Records Management / Electronic Content Management

A strong and compliant records management program is necessary to effectively conduct business and to comply with regulatory requirements. Records management is a key component of broader information governance. It enables organizations to make better informed, evidence-based decisions; to run an organization more effectively; and to provide for transparency to its stakeholders and regulators. Implementing a good Records Management / Electronic Content Management (RM/ECM) system can be risky and challenging. Our expert advisors are ready and able to help you implement strong RM/ECM policies and systems correctly the first time.

How We Can Help

If you are looking to improve your RM/ECM or implement a new system all together, our experienced consultants and project managers can help. With years of experience, we can help you do a thorough review your current records management program and identify any gaps, needs or opportunities that should be addressed. Our RM/ECM consultants and project managers also focus heavily on the “art” aspect of RM and ECM; helping you to address possible issues related to user uptake, employee resistance, and system disruption.

Specifically:

  • Determining which records you need to retain
  • Helping you to build a classification program
  • Creating an appropriate retention schedule
  • Helping to define and implement an IT based RM/ECM system
  • End user acceptance and training – Overcoming employee resistance

Key Considerations

Questions to Ask

  • Determining which records you need to retain
  • Helping you to build a classification program
  • Creating an appropriate retention schedule
  • Helping to define and implement an IT based RM/ECM system
  • End user acceptance and training
  • Overcoming employee resistance

Thoughts to Consider

  • The early development of an Executive Steering Committee comprised of senior management across all departments is crucial to the success and implementation of a compliant RM/ECM program.
  • A good and strong records retention policy and schedule is the basis of a good RM program. It is the platform for thorough protection of organizational assets and the best method to avoid risk and litigation
  • The increasing fines to organizations and governments for poor record keeping are a testament to the fact that compliant records management is no longer optional.
  • There are four critical components of RM: Management and Culture, People and Skills, Technology and Systems, Process and Practice. There is never a “one size fits all” specification.
  • RM initiatives that take on an enterprise approach require a significant investment of resources and costs. Although the benefits are high, the risk of failure can ultimately take years to recover from. It is better to do it right the first time.

The benefits to having strong RM/ECM systems and policies in place are numerous including:

  • The ability to meet legal and regulatory requirements faster and more cost effectively
  • Greater control of records management storage and destruction fees
  • An ability to retain important information for business continuity and disaster recovery
  • The ability to provide information across the organization in a timely and efficient manner
  • Increased corporate transparency for stakeholders and regulators
  • An ability to make stronger evidence-based decision making more quickly and easily.

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