So you might look at this and think Bob as lost his mind. Electronic Records Management (ERM) dealing with records management and Total Quality Management (TQM) focusing on process have nothing in common. I say to think again. When you look at something holistically, you will see things in a different light. Many look at ERM as only managing records and nothing more.
Records and files are submitted to be retained under control and for specified lengths of time to meet organizational and regulatory guidelines. When the records lifecycle ends, the records are destroyed. Yet every phase of records management has a process associated with it. There is a process to declare and submit a record. There is a process to request access to a record. There is a process to review the record’s retention requirements and even to destroy the record. I know I am simplifying this but the point is that where there is process there is room for improvement.
Leveraging the concepts of TQM and applying them to ERM is simply taking a look at how we do things, establishing metrics and Key performance indicators that are measurable and adjusting our processes for greater efficiency. The question is not one of can it be done but will we do it? Will we take time to map the processes associated with ERM identify potential improvements, implement those improvements and measure what we have done to ensure we have accomplished our goals?
In my view, it makes sense that if we are seeking to make our organization more effective and efficient at what we do in providing products and services, we should also look to improve the ways in which we manage our information and the processes associated with it. Increased efficiency in our ERM processes to capture, declare, manage and access records throughout their lifecycle regardless of format, will reap business benefits that could include lowered operating costs, profitability and increased customer satisfaction.
What say you? How are you managing your electronic records? Do you have a story to tell? I want to hear from you and learn what you and your organization are doing.
Looking to increase your level of knowledge? Join us for the ECM Certificate course in:
- Toronto 10/27/09 - 10/30/09
- San Francisco 11/10/09 - 11/13/09
- Houston 11/17/09 - 11/20/09
- San Diego 12/01/09 - 12/04/09
- Philadelphia 12/08/09 – 12/11/09
Join us for the ERM Certificate course in:
- San Diego 11/10/09 - 11/13/09
- Silver Spring 12/01/09 - 12/04/09
- Tampa 12/15/09 – 12/18/09
We look forward to seeing you there.
Are you going to DocuBusiness ‘09 in Milan Italy? If so, be sure to attend a great session by Doug Miles, Research Director for AIIM. Doug is also conducting a new survey on BPM and you can participate by simply going to www.aiimhost.com/survey and answer the series of questions presented.
Bob Larrivee – AIIM
Follow me on twitter – BobLarrivee and remember to visit www.aiim.org/training and www.informationzen.org, AIIM’s free social network created just for you.
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