RECORDS MANAGEMENT – Why is it Important?
Now, more than ever, it’s critical for organizations to have an effective records management program in place. As the creation of infinite amounts of information continues to increase and regulatory laws evolve, the need for records management becomes only more imperative.
While many companies are familiar with the concept of records management, many are still not addressing the management of huge volumes of electronic documents. Leaders need to understand the importance of managing all types of files – including both physical and electronic – to stay compliant. Additionally, they need to understand how implementing a comprehensive Records Management program can help their organization reach long-term goals.
What is Records Management?
Records management is the process of supervising and administering information created, received, maintained, stored, and disposed of, regardless of format. Simply put, records management is the management of an organization’s information throughout its lifecycle. Companies must follow approved policies, records management procedures, and retention schedules when creating, maintaining, and sharing information.
Benefits of Records Management:
- Reduces Records Volume and Storage Costs
- Effective Retrieval of Records
- Enables Regulatory Compliance
- Enables Business Continuity
- Automates Workflow
Most companies don’t analyze the time employees spend on storing or searching for records. With a unified records management system, content is stored in a centralized repository. Records are classified and categorized, cutting down on retrieval times and accelerating your organization’s ability to conduct business.
DoD 5015.02-STD IS A BIG DEAL...
DoDI 5015.02 really is a big deal. It revolutionized the way we manage records. It transformed records management from the paper world to the digital world. It took records out of the basement and put them on every desktop. It elevated records management to the board room.
I would like to add a special note of appreciation for the efforts of Ms. Jana Gallatin and Ms. Susanne Peters who shared their experience and knowledge with me in the Records Management field.