Information governance services
Business Classification Schemes
Improve the consistency of information and records
Help users find the right information faster
Support collaboration and information sharing
Consultation with key business stakeholders
Analysis of organisational functions and activities
Clear and consistent classification terminology
A practical structure designed for ongoing use
Manage information with greater consistency and control
Find information faster
Reduce end user non-compliance through automated information capture and records management.
Simplify filing decisions
Clear classification terms make it easier for users to select the right location when creating or capturing information.
Improve information sharing
A common organisational language enables teams to classify and understand information consistently, supporting better collaboration and reuse.
Support retention and disposal
Classification can connect information with appropriate retention and disposal requirements, helping prevent records from being destroyed too early or retained for longer than necessary.
Strengthen access decisions
Business context helps inform access and security controls, enabling sensitive information to be managed according to its purpose and requirements.
Adapt to organisational change
Classifying information by business function rather than organisational structure helps maintain consistency when teams, roles and responsibilities change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Business Classification Scheme?
A Business Classification Scheme, or BCS, is a hierarchical structure used to organise information according to an organisation's business functions and activities. It provides consistent terms for classifying, filing, finding and managing information and records.
What is the purpose of a Business Classification Scheme?
The purpose of a Business Classification Scheme is to create a consistent, business-based approach to organising information. It helps users find information, supports sharing across teams and provides context for retention, disposal, access and security decisions.
What are the levels of a Business Classification Scheme?
A Business Classification Scheme usually begins with broad business functions followed by the activities performed within each function. Depending on the organisation's needs, it may also include transactions or topics at lower levels.
What is the difference between a function and an activity?
A function is a broad area of responsibility managed by an organisation to achieve its objectives. An activity is a major task or process performed as part of that function.
How does a Business Classification Scheme improve information retrieval?
A Business Classification Scheme uses consistent terminology and groups information according to its business context. This gives users a predictable structure for filing and searching, making relevant information easier to locate.
How does a Business Classification Scheme support records management compliance?
A Business Classification Scheme provides business context that can be linked to retention and disposal requirements, access controls and other recordkeeping rules. This helps organisations manage records consistently throughout their lifecycle.
Can FYB review an existing Business Classification Scheme?
Yes. FYB can review an existing scheme to identify outdated, duplicated or unclear terms and determine whether it still reflects the organisation's current functions, activities and information management requirements.
How does FYB develop a Business Classification Scheme?
FYB consults with stakeholders, reviews relevant organisational documentation and analyses business functions and activities. We then develop a clear hierarchical structure and validate it with the organisation to ensure it is accurate, practical and easy to use.
Who should be involved in developing a Business Classification Scheme?
Development should involve records and information management specialists as well as representatives from relevant business areas. Their operational knowledge helps ensure the scheme reflects how the organisation works and the information it creates and manages.
Can a Business Classification Scheme be used in OpenText Content Manager?
Yes. A Business Classification Scheme can provide the foundation for consistently classifying and managing information within OpenText Content Manager. FYB's combined records management and Content Manager expertise helps ensure the scheme is both technically suitable and practical for users.
