retentieschema

Retentionsschema, sometimes spelled Retentionsschema or retention schema, is a formal framework used in records management and data governance to specify how long information assets should be retained, where they should be stored, and when they should be disposed of. It aligns data retention with legal, regulatory, operational, and business requirements and supports risk management and compliance.

A retention schema typically defines data categories (e.g., financial records, personnel files, customer communications), retention periods for each category, triggers for starting retention (such as creation date or last modification), and rules for deletion, anonymization, or archiving after the period ends. It may also specify authorities responsible for approvals, exceptions (legal holds), and methods for preserving evidence in investigations.

Implementation often involves metadata and lifecycle management in document management systems, enterprise content management, or databases, with automation to enforce retention rules, and periodic reviews to reflect regulatory changes.

Relationship to standards and regulation: several frameworks influence retention schema design, including ISO 15489 on records management and GDPR requirements for data handling. Benefits include regulatory compliance, reduced storage costs, improved data governance, and easier audit trails. Challenges include ensuring correct data classification, handling cross-border data, and maintaining schemas across systems.