Crossing the IT hurdle: a practical approach to implementing records management technology

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of implementing a records management system in an ever changing business, regulatory and operational landscape and to suggest remediation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the author's experiences of implementing large scale enterprise‐wide content and records management systems. Practical advice is provided on key measures to be undertaken to mitigate the challenges of implementing records management systems.

Findings

The key findings highlight that records managers must have a deep understanding of the business/regulatory environment, technology landscape and the organizational culture. The challenge of managing records in multiple applications, different platforms and varying formats coupled with constantly changing business, regulatory and technology environments is not easy. By properly planning the design and development of the technology system, one can look forward to a well received used records management programme.

Practical implications

The paper describes the challenges facing records managers in implementing a technology solution and highlights key areas that records managers need to focus on during the implementation lifecycle and describe key lessons learnt.

Originality/value

The paper is beneficial to information and compliance managers who are looking to automate the task of records and information management by providing key considerations prior to and during the implementation of large scale enterprise wide technology systems. It provides valuable insight and key points that must be discussed by any implementation team prior to embarking upon a major records management systems initiative.

Citation

Vednere, G. (2009), "Crossing the IT hurdle: a practical approach to implementing records management technology", Records Management Journal, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 98-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690910972057