Information management frameworks
Identifying information is a fundamental component of information management (IM), and information is identified by categorization. Describing information, by its nature insubstantial, is difficult. The approach that Bramble.cc takes is not one of cataloguing information, which would be time-consuming (costly), inefficient (out of date by the time it was complete) and ineffective (lacking in understanding or the ability to impart understanding). We follow a classic approach, in developing information flows.
The structures we create through categorization need to be consistent, clear and complementary – if they are to be implemented successfully in electronic systems. Bramble.cc therefore calls these structures an information architecture: the parts work together to provide a complete information management environment, which is the basis of the design and configuration of an IM application.
The actions that users of such applications need to perform on information dictate the composition of these structures. For example, if it is intended that information should be automatically passed from a repository to an extranet web site, the information will need to be tagged with its status (to clear it for publication) and the dates when it should be published and withdrawn. We therefore ensure – through the information mapping process – that we understand how the information is to be used and agree this with the staff concerned.
Together, agreed ways of working and information architecture to support them form a consistent framework of standards for IM. The process of developing the framework is the opportunity that many organizations need to develop governance of IM. This not only aligns ways of working with business needs and expectations, but also ensures that the categorizations configured in IM systems are used appropriately.
