What information should be archived?

Archiving information is an important practice for preserving data and records for future reference, compliance, historical context, and more.

The specific information that should be archived can vary widely depending on the organisation, industry, and legal requirements. However, here are some common types of information that are typically considered for archiving:

1. Legal and Regulatory Documents: This includes contracts, agreements, tax records, permits, licenses, and any other documents required to comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

2. Financial Records: Financial statements, invoices, receipts, payroll records, and any other financial documents should be archived for accounting, auditing, and tax purposes.

3. Employee Records: This includes personnel files, payroll records, performance evaluations, and any other documents related to the employment history of staff members.

4. Customer and Client Information: Customer records, transaction history, communications, and other data related to customers or clients should be archived to maintain customer relationships and for legal and customer service purposes.

5. Project Documentation: Documents related to past projects, including project plans, reports, meeting minutes, and communication records, should be archived for future reference and knowledge retention.

6. Emails and Correspondence: Important emails and correspondence, especially those related to legal matters, contracts, and significant business decisions, should be archived.

7. Intellectual Property: Records related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property should be archived to protect and enforce intellectual property rights.

8. Healthcare Records: In healthcare organizations, patient records, medical histories, and treatment documentation must be archived securely to comply with healthcare regulations.

9. Historical and Research Data: Any data or information that may have historical, research, or cultural significance should be archived to preserve knowledge and heritage.

10. Backup Data: Regular data backups should be archived to ensure data recovery in case of data loss or disaster.

11. Business Plans and Strategies: Archived business plans, strategic documents, and market research can provide insights into the evolution of a company's goals and objectives.

12. Internal Policies and Procedures: Archived policies and procedures help in documenting the evolution of an organization's internal rules and practices.

13. Meeting Records: Minutes of meetings, presentations, and agendas should be archived for reference and compliance purposes.

14. Technology Documentation: Documentation related to IT systems, software, and hardware configurations should be archived to aid in troubleshooting and system management.

15. Environmental and Safety Records: Organizations involved in activities with environmental or safety concerns should archive records related to compliance, incidents, and inspections.

When determining what information to archive, it's important to consider legal requirements, industry-specific regulations, and the organization's specific needs.

Additionally, proper archival practices should include data security measures to protect sensitive information and ensure that archived data remains accessible and usable over time.