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A redline standard highlights the differences between the new and previous versions of a document using the change-tracking feature. It allows users to quickly identify added, removed and modified content without manually comparing two separate documents.
The term "redline" comes from using red ink to mark changes on paper documents. In digital contexts, redlining involves using software tools to highlight additions, deletions and modifications in a document.
Why are standards updated?
Standards are essential for maintaining consistency, quality and compliance across various industries. However, standards are not static, they need to be revised periodically to keep up with advancements, technological changes, new regulations and industry best practices.
When a standard is updated, organisations need to understand how the new edition differs from the previous version. A redline standard makes this process easier by clearly showing what has changed, helping users assess the impact of revisions and adapt their processes accordingly.
How are changes tracked in a standard?
In digital contexts, redlining involves the use of software tools to mark changes in a document in an easy-to-understand way.
Visualising changes between versions
Redline standards use red strikethrough text to indicate content that has been removed from the previous version. This makes it immediately clear what is no longer applicable or has been replaced. New additions or modifications are shown in green, to distinguish them from deletions. This allows users to see what has been added to the standard quickly.
Using redline standards not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overlooking important changes. In our e-shop standards are marked with a symbol RL if there is a redline version of it.
Availability of redline versions
Not every revised standard has a redline version available. A redline document is provided when it is practical and useful to clearly compare changes between editions. In some cases, significant structural changes, extensive revisions or a large number of modifications may make a redline comparison difficult to produce or less useful for users.
When a redline version is available, it helps users understand the scope and impact of changes more efficiently. For example, EVS-EN ISO/IEC 27001:2023+A1:2024 redline standard shows the changes introduced in the updated edition, helping organisations understand new requirements and assess their impact on existing processes.
| In the 2023 revision, there are new and revised security objectives that are essential for maintaining an effective ISMS. The redline document marks where these new objectives have been added, allowing organisations to quickly identify and assess how these changes impact their existing security measures. Small but important changes in wording, such as replacing "may" |
Each EVS redline standard consists of two parts: the first part is the version with colour-coded changes showing additions, modifications and deletions, the second part is the complete updated version of the standard without markings.