The future of managing electronic records

Abstract

Purpose

To share personal opinions on the future of managing electronic records, which is complex and goes beyond the procurement of an EDRM system

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on experience, personal opinion and discussions with peers to challenge thinking about the role and value of EDRM systems.

Findings

Concludes that records managers need an understanding of current IT trends and business processes and must accept that EDRM systems are products of the moment, a moment that has already passed for many business processes. If the EDRM system is not yet in place, the future may well lie in systems that are more recent in business logic and more useful in business support.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the value of procuring an EDRMS as the main strategy for managing electronic records and examines how well this concept is understood by records managers. For records managers to have a role in the future management of electronic records they must not confuse managing electronic records with the procurement of document management systems.

Citation

Ryan, D. (2005), "The future of managing electronic records", Records Management Journal, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 128-130. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690510632300