What is a Record?

• Business records represent the "results" of business transactions that your organization processes.
• Not all documents are records. But all records are documents. It is sometimes difficult to determine which documents become records.
• Records come in all sizes, shapes, and types. They are no longer 81/2 x 11" only but include email and other electronic documents.

What is Records Management?

• Records Management ensures that an organization can find what they need when they need it in a cost-effective manner.
• Records must be maintained throughout a lifecycle that includes creation, use, maintenance and archival stages.
• The cost of records management includes the cost of creation and replication; the cost of storage throughout the life cycle, and the cost of access.
• Accessing records can be quite simple and inexpensive if the record is properly indexed.

Why Should I do It?

• Regulatory Compliance
  The government requires us to keep certain documents to prove activities.
• Litigation Avoidance
  Businesses must prove that it has acted in good faith in courts of law.
• Best Business Practice
  Auditors and CPA's recommend that you maintain good audit trails as proof of sound business operation.