Many organizations struggle with answering the most fundamental information governance question – what data do I maintain? Information Governance professionals answer that question with data mapping. In simplest terms, data mapping is the creation of a database that sets forth the types of information that pass through an organization from creation through destruction; where that information resides and who has access to it. Data maps can also inform organizations about whether data they retain needs to be kept in a specific manner to comply with privacy or recordkeeping laws.

Data mapping is the first important step towards more robust information governance initiatives such as document retention schedules, data minimization strategies and creating a dataset to train an artificial intelligence system. Indeed, data mapping is the foundation of any information governance strategy. Even on their own, data maps are useful to organizations because they allow an organization to understand what information they retain and where it is located. This knowledge is critical as data grows exponentially, and more jurisdictions enact laws that regulate information.

If your organization is seeking support with data mapping or any other information governance initiative, our team has solutions to assist clients in their efforts to maximize the usefulness of information assets while minimizing the cost and risk associated with their use. @CoDiscovr, we deliver client-focused, defensible, and solutions that are tailored to each organization’s specific needs. Reach out to @Nicholas Berenato, Information Governance Principal, CODISCOVR. Nick is an attorney that collaborates with clients to address legal and financial exposure from their information assets through information governance. He develops strategies and policies to enable clients to effectively manage their data in a manner that minimizes costs and allow clients to leverage their data to support their business processes.