Files Management: Developing or improving a filing system

Develop a plan

Plan elements in logical order

1. Assign responsibility
2. Obtain support
3. Collect information: inventory records
4. Analyze records
5. Develop a filing system
6. Implement system
7. Train users
8. Monitor implementation, follow up and revise system

Assign responsibility

The first step in developing or improving a filing system is to gain the support of both the administration and the users of the system. Administrative support legitimizes the project and ensures the cooperation of all members of the office.

Every member of the office must understand the purpose and scope of the project. Everyone should be involved in the process. The creator of a record may provide important insight useful during the analysis of the records. Office members can help determine which features or aspects of the present system work well and should be retained. Office members can also help identify specific problems within the present system that must be changed. Most importantly, involving others in the process makes them more amenable to using the system once it is implemented.

The Records Inventory: Collect information 

Any changes to a filing system must begin with an inventory. An inventory is a detailed listing of all existing files in an office. Without information gained through an inventory, it would be impossible to develop or make changes to a filing system. The inventory is the foundation of a filing system.

Before beginning, it is very useful to create a map of each room to be inventoried. The map should identify individual filing cabinets, shelves, desks, computers, and other areas where information may be stored.  For future reference, the files listed on the inventory should correspond to file locations identified on the map.

Analyze records

Once records have been inventoried, they can be analyzed. Before a filing system can be designed, a thorough understanding of WHAT records are created, WHY they are created and HOW they are used is a necessity. An analysis begins with a careful consideration of the following questions:

• who creates the records
• who uses the records
• how are records requested
• how often are various types of records requested
• what is the volume of records created
• how long do records remain current
• how many people need access to the records
• how much equipment is available to store the records
• how much space is available for equipment/growth
• which records are confidential
• are there legal requirements for retaining the records
• which are the vital records

There are no set answers to these questions. Effective analysis requires that a common-sense approach be taken. The goal is to make a new system work, not just look good on paper. Analysis is the process of reviewing all information which has been collected, manipulating that information within the functional and operational requirements of the office, and then drawing conclusions.

The most efficient and economical filing system is one that works well for the office and is easily understood by its users. Very often the simplest method is best. Final factors to bear in mind when establishing a filing system: ready identification and retrieval of individual records and files; segregation and security of information requiring special protection.

Primary classification

Classification is a tool of analysis. It is a method of sorting information into like groups. Identifying primary classifications within each office and sorting files identified on the inventory into those primary classifications is the first step in the development of a filing system.

Primary classification describes the broadest and most fundamental distinctions to be made between the records of an office. All records are created as the result of functions and responsibilities which reflect purpose, mission, projects, activities, and programs.

Examples of primary file classifications that are found in most offices are:

• Administrative files -- document the internal administration and operation of an office
• Organizational files -- document the relationship of an office with other offices and departments within the University
• Program files -- document basic activities and programs
• Case files -- document a specific event, project, person, transaction

Just as each office is different, so may their primary file classifications differ. It is not unusual for administrative and organizational files to fall into the same primary classification. Some offices will have program files but not case files, while for others the reverse may be true. Primary file classifications should be based on the function of the office.  Remember, identifying primary classifications is only a tool.  It is not the final goal.

Two types of retention schedules are created by Records Management Services for the University of Washington. The UW General Schedule includes records which are common to most University offices. 

Departmental Retention Schedules are created, when necessary, for individual offices. They include only those records which are unique to that office.

Managing correspondence

Although correspondence may comprise only a small percentage of the total volume of records, it poses the most problems for many offices. Correspondence consists of unique documents which are often difficult to classify. Each office may have a different attitude toward how correspondence should be filed and different requirements for retrieving information from the file system.

Correspondence may consist of incoming and/or outgoing letters and memoranda. Classically, correspondence has been filed in chronological order.  Retrieval depended on remembering the date of receipt or of transmittal. For many people this is very difficult. Information is rarely retrieved on the basis of occurrence.

Information is most commonly retrieved on the basis of content or creator. It is, therefore, most logical to file correspondence either by subject (with related information); by creator; by department from which it is received; or by department to which it is directed. It must be kept in mind, that each office function is different, and it is necessary to tailor the management of correspondence files to respond to individual requirements. 

Some offices, as a cross-reference, find it useful to file a second copy of outgoing correspondence chronologically. When following this practice, it is important to remember that this second set of correspondence is a duplicate and can be destroyed at any time.

Correspondence may be filed in paper format or kept electronically. The goal is to standardize official format. Either all correspondence within a specific record series is printed, or all correspondence within that series is maintained electronically. Any duplication, whether paper or electronic, falls under "Material That May Be Disposed Of Without A Specific Retention Period."

Vital records

Vital records are recorded information, regardless of medium or format, that must be protected in case of disaster.  Major considerations in establishing a filing system are the identification and protection of vital records.

Once the analysis is complete, a filing system can be developed. A filing system should be developed on paper before it is physically implemented. Folders should be sorted, on paper, into the appropriate primary classification. Within each primary classification folders are sorted, on paper, into record series.

There are always some records that don't fit neatly into a record series.  In many cases they are really either "Material That May Be Disposed Of Without A Specific Retention Period" or unsolicited material.  Neither should be included in the filing system.  Materials without a specific retention period can be destroyed or should be managed separately.  Unsolicited material can be destroyed.

In the case of electronic records - word processing or email - the records can be saved to a directory which would be the electronic equivalent of sorting the files into primary classifications.  Within each directory files can be sorted into folders which would be the same as sorting paper files into record series.

Within each individual record series, files are arranged in an order best suited for rapid retrieval and disposition. A feature or characteristic of the record series is chosen as the basis for the arrangement. This feature is most easily identified by determining how various types of records are requested. Features may include subject, a name associated with the record, a number which identifies the record, a title. It is best to use an existing feature rather than creating something arbitrary. The most common arrangements are:

Alphabetic -- arranging records in alphabetical order is most helpful when records are retrieved by name or topic. However, it must be remembered that even the simplest alphabetic system requires establishing consistent and uniform filing standards. As the record series grows, the subjects must become more specific. Extensive cross-referencing usually becomes necessary. Alphabetic files can be arranged in two ways:

                              Dictionary order -- each subject is provided its own folder.

Encyclopedic order -- subjects are grouped into major headings. Individual folders are filed in alphabetical order behind each heading.

Chronological -- a chronological system is most useful for records that are created and monitored on a daily basis. Folders are arranged by sequential date order. It is, however, recommended that chronological filing be avoided. Retrieval can be slow and difficult as few people tend to remember dates accurately. The date of occurrence is rarely the basis for retrieval of information.

Geographical -- information is arranged alphabetically by geographical or place name.

Numerical -- records are arranged by document number. Numerical files are most easily managed through the following systems:

Serial number -- used for files which have a preprinted number. Works best for records that are assigned a number on creation, e.g., invoices and purchase requests.

Digit filing -- uses an applied number to identify folders, e.g., social security number, student number, patient number, budget number. Works best for record series containing large numbers of records.

Centralized filing places all records series in one central location in an office. It is most useful when the majority of individuals within an office require access to a majority of the files. The electronic equivalent to centralized filing would be a shared directory that is part of a LAN or WAN.

In a centralized file system:

• there is greater control over the files
• uniformity and consistency is easier to maintain
• all important information is located in a central location
• all information regarding a specific subject is located in a central location
• the need for duplicate files is eliminated
• storage of records requires less equipment and space

Decentralized filing systems

Decentralized filing physically locates record series in different places within an office. It is most useful when only one individual requires access to a specific record series. The electronic equivalent would be an individual’s access to their PC. In this case, it works only if the creator of the files is the only user of the files.

In a decentralized file system:

• there is less chance of folders being misfiled into the wrong record series
• limited access to a record series leads to greater security and confidentiality
• the record series is physically located closer to the user

It is possible for an office to have both a centralized and decentralized filing system. The majority of the record series may be filed centrally, while a specific record series is located near its primary user. A centralized system should not be imposed on records accessed by one individual, nor should individuals within an office have to routinely search several physical locations to find the record they need. Remember, filing systems should reflect the function and organization of an office.

There is no easy way to implement a new filing system. It is a very labor intensive task. If at all possible, it is recommended that the filing system be implemented in stages, by primary classification--one record series at a time.

Steps in the implementation process include:

1. sorting paper files into primary classification
2. sorting electronic files into directories
3. sorting paper files into record series
4. sorting electronic files into folders
5. arranging files within each record series
6. assigning a physical location within the filing system to each primary classification and its attendant record series
7. re-labeling folders or creating folders to reflect the new file system
8. if necessary, the purchase of new filing supplies/equipment

Train users

Filing systems will fail if all users do not follow uniform and consistent procedures. Training is necessary to ensure a thorough understanding of, and compliance with, new procedures. Training is best conducted through "live" sessions.

Training sessions should be conducted by the Records Authority/Coordinator or by the individuals responsible for developing the new filing system. Records Management Services staff are available to assist in preparing and/or presenting a training session.

Before presenting a training session:

• develop the system thoroughly
• work out flaws so that the system has credibility
• allow developers time to become familiar with the system

Training sessions should:

• offer user opportunity to ask questions
• present system goals
• explain new procedures
• assign staff duties and responsibilities
• stress commitment to constant system improvement

Monitor implementation, follow-up and revise system

After a test period meet with users to identify problems. Work with users to resolve inconsistencies and formulate implementable solutions.

Written filing policies and procedures are useful tools which help ensure the success of the new system. Written policies should include:

• a brief statement describing the chosen system and its arrangement
• detailed procedures for the creation, maintenance, and purging of files
• procedures for the retrieval and re-filing of paper folders
• staff duties and responsibilities    

Written policies help ensure that the new system will be understood by all and will succeed.