Ignorance is no excuse!

We are seeing many different reasons, from businesses of all sizes, to automate and gain control over information resources and processes. They range from executive level top down directives to bottom up customer and employees initiatives. The business drivers are also far ranging and while efficiency and cost reduction still prevalent, compliance and risk aversion are quickly moving into the the number one slot.

This is due the increase of digital information, more than 90% being originated electronically, and stronger solutions to capture and manage this information. Confirmation of this is found in the 2006 amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) on eDiscovery requiring that businesses of all size and type are held accountable for their information and the production of said information as evidential material in civil litigation. Lack of knowledge regarding information stores and the law are no longer considered appropriate responses to discovery and disclosure requests.

This presents a major challenge and dilemma as technology advances and use increase. Today we are challenged by the use and control of information created through email, instant messaging and on-line video conferencing. Tomorrow, and tomorrow is not as far away as we think, we face the challenge of managing wikis, blogs and information re-purposing through mash-ups, in ways that meet our governance practices for regulatory and legal compliance.

The future is certain in that change is inevitable and ignorance is no excuse. We have to gain and maintain control over our information resources regardless of how and when they are created in order to avert risk. As a result, we will see gains operating efficiencies and reduction in operating expenses, provided we approach this wisely. Attending the AIIM training courses on Enterprise Content Management (ECM), Electronic Records Management (ERM), Business Process Management (BPM), Information Organization and Access (Search/IOA), Email Management (EMM) and Enterprise 2.0 (E2.0) is a great way to start.

These, in combination with the additional resources available through via the AIIM website, webinars, publications and various events, provides you with the knowledge and skills you require to address and meet these challenges head on. You can prepare for the future today but you must be willing to take the first steps.

Bob Larrivee - AIIM