Dokumentflyter

Dokumentflyter (document flows) describe how documents move through an organization's processes from creation to archival. They encompass the rules, roles, and systems that determine who can create, edit, approve, share, and store documents, and how records are retained for compliance. Dokumentflyter are used in both physical paper and digital contexts, but are primarily associated with digital document management.

Key components include workflows and routing rules that automatically advance documents between steps; metadata and version control to track changes; access control and audit trails to enforce security and accountability; and retention schedules to govern how long documents are kept and when they are disposed of.

Common lifecycle stages are capture and creation; review and approval; publishing or distribution; revision and versioning; archival and disposal. In automated systems, transitions may trigger notifications, task assignments, escalation, and retention-compliance checks.

Implementation considerations include mapping current processes; defining roles and responsibilities; selecting a repository or enterprise content management system; configuring workflow engines and integrations with other systems such as ERP or CRM; ensuring regulatory compliance, data privacy, and formal records management; and planning change management and user training.

Benefits include increased efficiency, improved traceability and compliance, better information governance, and faster retrieval. Challenges can include the complexity of workflows, up-front design and governance, user adoption, and ongoing maintenance of metadata, rules, and retention schedules.