As someone who's been in the information management field for over 25 years, I've witnessed significant shifts in how organizations handle their information. One of the most notable changes I'm seeing is how records management is evolving and finding new homes within organizations.
The Changing Landscape of Records Management
Records management used to live primarily under facilities operations - that's actually where I started my career over two decades ago. Over time, I watched it shift to law departments and compliance teams. Now, I'm seeing a fascinating convergence where records management is being incorporated into data governance and IT risk management.
Why This Convergence Matters
This shift isn't just about changing reporting structures - it's about creating a stronger foundation for information management. When we align these disciplines together, we can develop more comprehensive strategies, policies, and procedures that address everything from privacy and data security to cyber security and compliance.
The Value of Integration
Having recently worked with a group where records management functions fell under an IT risk management umbrella, I've seen firsthand how this integration can work. When you really look at it, it's all data governance. Whether we're talking about disposition, data remediation, or lifecycle management, these disciplines are using different terms to describe similar concepts.
Looking Ahead
This convergence tells a compelling story if companies will do it right. The key is listening to all disciplines and seeing how they can be morphed under an umbrella that works cohesively. It's not about one discipline taking over another - it's about creating a unified approach to managing information throughout its lifecycle.
The future of records management isn't in isolation - it's in integration.
This blog post is based on an original AIIM OnAir podcast. When recording podcasts, AIIM uses AI-enabled transcription in Zoom. We then use that transcription as part of a prompt with Claude Pro, Anthropic’s AI assistant. AIIM staff (aka humans) then edit the output from Claude for accuracy, completeness, and tone. In this way, we use AI to increase the accessibility of our podcast and extend the value of great content.
