Notes:
Unlike paper, the only real issue as far as E-records are concerned is whether we have the will to manage them efficiently, effectively, and lawfully. If so, the technology exists and no one needs to do anything other than their own job; record-keeping can and should be fully automated.
The Capability Maturity Model specifies 5-levels through which organizations pass in order to reach maturity.
The ISO 9000 Standard specifies the elements of Quality Management Systems, the most important of which is the documentation (record-keeping) system.
Unlike paper records which require physical manipulation, E-records can be managed entirely by automated means -- provided that the necessary metadata is gathered in the routine course of the business process. In fact, in cyber terms, "management" and "metadata" are virtually synonymous.
The issue is not complex: Are we or are we not seeking mature organizations that are capable of high-quality management?
