Electronic document and records management systems (EDRMS)

Overview

Introduction:

Electronic Document and Records Management Systems (EDRMS) are essential for organizations seeking to manage information efficiently, securely, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. These systems provide a structured framework for capturing, classifying, storing, retrieving, and disposing of documents and records throughout their lifecycle. This program delivers a comprehensive understanding of EDRMS, from governance and compliance to technology integration and performance enhancement, enabling organizations to optimize their information management processes.

Program Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core concepts, functions, and scope of EDRMS.

• Differentiate between documents and records, and apply appropriate management methods.

• Develop governance structures, policies, and retention schedules to ensure compliance.

• Apply international standards and best practices for EDRMS implementation.

• Integrate EDRMS with other enterprise systems to improve information accessibility.

Target Audience:

• Records Managers.

• Document Controllers.

• Information Governance Officers.

• IT and Systems Administrators.

• Compliance and Quality Assurance Managers.

• Department Heads responsible for information management.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

Fundamentals of EDRMS:

  • Definition, scope, and objectives of EDRMS.

  • Differences between documents and records in the organizational context.

  • Key features and components of an effective EDRMS.

  • Benefits of adopting EDRMS for operational efficiency.

  • Common challenges and barriers to implementation.

Unit 2:

Governance and Compliance:

  • Establishing EDRMS governance frameworks.

  • Developing policies and standard operating procedures.

  • Compliance with international standards (ISO 15489, ISO 16175).

  • Designing and implementing retention schedules.

  • Legal and regulatory considerations in records management.

Unit 3:

Metadata, Classification, and Taxonomies:

  • Role of metadata in document and records management.

  • Designing metadata frameworks for retrieval and compliance.

  • Creating and managing classification schemes (file plans).

  • Linking classification to retention schedules.

  • Applying taxonomies for efficient information organization.

Unit 4:

Technology, Security, and Integration:

  • Core technical components and architecture of EDRMS.

  • Security controls and user access management.

  • Integration with enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, etc.).

  • Workflow automation and process optimization.

  • Data backup, recovery, and disaster preparedness.

Unit 5:

Implementation and Change Management:

  • Planning phased EDRMS implementation.

  • Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.

  • Training programs to ensure user adoption.

  • Change management for cultural and operational shifts. 

  • Monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement measures.