Understanding Document Control
Understanding Document Control
1. Creation:
- Template Use: Standardized templates ensure uniformity and consistency in document creation.
- Versioning: Each document is assigned a version number to track changes and updates.
- Approval Workflow: Documents are reviewed and approved by authorized personnel before
distribution.
- Review Logs: Track who reviewed and approved the document and when.
3. Distribution:
- Tracking: The distribution process is tracked to ensure that all necessary parties receive the
document.
4. Storage:
- Central Repository: Documents are stored in a central location, often using document management
- Backup: Regular backups ensure that documents are not lost due to accidental deletion or system
failures.
5. Access Control:
- Permission Levels: Different levels of access are granted based on the role and responsibility of
the personnel.
- Audit Trails: Logs are maintained to track who accessed or modified the document.
6. Revision and Update:
- Version Control: Changes to a document result in a new version being created, with the old version
archived.
- Revision History: A history of all changes is maintained for transparency and auditing purposes.
- Retention Policies: Documents are retained for a specified period based on legal, regulatory, or
business requirements.
- Disposal Procedures: Documents that are no longer needed are disposed of securely to prevent
unauthorized access.
- Compliance:
- Efficiency:
Streamlines the document management process, reducing errors and improving workflow.
- Security:
- Accountability:
Software that provides a structured approach to managing documents, including version control,
access permissions, and audit trails.
Secure cloud-based platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive that support document
Often include document management modules that integrate document control with other business
processes.
Example in Practice
In a construction project, document control might involve managing blueprints, contracts, and
permits. The project manager ensures that the latest version of each document is accessible to the
team while older versions are archived. Any changes to a blueprint must go through a review and
approval process, and all changes are logged. After the project is completed, documents are stored
securely and retained according to regulatory requirements, with sensitive information disposed of