Importance

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Abstract

A computer based records management system comprises an information filter for assuring that record data units offered to the system for storage are complete and not redundant. These record data units may be electronic in nature, scanned from paper, digitally formed from audio, video or otherwise formed as digital data information media, an objective of the disclosed system being to eliminate paper or microform record keeping. If record data units comprising documents are incomplete or redundant, the data units may be queued for special handling, returned or otherwise disposed of. Record data units accepted for system entry are acknowledged and preferably tagged to enable tracking and forwarded for unit verification and certification. Verification and certification includes examination of units for compliance with preset criteria. Once a unit is found to meet the criteria, the unit is stored in permanent storage along with a disposal schedule determined for that unit. Only users meeting predetermined security levels may alter or dispose of a stored unit prior to scheduled disposal. Moreover, reasons for such alteration or destruction are required from the cleared user, and an associated data field must be completed. Consequently, the present system provides for record data unit tracking and audit trails in the event of any requirement for regulatory or legal compliance with discovery or other record unit requests. The present invention also permits reconstruction of the record units of an enterprise in the event of a catastrophic event.

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First Claim