What Is Information Lifecycle Management?

The information that your institution creates and uses can either represent an asset or a liability. Into which of these camps it falls is largely dependent on how it is managed. Put simply, the concept of information lifecycle management is about making sure you ask yourself the right questions at the right time regarding the management requirements of internally produced information. It does this by breaking down the 'lifecycle' that all information moves through into four distinct phases and identifying what are the most pertinent issues that influence how information should be managed during each phase.

Consideration of these issues at the outset helps ensure the effective management of your internal information throughout its entire lifecycle: from cradle to grave.

Taking A Holistic Approach To The Management Of Information

Unfortunately there is not a 'one size fits all' specification for what is required to ensure good information management. A host of factors, both from within the institution (operational) and from outside it (regulatory, legal) will need to be considered. Moreover, these influences will vary over time and are dependent upon the type of information being created, its purpose, content and usage. What is therefore required is a consistent framework within which the management of information can be considered. This framework needs to be flexible enough to accommodate the variety and range of information now being created and ultimately to ensure that the right decisions regarding its management are being considered and made at the right time throughout its 'lifecycle'. This kit outlines the basic lifecycle framework, underpinning the related Records Management and Email Management strands in providing a practical approach to Information Management.