A recent article by Johannes Scholtes an expert over at AIIM, highlights the factors that dictate proper records management, and that really got us thinking over here at Red Earth Software. How many IT directors are truly considering all the elements and issues that go into proper records management?

Scholtes’ article illustrates issues related to minimizing legal risks and compliance. Legal obligations are major factors. Understanding eDiscovery obligations and regulations are critical for anyone deciding how records management will be handled. Additionally, continuing education and professional development is essential to keep any team responsible for records management abreast of any changes to compliance issues, laws or regulations.

While it is very important to archive and manage records with the possibility of litigation in mind, as Scholtes points out, there needs to be a level of flexibility built into your management system and policy to make room for technological advances and changes in policy.

Scholtes talks about finding “the right mix” of components for your policy and management system. He notes that it is just as important to focus on your storage components, as it is to spotlight the process of your records management.

For us, the takeaway here is that, each company, no matter what size or industry, needs to consider not only how they store records, but why. In the end, our recommendation is that companies utilize the resources available from experts like Scholtes and AIIM to reach their records management goals.