

Despite increasing investment in privacy infrastructure, many organizations continue to face fundamental challenges in managing Data Subject Requests. These issues rarely stem from a single weakness but rather reflect broader misalignment across systems, processes, and teams.

Data is often fragmented across cloud services, legacy systems, and third-party providers, making retrieval complex and time-consuming. Without standardization, responses may be unclear or incomplete, leading to inconsistent outcomes.

Manual workflows remain prevalent, with teams relying on spreadsheets, inboxes, and informal coordination. While manageable at low volumes, these approaches quickly break down as demand grows, draining resources and increasing the risk of errors.

Visibility is often limited. Without centralized tracking or reporting, organizations struggle to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, or demonstrate readiness for regulatory scrutiny.

Equally important, the data subject experience is frequently overlooked. Delays, poor communication, and lack of clarity can undermine trust and elevate reputational risk.

KPMG applies a structured, end-to-end approach to DSR automation, grounded in flexibility, privacy-by-design principles, and seamless integration with the client’s existing environment. While each solution is tailored to specific needs, a typical DSR journey includes four interconnected phases:

1. The intake phase focuses on designing secure and user-friendly channels for request submission. These channels often incorporate features such as identity verification and intelligent routing to ensure requests are validated and directed efficiently.
   
   
2. In the enrichment phase, incoming requests are enhanced with internal context such as account identifiers to improve the accuracy and relevance of downstream processing.
   
   
3. Data retrieval and response assembly involve automated extraction of personal data from internal systems and trusted third parties. This information is then compiled into structured, compliant responses that meet regulatory standards and reflect the organization’s tone, language, and localization requirements.
   
   
4. The final phase covers fulfillment, monitoring, and reporting. Secure delivery mechanisms, audit-ready logs, and configurable dashboards help ensure transparency, traceability, and ongoing control over DSR activity.

Throughout this process, OneTrust acts as a layer to other systems or databases, orchestrating the whole process. Components can integrate efficiently and securely, without limiting the flexibility needed to align with each client’s data landscape and governance model.

KPMG’s DSR automation approach is built to deliver both immediate impact and sustainable long-term value. By tailoring each solution to the client’s specific systems, regulatory landscape, and privacy governance model, we ensure that automation enhances existing operations.

This model reduces dependence on manual processes and frees legal, privacy, and IT teams to focus on higher-value priorities. Automated coordination and integrated reporting drive efficiency, improve transparency, and strengthen accountability across the entire DSR lifecycle. This has a serious impact. For example, a multinational manufacturing company reduced DSR response times by more than 70% after implementing KMPG’s automated framework.

What sets KPMG apart is our ability to go beyond tool implementation. We combine privacy, legal, and technology expertise to design and operationalize scalable, compliant DSR processes that support your broader privacy strategy. Whether managing global complexity or modernizing legacy workflows, we deliver solutions that are practical, resilient, and aligned to your business goals.

From initial assessment to full-scale execution, our focus remains on enabling trusted, future-ready privacy operations.