The ability to automatically categorize records is very powerful, but autocategorization is not well understood and needs to be executed properly if it is to succeed. Autocategorization “attempts to assign electronic records to either predefined file structures or to self-defined categories through computer-based processes” (Lubbes 2003, 60).

The relationship between the archives and records management professions is symbiotic in many ways. Both are called upon to identify which records they will manage, and they also need to be careful about maintaining the physical and intellectual integrity of the documents in their care.

Records management is the systematic control of records throughout their life cycle to ensure efficiency and economy in their creation, use, handling, maintenance, and destruction. The records management life cycle is the distinct phases of a record’s existence, from creation to disposition. Archives and records management programs are often linked in an organization.

A records management program cannot succeed without the involvement of the organization’s decision-makers. Key stakeholders frame the record-management policy. There are two primary goals in involving decision-makers. First, since they will have a broad view of the organization, they encourage the message that no personal ownership of information exists. Second, their involvement establishes the necessary authority to conduct a record management program. Determine who on staff will be the stakeholders and the executive sponsor of this project.