Help with managing your business records

Citation

(2003), "Help with managing your business records", Work Study, Vol. 52 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ws.2003.07952fad.002

Help with managing your business records

Fellowes has published a new records management handbook. An Introduction to Records Management has been developed in association with the Records Management Society (RMS) and includes practical tips on document management and safeguarding vital records in the form of an easy-to-use reference guide. The handbook is designed to demonstrate the key benefits of effective filing, including easy and reliable document retrieval, fewer mis-filed and duplicated papers, and appropriate disposal.

Meanwhile, Northumbria University has conducted a research project into records management trends in conjunction with Fellowes. The survey looked at the importance placed on efficient filing and document storage in today's busy office environment. It focused on three core areas:

1. 1.

   the nature of records management practice and its role in different sectors;

2. 2.

   the perception of archival products in terms of usage and benefits; and

3. 3.

   brand recognition and preferences.

Structured in two stages, the survey established which type of industry uses records management, how organisations in different sectors store documents and the preferred buying methods and product choices. It also examined who internally is responsible for records management. Findings include:

• •

  For 71 per cent of respondents, archivists or records managers are responsible for archiving and maintaining records. In other organisations, records keeping is an administrative function.

• •

  While the strongest trend is for paper, which remains the most popular format for records storage, companies are slowly adopting new technologies and turning to electronic formats of document storage.

• •

  In terms of product purchase, corrugated storage boxes are the most popular archival method, followed closely by transfer files and metal storage drawers.