Papers, papers, and some more papers- Even in an era of electronic operations, businesses have to rely on paperwork. Every invoice, correspondence, bill, filing is a record, there are state, local, and federal laws that require businesses to keep records for a certain amount of time. Some documents must be kept on-site, while others must be produced when required. Also, it is absolutely important to appreciate that everything cannot be stored, because that too have consequences. The last thing you would want to lose a few documents. Today, record retention is a must for businesses, and businesses need to use a data retention policy template to simplify the process. Here’s more on what you, as an entrepreneur or manager, need to know.
What records must be safeguarded?
Pretty much everything. From paper files to data on the cloud, letters, correspondence, electronic documents, everything must be protected. A record retention schedule is basically the process of setting an outline as how documents are handled. Setting a time period for specific documents to be retained to destroying documents after that period adhering to the norms, the schedule talks of everything and ensures that compliance needs are adhered to.
More on record retention schedule
How long a record is to be retained is dependent on the type and nature of the file, and that’s why the record retention schedule is even more important. There are retention managers available now that allow businesses to have complete control on the schedule. Such tools are designed with all the federal, state, and local regulations and always pertain to specific industries. So, if you are not sure of how to keep up with record retention requirements, using a tool may be helpful. Think of this as an investment for compliance. Eventually, if you have a lawsuit or dispute with supplier or customer, you know where to find the records and what’s available in the first place.
It would take time to implement and use a records retention policy¸ but it is a must in the long run. Check online now to find retention managers for better help.
