informationshåndtering

Informationshåndtering is the practice of managing information assets within an organization throughout their lifecycle. It encompasses the creation, collection, organization, storage, processing, sharing, archiving and eventual deletion of information to support decision making, compliance and operational efficiency. The goal is to ensure information is accurate, accessible to authorized users, protected from unauthorized access, and retained in accordance with legal, regulatory and business requirements.

The field integrates elements of records management, data governance, information security, privacy, and knowledge management. Core processes include classification and metadata management, information architecture, retention scheduling, access control, and disposal. Information governance defines roles and responsibilities, including information governance bodies, data stewards, records managers, and IT security professionals.

Standards and frameworks provide structure for practice. International standards such as ISO 15489 for records management and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security are commonly used, while data protection regulations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation influence privacy by design and data minimization. Organizations often employ document management systems, enterprise content management, databases and metadata repositories to support storage, retrieval and auditability.

Benefits of effective informationshåndtering include improved compliance and risk management, enhanced operational efficiency, better decision support, and preserved organizational knowledge. Challenges include rapidly growing data volumes, heterogeneity of systems, legacy architectures, privacy requirements, and the need to balance accessibility with security. Good informationshåndtering relies on clear policies, ongoing training, and periodic reviews to adapt to changing needs and regulations.