Why work with Day?

Your records are a unique and powerful resource, when properly managed.

Records are recorded information, in any media or format, providing reliable evidence of human activity. Archives are those records selected for permanent preservation because they provide key evidence of an entity’s history. Records and archives are inextricably linked, especially so in a world of increasingly ‘born-digital’ records, where decisions about a record’s future retention, disposal or preservation are often made at the time of creation, usually in the form of metadata. So, while the functions of records and archives may differ, they must be treated as a holistic discipline.

Records are more than just data or information

In our increasingly digital and data-driven world, the emphasis often falls on an organisation’s data and information, while records can be overlooked or undervalued. As a result, records management is often conflated with data analysis or information management, or else dismissed as unnecessary altogether.

Infographic explaining the differences between data, information and records

Data analysis is centered on uncovering insights and meaning from data to create usable information, and information management is about enhancing the value and effective use of information to support decision-making, streamline business operations and help achieve organizational objectives. Records management, however, is concerned with the structured control and oversight of records throughout their entire lifecycle. Although records can serve as a valuable resource for data analysis and information management, this is not the primary purpose or focus of records management.

Records Management

Records Management is the structured control of records from creation to final disposition, whether through secure archiving or lawful disposal. In a business setting, records often contain essential legal, financial, administrative or historical information—such as contracts, invoices, meeting minutes or compliance documents.

Effective records management supports the development of policies and procedures for organizing, accessing, securing and ultimately archiving or discarding records in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

Key benefits:

Efficiency & Productivity – Organized records mean quicker access, faster workflows, and less duplication.
Compliance & Risk Management – Meet legal and regulatory standards like GDPR and FOI with confidence.
Cost Savings – Reduce storage needs and minimize errors.
Security – Protect sensitive information and manage secure disposal.
Business Continuity – Maintain access and recover quickly from disruptions.
Insight & Strategy – Use historical data for better decision-making.
Knowledge Preservation – Retain institutional memory through effective systems.

Archives Management

An archival document in an acid free folder on a desk in an archive reading room

Archives Management focuses on the long-term preservation, organization and accessibility of records that hold enduring historical, legal or informational value. Unlike records management, which covers the entire lifecycle of records, archives management begins once records are no longer actively used but are retained for their long-term significance. In a business or institutional context, archives may include key corporate documents, foundational records, policy histories or materials of cultural or evidentiary importance.

Effective archives management ensures these records are properly appraised, preserved and made accessible for future reference, research or accountability—while also protecting them from deterioration, loss, or unauthorized access.