Achieved and tangible benefits: lessons learned from a landmark EDRMS implementation

Abstract

Purpose

Entering the twenty‐first century, burgeoning information management needs in both the private and public sectors are pushing adoption of automated records management systems. Electronic Document and Records Management Systems (EDRMS) are evolving as the most likely solution. Despite this trend, relatively few published accounts of e‐records implementations exist that present achieved and measurable benefits. This paper seeks to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors highlight a set of workflow driven strategies that required considerable managerial and financial investment.

Findings

The case study shows just how crucial it is for any organisation to bring with it the people and the processes involved in the creation, management and maintenance of records and information, if a centralised approach is to work over the longer term.

Practical implications

The detailed nature of the investigation also serves to highlight a set of well‐documented IT strategies for records management. These strategies, carefully put in place before the project got under way, demonstrably underpin the implementation and its outcomes. Practitioners should find the opportunity to examine and select transferable practices from each stage of the implementation particularly valuable.

Originality/value

This review of a recent landmark EDRMS implementation in an Australian local government authority supplements the sparse literature currently available.

Citation

Wilkins, L., Swatman, P.M.C. and Holt, D. (2009), "Achieved and tangible benefits: lessons learned from a landmark EDRMS implementation", Records Management Journal, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 37-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690910937236